Glad They Nailed These Poachers And Made Them Pay...

Dave H

Well-Known Member
Pretty satisfying result. I wonder the reason behind seizing the engines, but returning the boat? Could it have been part of a monetary fine? In any case, I bet the poachers got the message from that one.
 
That news story has three references to the large fines, but no dollar amounts are mentioned. I've emailed the reporter on this, but in the meantime, does anyone here have that info?
 
Pretty satisfying result. I wonder the reason behind seizing the engines, but returning the boat? Could it have been part of a monetary fine? In any case, I bet the poachers got the message from that one.
Those Cutwaters are terrible boats, no one wants them so better to give this garbage back.
 
That news story has three references to the large fines, but no dollar amounts are mentioned. I've emailed the reporter on this, but in the meantime, does anyone here have that info?
Court records show that the owner of the boat, the head-honcho in this gig, got a $15,000 fine, along with a 10 year fishing license prohibition, and his 2 fishing buddies each got a $5,000 fine with a 1 year prohibition. Plus they lost all their fishing gear, everything fishing related, downriggers, prawn trap pullers, rods, reels, tackle boxes etc etc. Also lost 1 of their new 300 HP Yamaha motors along with a 25HP Yamaha kicker. It’s possible and likely that it could be that the boat was co-owned with someone else who wasn’t there and wasn’t charged. If the boat was forfeited, he could have applied to get it back and may well have been successful in doing so. This way, the guy’s who were charged and convicted lose a lot of stuff along with the hefty fines. So let’s add this up... $15,000 fine plus 2 x $5,000 fines is $25,000. What’s a new 300 Yammie worth, probably $30,000 or so, so that takes it up to $55,000. Throw in a new 25 HP high thrust for another $7,000 or so and you’re up well over $60,000. Then add a whole bunch of fishing tackle to the tune of another many thousands, plus a 1 1/2 years worth of storage fees etc, and you’re probably well on the North side of $75,000 all told by the time the dust settles on this one. That, plus you know that their lawyer(s) didn’t work for free. So, by the time that all their fines/bills are added up, these guys are probably on the hook for best part of maybe $90,000 or so. A pretty expensive getaway for a few days of fishing. Whether you have lots of money or not to begin with, that’s still a lot of money to spend for being stupid and greedy.
It sounds like a witness may have seen these guys shenanigans and reported it to the local Police. Once the Police figured out that they were in over their head, they probably get ahold of DFO who obviously dove in like a Pitbull on a Poodle. The rest, as they say, is history.. A real “shout out” to everyone involved at all levels is very appropriate in this high profile case. It is clearly one of the highest penalties ever assessed in BC for abusing our precious Natural Resources. My thanks, our thanks, to everyone involved in this case at all levels. Good work!!
 
That's the ones. Those boys need to read this.

Its people like you that dont respect the ocean gifts, that make it hard for everyone else to continue to sportfish as rules get tighter and tighter, due to people who lack respect for everyone else. Such as yourselves


A big **** you goes out from my end of things
 
Just noted this story which has reached a conclusion finally.



Love it.



Take care.
I will be writing the federal fisheries minister to name the poachers publicly. I cannot understand why these people should have the privelege of anonymity. I think it is important to show the government that the fishing community supports strong enforcement of the regulations and that the public naming of poachers is an important tool in deterring offenders. Letter is below if anyone wants to cut and paste or amend.

Honorable Minister Jordan.

Recently in a high profile case of poaching, a judge in Campbell River issued substantial fines to people violating the fisheries act.
I am writing to encourage the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to publicly name the offenders. Transparency is an important part of deterrence. When offenders can break the law under the cloak of anonymity it does not serve the public interest. The fishing community is generally law abiding and overwhelmingly complies with regulations. The government should not allow the few that do offend to escape the publicity they rightly deserve.

I applaud the Ministers efforts on enforcement and encourage the department to continue to take strong measures against poaching in the future. I hope you consider my request.
 
I will be writing the federal fisheries minister to name the poachers publicly. I cannot understand why these people should have the privelege of anonymity. I think it is important to show the government that the fishing community supports strong enforcement of the regulations and that the public naming of poachers is an important tool in deterring offenders. Letter is below if anyone wants to cut and paste or amend.

Honorable Minister Jordan.

Recently in a high profile case of poaching, a judge in Campbell River issued substantial fines to people violating the fisheries act.
I am writing to encourage the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to publicly name the offenders. Transparency is an important part of deterrence. When offenders can break the law under the cloak of anonymity it does not serve the public interest. The fishing community is generally law abiding and overwhelmingly complies with regulations. The government should not allow the few that do offend to escape the publicity they rightly deserve.

I applaud the Ministers efforts on enforcement and encourage the department to continue to take strong measures against poaching in the future. I hope you consider my request.

News release​

April 12, 2021
Campbell River, B.C. - On February 24, 2021, Washington State residents Bradley Wogalmott, Geoffrey Hoover, and Jonathan Magee, plead guilty in Campbell River Provincial Court to numerous violations of Canada’s Fisheries Act. The Honourable Judge Crockett ordered significant penalties for the three men.
  • Mr. Wogalmott was fined $15,000 and prohibited from fishing or holding a fishing licence anywhere in Canada for 10 years. He was also ordered to forfeit all fishing equipment seized on the vessel being used, valued at over $6,000, and two outboard engines (300hp and 25hp Yamaha), valued at approximately $32,500. He was also ordered to pay the storage and transport fees for the seized vessel, with an estimated cost of approximately $10,000.
  • Mr. Hoover was fined $5,000, received a 2-year prohibition against fishing or holding a fishing licence anywhere in Canada, and forfeited all of his fishing equipment that was seized as evidence.
  • Mr. Magee was also fined $5,000, received a 1-year prohibition against fishing or holding a fishing licence anywhere in Canada, and forfeited all of his fishing equipment seized.
The charges stem from a joint DFO and RCMP investigation in Gold River on September 11, 2019. Nootka Sound RCMP received information that the three United States residents may have contravened the Fisheries Act while fishing in the area. RCMP officers stopped the men, who were found in possession of a significant number of fish that were not caught, or correctly recorded, according to the conditions of their recreational licence. DFO Conservation and Protection fishery officers from Campbell River were called in to take over the investigation.
Fishery Officer Greg Askey, Field Supervisor with the Campbell River DFO C&P Detachment, stated that this was “the most significant sport fish violation I have seen in my over 20-year career.”
Former Nootka Sound RCMP Detachment Commander, S/Sgt Joshua Wiese commented, “This investigation highlights the important role our local community members, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Nootka Sound RCMP play in protecting the resources of the Nootka Sound.”
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a mandate to protect and conserve marine resources and to prosecute offenders under the Fisheries Act. It ensures and promotes compliance with the Act and other laws and regulations through a combination of land, air, and sea patrols, as well as education and awareness activities.

Additional multimedia​

1618012799405.jpg

Photo submitted as evidence during the Court proceedings

Quick facts​

  • As part of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s work to end illegal activity, the Department asks the public for information on activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and regulations. Anyone with information can call the toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336, or email the details to DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada works closely with the RCMP, other government agencies, community groups, and the general public, to ensure compliance with fisheries regulations.
  • Fishery officers determined that not all of the anglers had valid fishing licences, that the catch was not accurately recorded, and that the fish had been processed in such a way that the species and size was difficult to determine.
  • Fishery officers seized a 30 foot Cutwater fishing vessel, 26 Chinook salmon, ling cod, and rockfish, as well as a significant quantity of fishing gear found on the vessel.
  • The significant fines, fees and prohibitions, plus the forfeiture of the engines, fishing gear and illegal catch underscores the seriousness of violating fishing rules and regulations under Canada’s Fisheries Act intended to protect and preserve at-risk fish populations.

Associated links​

Contacts​

Leri Davies
Strategic Media Relations Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
Cell: 604-612-6837
Leri.davies@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Stay connected​

Search for related information by keyword: Fisheries resources | Fisheries and Oceans Canada | British Columbia | Environmental conservation and protection | Environmental enforcement | general public | news releases | Hon. Bernadette Jordan
 

News release​

April 12, 2021
Campbell River, B.C. - On February 24, 2021, Washington State residents Bradley Wogalmott, Geoffrey Hoover, and Jonathan Magee, plead guilty in Campbell River Provincial Court to numerous violations of Canada’s Fisheries Act. The Honourable Judge Crockett ordered significant penalties for the three men.
  • Mr. Wogalmott was fined $15,000 and prohibited from fishing or holding a fishing licence anywhere in Canada for 10 years. He was also ordered to forfeit all fishing equipment seized on the vessel being used, valued at over $6,000, and two outboard engines (300hp and 25hp Yamaha), valued at approximately $32,500. He was also ordered to pay the storage and transport fees for the seized vessel, with an estimated cost of approximately $10,000.
  • Mr. Hoover was fined $5,000, received a 2-year prohibition against fishing or holding a fishing licence anywhere in Canada, and forfeited all of his fishing equipment that was seized as evidence.
  • Mr. Magee was also fined $5,000, received a 1-year prohibition against fishing or holding a fishing licence anywhere in Canada, and forfeited all of his fishing equipment seized.
The charges stem from a joint DFO and RCMP investigation in Gold River on September 11, 2019. Nootka Sound RCMP received information that the three United States residents may have contravened the Fisheries Act while fishing in the area. RCMP officers stopped the men, who were found in possession of a significant number of fish that were not caught, or correctly recorded, according to the conditions of their recreational licence. DFO Conservation and Protection fishery officers from Campbell River were called in to take over the investigation.
Fishery Officer Greg Askey, Field Supervisor with the Campbell River DFO C&P Detachment, stated that this was “the most significant sport fish violation I have seen in my over 20-year career.”
Former Nootka Sound RCMP Detachment Commander, S/Sgt Joshua Wiese commented, “This investigation highlights the important role our local community members, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Nootka Sound RCMP play in protecting the resources of the Nootka Sound.”
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a mandate to protect and conserve marine resources and to prosecute offenders under the Fisheries Act. It ensures and promotes compliance with the Act and other laws and regulations through a combination of land, air, and sea patrols, as well as education and awareness activities.

Additional multimedia​

1618012799405.jpg

Photo submitted as evidence during the Court proceedings

Quick facts​

  • As part of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s work to end illegal activity, the Department asks the public for information on activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and regulations. Anyone with information can call the toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336, or email the details to DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada works closely with the RCMP, other government agencies, community groups, and the general public, to ensure compliance with fisheries regulations.
  • Fishery officers determined that not all of the anglers had valid fishing licences, that the catch was not accurately recorded, and that the fish had been processed in such a way that the species and size was difficult to determine.
  • Fishery officers seized a 30 foot Cutwater fishing vessel, 26 Chinook salmon, ling cod, and rockfish, as well as a significant quantity of fishing gear found on the vessel.
  • The significant fines, fees and prohibitions, plus the forfeiture of the engines, fishing gear and illegal catch underscores the seriousness of violating fishing rules and regulations under Canada’s Fisheries Act intended to protect and preserve at-risk fish populations.

Associated links​

Contacts​

Leri Davies
Strategic Media Relations Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
Cell: 604-612-6837
Leri.davies@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Stay connected​

Search for related information by keyword: Fisheries resources | Fisheries and Oceans Canada | British Columbia | Environmental conservation and protection | Environmental enforcement | general public | news releases | Hon. Bernadette Jordan
I should have clarified, when they are charged. It's been a couple of years.
 
This is the website of the motivational speaker who was the owner of the boat in the salmon poaching arrest:

About Brad and Shelly Wolgamott | Brad and Shelly Wolgamott

Note the ocean in the background and his bandanna with a canadian flag on it, then read about how he "turned his life around" in 2013. How ironic. Before that I guess he was a total d-bag lol. His wife is Canadian btw. Should have kept the boat. Make those turkeys do the legwork, and pay the lawyers, to get it back. Too much? maybe....but f people like them.
 
I know those guys i was one of them neighbors they use to go fishing very often I saw them taking the boat .im sure they use to do the same everytime thats bad ... I hope they learn and respect the rules
 
From his motivational website:

WRITE IT DOWN

A LIFE WORTH LIVING IS A LIFE WORTH RECORDING!
One of the most impact full things I have done over the past few years is to journal about my life…


I wonder if his poaching adventure counts as “impact full” and was accurately described in that journal he mentions

What an a-hole...I’m embarrased to hear he came from the lower 48 to rape and pillage in Canada with his homeys...despicable pile of crap, all 3 of them

This is the gear they forfeited:

28AFFB11-6A87-41EE-B1D8-2A15E17AEC23.jpeg


There’s a pleasing ironic twist to the story.

An article was published in nwsportsmanmag.com.........who wrote the article? A guy named Andrew Walgamott.....at first I thought it
would be a nice twist if one of his brothers wrote the article, but they seem to be a vowel apart...
 
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