Clayton Stoner draws three-year hunting ban for killing grizzly
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Clayton Stoner has been banned from hunting for three years and fined $10,000 for killing a grizzly bear in 2013, the Associated Press reports.
Stoner acknowledged and pleaded guilty through his lawyer Wednesday that he had breached a provincial wildlife act while hunting in British Columbia. He had not previously disputed the claim that he shot the bear, but had denied the allegation that he obtained a hunting license illegally. However, authorities say Stoner did not meet the qualifications to obtain a hunting license in British Columbia. Stoner was not present in court as his case was heard.
The Wildlife Act requires those who apply to be “Canadian citizens or permanent residents whose primary residences are in B.C. and who are physically present in B.C. the greater portion of each of six calendar months out of the 12 calendar months preceding both their application for the hunt and the date of the actual hunt.”
The judge accepted that Stoner thought himself qualified to hunt, and dropped four other charges against him, but ruled that the law was still breached.
Stoner had been charged with two counts of knowingly making a false statement in order to obtain the hunting license. He had also been charged with hunting out of season, hunting without a license, and unlawfully possessing dead wildlife.
Stoner was playing for the Minnesota Wild during the time of the hunt. He is in his sixth season in the NHL and second with Anaheim after signing a four-year, $13 million deal as a free agent before the 2014 season.
In 35 games this season, Stoner has had one goal and three assists.