BC COS: Vancouver Island hunter fined, banned after altering species licence

BC COS: Vancouver Island hunter fined, banned after altering species licence

Published 6:30 am Tuesday, July 7, 2026

A Parksville man received a $2,500 penalty and is prohibited from obtaining a hunting licence in B.C. for two years for altering a species licence.

In September 2025, a conservation officer was conducting hunter compliance checks in the Nanoose Bay area when a hunter produced species tags upon request that had altered expiry dates on them, according to a social media post by BC COS.

Aaron Illes pleaded guilty in Nanaimo provincial court to altering a licence or permit under Section 82(3) of the Wildlife Act.

Species licences, also known as species tags, are required for hunting various animals in B.C., in addition to hunting licences, and are only valid during the licence year they were purchased for, according to BC COS.

Hunters must have all issued licences available for inspection by a conservation officer when hunting in B.C. and altering any licence is a violation.

RELATED: Conservation officers investigate after 4 deer shot with arrows in Nanoose Bay