A Tofino man who shot and killed a black bear and her cub in his backyard back in 2021 will now have to serve his full sentence after the BC Supreme Court upheld a 30-day jail term and $11,000 fine.
Ryan Millar, who originally received the sentence in 2023, had appealed the punishment—but the court dismissed the appeal this week, siding with the Crown and reinforcing the seriousness of the offence.
“We’re pleased to see the courts dismissed the appeal and agreed with the Crown’s sentencing recommendations,” said BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) Sgt. Dan Eichstadter. “This was the needless poaching of wildlife, and the court’s decision reflects the severity of this crime.”
Related: Tofino man fined $11,000 and jailed for killing black bear and cub
The case dates back to October 2021, when Millar spotted a black bear and her cub in a tree near his home. Instead of contacting authorities, he retrieved a recurve bow and shot them out of the tree—then used a crossbow to finish the job once they hit the ground.
He attempted to hide the carcasses afterward.
Witnesses reported the incident to conservation officers, who launched a detailed investigation with the help of a provincial wildlife veterinarian. Evidence from the scene and the deceased animals helped build the case against Millar.
There is no open hunting season for black bears in residential areas, and hunting cubs or bears accompanied by cubs is strictly prohibited.
The court also imposed a 20-year ban on hunting and firearm possession. Millar’s bow and crossbow were seized, and most of the financial penalty will go to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.
Authorities say they hope the court’s decision sends a strong message to others. “No one should take it upon themselves to needlessly destroy wildlife,” Eichstadter added. “We ask people to call us if they have a concern.”
