An Alberta outfitter has been fined ,000 after pleading guilty to using illegal bait during a guided big game hunt in the Lac La Biche region.

Chad Miller, owner of Miller’s North Outfitting Ltd., entered the plea on Nov. 17, 2025, in the Lac La Biche Provincial Court of Justice to one count of setting out or using prohibited items for hunting.

Tip Led Officers to Grain Piles Used as Bait

The case began on Nov. 30, 2023, when Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services (FWES) officers received a tip through the Report a Poacher line. The caller reported an individual unlawfully hunting big game with bait.

When officers arrived, they found a non-Canadian resident hunter in a stand overlooking multiple piles of grain placed on the ground. Under Alberta law, using or possessing attractants such as bait for big game hunting is strictly prohibited.

Impact on Industry Reputation

FWES noted that such unlawful practices harm the reputation of Alberta’s legitimate outfitting industry. Outfitters and guides have a heightened responsibility to ensure that all hunts comply with provincial legislation.

The agency also extended thanks to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for assisting with the case.

Public Encouraged to Report Violations

Anyone with information about wildlife or fishery offences is urged to contact Report a Poacher at 1-800-642-3800 or online at alberta.ca/report-poacher. Callers may remain anonymous and could qualify for a reward.