A well-known American hunter, who is already facing fines and jail time in the U.S., is also in some legal trouble here in Alberta. Jeff Foiles appeared in an Edmonton courtroom Wednesday on charges under the Wildlife Act and the Criminal Code.
Foiles is known for a series of hunting videos under the name "Fallin' Skies."
He pleaded guilty to eight charges under Canadian law, which included causing unnecessary pain and suffering to a bird.
The court heard in an agreed statement of facts that Foiles committed a number of violations including torturing wounded birds and catching it all on tape.
"All of the Fallen Skies video series includes footage of Canadian hunts from Alberta or Saskatchewan or both provinces," the agreed statement of facts reads.
The agreed statement of facts also states during an October 2007 goose hunt that was being filmed for Foiles' video series, Foiles is shown coming across a wounded duck. He gets up and retrieves the bird.
"Mr. Foiles holds the bird up and calls it "Mrs. Mallard." Mr. Foiles wrenches the duck's neck and manipulates the head so the bird is looking at him. He states, 'look at me when I'm talking to you'. He continues to wag its neck back and forth," the documents state.
It goes on to note that Foiles is seen in the video slapping the bird's head.
"Playing to camera, Mr.Foiles opens the wounded duck's mouth several times and makes "quacking" sounds. Mr. Foiles moves off camera and kills the duck."
Foiles was silent for the most part in court, except when asked by the judge if he wanted to speak, to which he replied, "no ma'am."
Hunters CTV News spoke to are not impressed with Foiles' antics.
"Well he looked like an arrogant individual who had no respect for the law," said Dave Kellett.
Foiles' lawyer and the Crown prosecutor made a joint recommendation on a sentence that includes more than $14,000 in fines and a three-year hunting prohibition in Canada. And that would be on top of a $100,000 fine and a 13-month jail sentence he's already facing in the U.S.
The Edmonton judge will make a decision on sentencing October 19th.
With files from Bill Fortier
