Natives sold bear bladders: Officer

By TRACY MCLAUGHLIN, SPECIAL TO SUN MEDIA

Wed, November 21, 2007

BARRIE -- Three aboriginal hunters are now on trial facing more than 50 offences including the commercial sale of moose, bear and deer meat, as well as black bear gall bladders.

David Stock, 39, of the Wahta First Nation; Anthony Williams, 32; and his father George Williams, 55, of the Moose Deer First Nation in the township of Georgian Bay, north of Orillia, are charged under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

Canada has the largest remaining black bear habitat in the world and their gall bladders are sought after for use in traditional Asian medicine.

Provincial conservation officer John Diebolt told court how he acted under cover as a real estate agent who also organized game hunts. He said he stopped at a gas station near the Wahta reserve where a cashier told him David Stock was the best hunter around.

Diebolt said when he met Stock in his home he offered to take him hunting.

"He told me he hunts whenever and whatever he wants," Diebolt said.

Stock, who is in custody for a trafficking firearms conviction, smiled and laughed as he sat in the prisoner's box.

The trial continues.