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Blackfalds-area resident concerned about hunters

From his rural window east of Blackfalds, Roman Chubey can count seven houses within eye shot.

From his rural window east of Blackfalds, Roman Chubey can count seven houses within eye shot.

All too often, he also sees unidentified pickups driven by hunters pull into nearby fields to wait for game. Rarely, do the hunters ever ask permission from him or his neighbours.

Chubey, 64, fears it is a situation that could end in disaster one day.

“It’s just a matter of time before something happens here,” he said by phone from his large acreage about 13 km east of Blackfalds off Hwy 597.

“(The hunters) just seem to come whenever they feel like it and shoot wherever they feel like it.

“We’re just concerned. We’re just asking these people if you’re going to shoot on the property, at least let us know.”

Last year, his wife went out to talk to a hunter in a pickup. As she spoke, the hunter’s friend on the next quarter section fired off a shot and Chubey said he could hear the bullet buzz by, followed by the crack.

“It got my attention.”

It wasn’t overly close, but it was a shot that should not have been made with people all around.

Earlier this month, a home in Spruce Grove was hit by four bullets from a rifle. Holes were found in a bedroom and bathroom. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

With the weather turning warmer and the end of hunting season nearing, Chubey is expecting a lot of unwelcome visitors to his area this weekend.

A hunter and Fish and Game Association member himself, all Chubey asks is that fellow hunters follow the rules. Don’t hunt on private property without permission and be aware of your surroundings.

“I don’t need to post my land. In the hunting regulations it’s very, very clear. You need to ask permission before you walk on my property.”

Fish and Wildlife offices were contacted but officers were out in the field and unavailable for comment on Friday.

pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com