Social Media Influencers Implicated in Massive BC Poaching Bust

In a case coming out of beautiful British Columbia, four individuals, including two social media influencers who operated a popular backcountry hunting site, are facing a slew of charges for their alleged involvement in the unlawful killing of multiple big game animals.

The investigation, spearheaded by the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, was initiated in 2023 following reports of gunshots echoing near a cabin in Sheridan Lake. Acting on these reports, investigators executed search warrants on two properties located in the Lower Mainland. The searches yielded substantial evidence linked to the illegal killing of several species, including two stone sheep, two mountain goats, one elk, and four mule deer.

“This was a complex case that was investigated for more than a year,” said conservation officer Joel Kline, in a Facebook post. “We’d like to thank the public for their prompt reporting to the RAPP line.”

The accused now face a combined total of 53 charges, encompassing a wide range of offenses under both the Wildlife Act and the Criminal Code. These charges include but are not limited to hunting out of season, unlawful possession of deceased wildlife, discharging a firearm in a designated no-shooting area, hunting without due consideration for public safety, and making false statements to authorities.

Among the accused, Daniel Gazzola faces the most severe repercussions, with 26 charges under the Wildlife Act and an additional seven criminal charges related to the seizure of firearms. Emmanuel Porcellato faces eight charges, including the serious offense of hunting wildlife within six hours of being airborne, a violation aimed at preventing unfair advantage through aerial scouting. Cole Rogozinski is charged with five offenses under the Wildlife Act and three criminal charges related to firearm seizures. Nicole Elie Rogers faces four charges, including unlawful possession of dead wildlife and the fraudulent use of another person's hunting license.

The accused social media influencers had garnered a significant following through their YouTube channel, "Background Carnivore," where they documented their hunting exploits. However, the channel has since been taken down, presumably in an attempt to mitigate the potential damage to their now sparkling reputation.

The quartet was in court on Monday, no word on the proceedings as of yet.