Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Paulatuk (Oct 24/05) - A big-game hunter from California charged with killing too many caribou, blames his Paulatuk outfitter for causing the problem.

Lloyd Godlis, a 63 year old pharmacist, and some friends including Jerry Williams visited Bekere Lake Lodge in September to hunt caribou.

It was the second straight year Godlis went to the lodge, owned and run by Jonah Nakimayak and Gary Reidford.

"My friends and I had a great time in 2004 with Jonah, and wanted to do it again," said Godlis.

The group each bagged the two caribou they were entitled to when Godlis said Nakimayak asked them to harvest some animals to provide meat for Paulatuk residents.

"It was nothing new. Jonah told me to do this in the previous year as well," said Godlis.

Godlis and Williams were charged with overhunting when they landed in Norman Wells on their way home.

"(The wildlife officer) told me I was under arrest, and that I had committed a serious crime," said Godlis. "I was fined $460 Canadian."

Williams was also fined the same amount for his shooting of an extra bull.

"I was not aware that I was doing anything wrong!" said Williams.

"Now I feel embarrassed and humiliated."

Reidford and Nakimayak deny ever asking the Americans to kill extra caribou.

"The guy is trigger-happy," said Reidford. "He has no respect for people, or the animals."

"I never told him to shoot any sustenance bulls," said Nakimayak.

According to Nakimayak, his son Herb helped guide the party and reported the incident to the authorities when he arrived home in Paulatuk.

Godlis said he's hunted around the world and never had a problem like this before.

"I paid a lot of good money to hunt those animals. It's the guides responsibility to inform me of any laws," said Godlis.

According to Reidford, Godlis is looking for reimbursement for his fine.

"If he keeps harassing us over this, we will contact our lawyer," said Reidford.

Wildlife officers are continuing to investigate the incident.