Clayton Stoner, Minnesota Wild defenseman, received criticism after photos emerged of him with the remains of a bear he hunted. It has been reported that Stoner had the proper permits to hunt in the area, and the NHL player made a statement, emphasizing that he will not stop hunting. “I grew up hunting and fishing in British Columbia and continue to enjoy spending time with my family outdoors. I love to hunt and fish and will continue to do so with my family and friends in British Columbia.
Controversy has arisen in British Columbia about the sport and a documentary about trophy hunting received harsh disapproval. Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs said: “I don’t think there’s any place for this disgusting, barbaric, so-called sport of trophy-hunting in British Columbia.” The government gives out 300 hunting permits each year and Stoner had the proper documentation to be able to hunt legally.