November 7, 2008

Enforcement Blitz at Fish and Wildlife Check Leads to Charges

Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers from Chapleau District, and a canine unit from Sault Ste. Marie District, teamed up with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to conduct a late night fish and wildlife check from October 17 and 18, 2008, at the junction of Highway 129 and Highway 101, south of Chapleau.
 
Officers ensured compliance with respect to both provincial and federal legislations focusing on Ontario’s Hunting Regulations, including proper tagging and transportation of big game animals, possession limits of grouse and proper storage of firearms during prohibited hours.
 
Officers stopped and inspected 69 vehicles and contacted 150 residents and one non-resident.  Officers laid three charges under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act for –

• failing to properly attach seal to moose
• transporting wildlife unlawfully killed, captured or possessed
• unlawfully possessing firearm at night.

Officers also issued 14 warnings under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and Ontario Fishery Regulations for various offences including:

• failing to affix validation tag to licence
• hunting with a shotgun not permantly plugged
• failing to provide information on seal
• failing to comply with conditions of the license
• skinning fish so that species cannot be readily identified.

In addition, the OPP laid one charge for speeding.