September 21, 2009

Lodge Owner Fined $7,000 for Hunting Deer Out-of-Season and Lying to Conservation Officer

A Nestor Falls lodge owner and guide must pay $7,000 for offences related to illegal deer hunting.

Dean Roy, an owner and operator of Meline’s Lodge and Guide Service, pleaded guilty under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and was fined a total of $6,000 for two counts of unlawfully hunting deer during closed season and $1,000 for making a false statement to a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer.

Court heard that on November 16, 2008, Roy provided guiding services to three non-resident deer hunters during closed season, in Wildlife Management Units 7B and 9B. Roy stored a deer harvested by one of the hunters at his resort. The next day, when conservation officers interviewed Roy at his resort, he lied about the hunt and harvested deer.  Officers investigated and located and seized the hidden deer.
 
Justice of the Peace Roger McCraw heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kenora, on September 3, 2009.

The ministry reminds the public that it is illegal to make false or misleading statements to a conservation officer and hunt out of season.
 
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours.  You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Joan Hubay, Kenora District, 807-468-2583
Jeff Milloy, Kenora District, 807-468-2554