$8,000 in Fines and Suspensions for Night Hunting Violations
Two Field, Ontario men found it costly after being convicted on numerous safety related hunting charges.
Denis L. Leduc pleaded guilty to charges of night hunting and using a light to hunt and was fined $2,000 on each count.
Serge Y. Leduc pleaded guilty to charges of night hunting and possessing a firearm at night and was also fined $2,000 on each count. Both were given a one-year province-wide hunting suspension. Officers also seized a pickup truck, a rifle, a crossbow, a high-powered light and other hunting related items. The truck will be returned upon payment of the fines, but all other items have been forfeited to the Crown.
Court heard that on November 2, 2009, conservation officers set up a deer decoy to address night hunting complaints in the Field area. A vehicle shone a light on the decoy and the passenger, Serge Leduc, took out a high-powered rifle and aimed at the decoy. Following some discussion with Denis Leduc, who was driving the truck, he exchanged the rifle for a crossbow and shot the deer decoy. In order to avoid apprehension, Denis Leduc drove away in haste. Serge Leduc was hanging onto the pickup truck door and was dragged for a short distance, but managed to get into the pickup truck. Farther down the road, conservation officers stopped the truck and arrested the two men.
Justice of the Peace Michel Moreau heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sturgeon Falls, on January 18, 2010.
To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Mike Regis , North Bay District, 705-475-5596
Richard Nadeau, Sturgeon Falls, 705-753-5815
