Three Quebec men have been fined a total of $6,500 and received a combined nine years of hunting suspensions after pleading guilty to hunting-related violations.
Jonathan Blais, of La Patrie, was fined $1,500 and suspended from hunting in Ontario for five years for careless hunting. He was fined a further $1,250 for discharging a firearm from a roadway and $1,250 for making a false statement to a conservation officer.
Stephane Blais, of La Patrie, was fined $1,500 and suspended from hunting in Ontario for three years for careless hunting. He was also fined $500 for making a false statement to a conservation officer.
Jean Francois Lachance, of La Patrie, was fined $500 and received a one-year suspension of his hunting licence for making a false statement to a conservation officer.
Court heard that on December 1, 2008, several residents of Herron Mills, in the Township of Lanark Highlands, noticed a pickup truck driving slowly by a group of deer near their house. Shortly after dark, the defendants were seen shooting at the deer from the same truck. A deer was later found killed and left to spoil. The residents that saw this activity occur were able to identify the vehicle and its licence plate. Conservation officers investigated and, through witness statements and forensic evidence, were able to determine what had happened and to identify the individuals involved.
Justice of the Peace Clayton McKechnie heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Perth on March 9, 2010.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact the Kemptville District office at 613-258-8204 during regular business hours. You can also call Crime stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Steve Aubry, Kemptville District, 613-258-8204
