A Belleville man has been fined $2,000 after shooting his hunting partner during the deer hunt in Renfrew County last November.
Curtis Behnke pleaded guilty to charges of careless hunting and hunting white-tailed deer without a licence and was fined a total of $2,000. Behnke’s hunting licence has also been suspended for two years, and he has been ordered to take a hunter safety course before he reapplies for a licence.
Court heard that on November 14, 2009, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers investigated an incident in Renfrew County involving the shooting of a hunter. The investigation revealed that Behnke was hunting for white-tailed deer with a group of friends. At one point, Behnke and another hunter were standing at different locations along a fence line in a wooded area. When an antlerless deer ran between the two men and stopped at the fence line, Behnke fired three shots. One bullet struck and killed the deer. A second bullet missed the deer and struck the other hunter in the abdomen. The third bullet was never found. No one in the group of hunters was in possession of a valid game seal for antlerless deer.
Justice of the Peace Terry Pasch heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Pembroke, on March 15, 2010.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry officer during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Jeff Zohr, Pembroke District, 613-637-2780
Alan Sullivan, Pembroke District 613-732-5592
