Deer Hunter Convicted of Shooting on Public Road and Trespassing
A Sioux Lookout man has been fined $3,000 for illegal deer hunting.
Paul John Bohnen was convicted under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and fined $2,000 for discharging a firearm on a public road and $1,000 for trespassing for the purpose of hunting. Bohnen is suspended from hunting in Ontario for one year.
Court heard that on November 18, 2009, during the open season for deer hunting, a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer contacted Bohnen while investigating a complaint of a freshly-killed, white-tailed deer left on private property. Bohnen admitted he shot the doe from a public roadway and trespassed on private property to hunt. His firearm, ammunition and gun case were seized and will be returned once his fines are paid.
Justice of the Peace Daisy Hoppe heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sioux Lookout, on April 15, 2010.
The ministry reminds hunters that it is illegal to shoot from, down or across a public road. Hunters must have permission to enter private land, even if the intent is just to cross the private land to reach public land.
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).
Andy Lock, Sioux Lookout District, 807-737-1146
Julie Trueman, Sioux Lookout District, 807-737-1144
