$3,050 Fine For Illegal Wolf Hunt
A Chapleau-area tourist operator and his hunting guest have been fined a total of $3,050 for charges related to illegal wolf hunting.
Gus Miller, of Durand, Michigan, was convicted under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and fined $1,000 for wolf hunting without a licence, $300 for possessing wildlife unlawfully hunted and $500 for obstructing a conservation officer. He is also prohibited from hunting in Ontario for a period of two years.
Jack Kwiatkowski, of Waymart, Pennsylvania, was also charged and fined $400 for failing to provide Black Bear Hunting Validation Certificates to his hunting guests, $750 for wolf hunting without a licence and $500 for obstructing a conservation officer.
The court heard that on September 16, 2009, Miller was returning to Shenango Lodge after a day of bear hunting when he was approached by a conservation officer during a routine stop. The officer determined that Kwiatkowski was operating a bear hunt and failed to provide Miller a Black Bear Hunting Validation Certificate.
During the licence inspection, evidence was discovered that a wolf had been shot on September 14, one day before the season opened. Kwiatkowski had suggested that his guests hunt wolves and purchase appropriate licences after the fact if successful. The wolf hide was intentionally hidden in a bag behind a cabin away from the view of the officer. For a period of time, both Miller and Kwiatkowski denied knowing anything about the hunted wolf.
Justice of the Peace Theodore Hodgins heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Chapleau, on June 9, 2010.
Non-residents may hunt wolves and coyotes during the open season, September 15 to March 31, under the authority of a small game licence accompanied by a wolf/coyote game seal. Hunters can purchase up to two wolf/coyote game seals for a calendar year. More information is available in the 2010 Hunting Regulations Summary.
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).
Dan Williams, Chapleau District, 705-864-3109
Tim Caddel, Chapleau District, 705-864-3177
