Four Poachers Fined $16,000
Four hunt camp members have been fined $16,000 for a range of hunting activities.
Michael Levigne of Welland, Ontario, was fined a total of $8,000 for shooting a black bear without a licence, leaving it to spoil and aiding in the poaching of a deer. Kevin Levigne, also of Welland, was fined a total of $4,000 for offences including shooting an antlerless deer without a licence, hunting on private property and discharging a firearm from inside a vehicle. Edwin Baker, of Cobourg, was fined $2,500 for using his antlerless seal illegally and possession of an illegal deer. Alexander MacLean, of Grafton, was fined $1,500 for possession of an illegal deer. All four individuals were convicted of making false statements to a conservation officer.
The court heard that during the 2009 rifle deer hunt, Michael Levigne shot a black bear in Chandos Township without a licence. After having his picture taken with the bear, he made the decision to leave it to spoil. The court also heard that later during the hunt, Michael and Kevin were driving in Belmont Township when they saw an antlerless deer on private property. Michael stopped his truck and backed up to allow Kevin to shoot the deer from inside the truck. Neither had a seal for the deer and they both trespassed to retrieve the animal. Edwin Baker, who had been in Cobourg at the time the deer was shot, illegally placed his antlerless seal on the deer when he returned to camp. Edwin Baker and Alexander MacLean then allowed the illegal deer to be hung at their camp. All individuals made false statements to conservation officers attempting to conceal their illegal activities.
Justice of the Peace Michael O’Toole heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Peterborough, on October 14, 2010.
To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Mike Ladouceur, Bancroft District, 613-332-3940, Ext. 238
Gord Holmes, Bancroft District, 613-332-3940, Ext. 227
