Five men have been fined a total of $8,500 for duck hunting offences.
Paul Smith of Newmarket, Robert Johnston of Reaboro, Andrew Tymon of Port Perry, Anthony Risi of Kitchener and Christopher Tymon of Stouffville all pleaded guilty to hunting waterfowl within 400 metres of a baited area. They were fined $1,000 each and their licences to hunt migratory game birds were suspended for one year. In addition, Smith pleaded guilty to depositing bait within 14 days of the open season for waterfowl and was fined $1,500. Johnston and Risi pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a conservation officer and were fined $1,000 each.
Court heard that on Monday, September 20, 2010, a conservation officer visited a pond north of Haliburton and checked the five hunters while they were hunting. Inspection of the pond found that it recently had been baited with corn.
Justice of the Peace Diane Jackson heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Minden, on December 2, 2010.
It is illegal to hunt waterfowl within 400 metres of where bait has been deposited. In addition, hunters may not deposit bait within 14 days of the open season for waterfowl in an area where they intend to hunt.
To report a natural resources 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
Steve Murray, Minden Area Office, 705-286-5213
