December 2007
$12,000 IN FINES FOR ILLEGALLY SHOOTING MOOSE AND ABANDONING IT
COCHRANE — Two southern Ontario men have been hit with hefty fines for illegally shooting a bull moose and then abandoning it.
A resident of Kitchener, and a resident of Waterloo, have each been fined $6,000 and are banned from hunting for two years. They both plead guilty to shooting a bull moose without the proper licence, using a motorboat to pursue wildlife and abandoning the moose.
Court was told that on October 7, 2007, the men were hunting on the Little Abitibi River near Cochrane when they saw a bull moose swimming across the river. They pursued the moose with their motorboat and shot it when it walked up on shore. The wounded moose then went back into the river and they pursued it again as it swam to the opposite shore where they killed it. After they field dressed the moose, they towed the carcass to an adjacent lake where they sank it. An off-duty police officer witnessed the shooting of the moose and reported it to conservation officers. Neither man had an appropriate adult moose validation tag for a bull in that area.
The case was heard in Ontario Court of Justice, Cochrane, December 21, 2007.
The ministry reminds the public that if they commit an offence they should contact the ministry as soon as possible. Officers will often take prompt disclosure and mitigating circumstances into account before deciding whether to lay charges.
The moose tag draw system was implemented to help ensure that Ontario’s moose populations remain sustainable for future generations.
December 2007
HALTON HILLS COMPANY FINED AND PUT ON PROBATION
BURLINGTON — A Halton Hills company has been fined $7,500, placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to comply with Ontario Regulation 245/97 and the Provincial Operating Standards as set out under the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act.
The company was found guilty for failing to have the required security for the company’s three natural gas wells it operates in Halton Hills and failing to submit its annual well status report for 2006 as required by the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act.
The case was heard in Provincial Offences Court, Burlington, December 18, 2007.
The act and its regulations ensure the operations of the petroleum industry do not pose a hazard to public safety or pollute the natural environment. All operators of oil and natural gas wells in the province are required to establish a trust fund for each well operated by the company.
December 2007
HUNTER LEARNS DRINKING AND HUNTING DON’T MIX
OWEN SOUND — A Napanee-area man has been convicted of drinking and hunting.
A man has been fined $1,000 for careless hunting and $175 for having an open container of liquor in his vehicle. His hunting licence is suspended for one year and he can’t reapply until he has successfully completed the hunter safety training program.
Court was told that on November 6, 2007, during the local deer hunt, conservation officers saw the man behind the wheel of his idling vehicle parked in a field on the Artemesia-Euphrasia Townline in Grey Highlands. He had a loaded, high-powered rifle lying across his lap, had been consuming alcohol, and there was an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.
The case was heard in Provincial Offences Court, Owen Sound, December 17, 2007.
Hunters are reminded that it is illegal and dangerous to have a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and that adding alcohol to the mix creates an even more dangerous situation.
December 2007
FORMER ALBERTA MAN FINED FOR HUNTING LICENCE OFFENCES
PETERBOROUGH – A former Alberta resident has been convicted of nine hunting-related offences, including eight for purchasing licences illegally.
A man, now living in Minden, Ontario, has been fined $2,500 for making false statements in applications, and possession of Ontario resident hunting licences. He was also fined $1,500 for having a loaded firearm in a vehicle.
Court was told that the man had been illegally buying Ontario resident deer licences since 2005. He had also recently purchased a 2007 Ontario resident moose licence. Minden area conservation officers unraveled the licence purchasing scam in October of this year after checking the man while he was moose hunting near Kinmount.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Peterborough, December 13, 2007.
As in many other provinces and states, non-residents pay higher fees for hunting licences than residents, contributing additional funds to help ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations. In order to qualify for an Ontario resident hunting licence, a person’s primary residence must be in Ontario for at least six consecutive months during the previous year.
December 2007
$1,500 FINE FOR KILLING CANADA GOOSE WITH PAINTBALL GUN
PARRY SOUND – A Claremont man has been fined $1,500 for a number of violations including hunting geese with a paintball gun.
The man also plead guilty to hunting geese from a power boat and hunting geese during the closed season.
Court was told that on July 29, 2007, the man was operating a personal watercraft as he approached a flock of geese that were standing on his neighbour’s shorefront lawn. The man had a paintball gun and opened fire on the flock as he got closer. When the geese tried to make it to the water, the man jumped off the watercraft and continued firing, killing one goose. A witness reported the incident to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Bracebridge, December 13, 2007.
Canada Geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. People concerned about damage to property by geese should contact the Canadian Wildlife Service at 1-800-668-6767.
December 2007
HEAVY FINE FOR TRESPASSING AND SHOOTING DEER ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
PARRY SOUND – A Toronto-area man has been fined $1,400. for shooting a deer on private property while trespassing.
Court was told that the man was driving on the Hekkla Road in the Township of Muskoka Lakes on November 5, 2007 when he saw several deer in a farm field. He trespassed into the field and shot one of the deer. When the landowner heard the shot he confronted the man and contacted the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Bracebridge, December 13, 2007.
The public is reminded that it is illegal to trespass for the purpose of hunting and hunters wishing to hunt on private property must obtain permission from the land owner.
December 2007
TWO MEN FINED $2,500 FOR SHOOTING AT FAKE MOOSE
THUNDER BAY – Two southern Ontario men have been fined $2,500 after pleading guilty to shooting at a moose decoy from a motorboat.
The man from Brantford was fined $1,500 and the man from Thessalon was fined $1,000.
Court was told that on October 6, 2007, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers set up a moose decoy on Lac des Mille Lacs. The Brantford man fired two shots at the moose decoy with a high-powered rifle while the Thessalon man operated the boat. Both men were arrested and charged under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, December 5, 2007.
The ministry reminds the public that it is illegal to discharge a firearm from a motorboat and that laws regarding the use of firearms are in place for both hunter and public protection and safety.
December 2007
HEFTY FINES FOR BUYING FISH ILLEGALLY
BLIND RIVER – A Toronto man has been fined $1,500 for illegally buying a sturgeon and then lying to a conservation officer in an attempt to conceal the offence.
The man plead guilty to the charges and was fined $1,000 for unlawfully buying fish and $500 for making a false statement to a conservation officer.
Court heard that on October 5, 2007, the man was checked by a conservation officer while angling just west of Blind River. The man told the officer he only had salmon in his possession. After being questioned about a large pool of blood on shore, he admitted he had bought a sturgeon from an angler who caught it earlier in the day. The sturgeon was cut in pieces, placed in a cooler and hidden under vegetation in the forest near their campsite.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Blind River, on December 4, 2007.
December 2007
BASS OVERLIMIT CATCHES ANGLER $750 FINE
BARRIE – A Maple-area resident has been fined $750 for having too many smallmouth bass.
The man plead guilty to catching and retaining 19 bass over the limit of six per day. In addition to the fine, he forfeited his fishing rod and tackle box to the Crown.
Court was told that the man was angling on Lake Simcoe at the Barrie waterfront on September 30, 2007, when a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer inspected his catch and found 25 smallmouth bass he had caught that day.
Conservation officers had been patrolling the area after getting complaints of over fishing of bass and perch in the fall and early winter.
The case was heard at the Ontario Court of Justice, Barrie, November 27, 2007.
Anglers must be able to identify the species of fish they catch and know the legal number of fish they can catch and possess. These limits vary depending on whether you have a sportfishing licence or a conservation fishing licence.
November 2007
FINES AND HUNTING BANS FOR SHOOTING DUCKS AT BAITED POND
MINDEN – Four men have been fined $750 each and banned from hunting waterfowl for a year after being caught shooting ducks at a baited pond.
All four residents of West Guilford, plead guilty to hunting within 400 metres of a baited area. One man also plead guilty to placing the bait and was fined an additional $1,000.
The court heard that on September 21, 2007, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers found the men hunting by a pond in Guilford Township that had been baited with corn.
Placing bait to hunt migratory game birds is illegal because it attracts large numbers of birds and gives the hunter an unfair advantage.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Minden, on November 1, 2007.
November 2007
OPERATING A CLAY PIT WITHOUT A LICENCE RESULTS IN $7,500 IN FINES
WINDSOR – A La Salle area construction contractor and a property owner in Lakeshore were both fined $3,750 for operating a clay pit without a licence.
Representatives for the contracting company in La Salle and a resident of Lakeshore plead guilty to removing clay from property on County Road 42 in the Town of Lakeshore.
Court was told that in March 2005, a Ministry of Natural Resources aggregate inspector and a conservation officer unearthed an aggregate operation on County Road 42 in the Town of Lakeshore that was being operated without a licence. Further investigation found that clay was being removed and taken to a nearby construction site. Neither the company nor the property owner had contacted the ministry about a licence under the Aggregate Resources Act.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Windsor, on November 6, 2007.
The public is reminded that the extraction of aggregates must be done in accordance with a licence under the Aggregate Resources Act. Landowners are reminded to check with the ministry prior to permitting the removal of aggregate from their property. The Act ensures the management of Ontario’s aggregate resources and aggregate operations in order to minimize damaging impact on the environment and to ensure the rehabilitation of pits and quarries. Clay along with gravel, sand, earth, shale, stone and rock are some of the materials defined as aggregate in the act.
November 2007
MAN FINED $2,500 FOR SNARING WHITE-TAILED DEER
AURORA – A Newmarket man has been fined $2,500 for snaring white-tailed deer.
The man plead guilty to hunting white-tailed deer without a licence and unlawfully using a suspended snare.
Court was told that between September 25 and October 17, 2006, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers found 14 snares and evidence of a 15th site along a farm field near Holland Landing where it looked like deer were being snared. During that time, officers watched the man re-setting and checking the snares, and ultimately arrested him at the scene.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Newmarket, November 16, 2007.
November 2007
TWO MEN FINED FOR NIGHT HUNTING
COCHRANE – Two Cochrane men have been fined $2,400 for hunting at night.
Two men plead guilty to hunting wildlife at night and having a loaded firearm in a vehicle. They were each fined $1,200.
Court was told that just after 10 p.m. on September 15, 2007, Cochrane District conservation officers stopped an all-terrain vehicle travelling in Blount Township, north of Cochrane. They seized an unencased 12-gauge shotgun loaded with two slugs. Investigators determined the defendants were going out to bait black bears.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Cochrane, on November 15, 2007.
The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds the public that hunters must unload and encase firearms during the period from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise.
November 2007
BORDER SURVEILLANCE FINDS MANY HUNTERS NOT OBEYING RULES REGARDING CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE
SARNIA/WINDSOR – More than half the hunters checked during border surveillance in southwestern Ontario were not complying with regulations to prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canada Border Services Agency did joint enforcement checks in Windsor and Sarnia on the weekend of November 17 and 18, 2007.
They checked 20 deer hunters and seized 12 deer. Officers charged four of the five hunting parties and issued one warning for bringing back prohibited deer parts. They also gave information on CWD to all returning hunters.
Two years ago, in an effort to prevent the spread of Chronic Waste Disease into Ontario, the province banned hunters from bringing antlers, head, brain, eyes, tonsils, hide, hooves, lymph nodes, spleen, mammary glands, entrails, internal organs or spinal column of a cervid that has been killed outside Ontario. Hunters can bring in antlers if no skin or tissue is attached. Any deer parts that are allowed in Ontario must be processed.
For more information on Chronic Wasting Disease, please visit the site.
November 2007
OVER 1,300 HUNTERS CHECKED BY OFFICERS DURING KENORA FALL HUNT
KENORA – The Ministry of Natural Resources checked 1,311 hunters in the Kenora area during the fall hunt season and laid 115 charges.
From October 6, 2007 to November 27, 2007, conservation officers also:
- Issued 49 warnings
- Seized 17 firearms, nine deer and three sets of antlers
- Received 18 tips from the MNR TIPS line.
Officers are continuing with six ongoing investigations and are seeking information on 15 deer that were shot and abandoned.
Sixty-seven charges of the 115 laid are before the courts. They include:
- Careless hunting
- Night hunting
- Unlawfully hunting deer
- Making false statements to an officer
- Trespassing to hunt
- Transporting and possessing illegally taken wildlife, and
- Abandoning flesh suitable for consumption.
The defendants first court appearance will be December 11, 2007 in the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora. Defendants charged with the remaining 48 counts will have the option of paying out of court.
Conservation officers from Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Wawa and Cochrane districts and the MNR canine unit helped Kenora officers. The OPP Kenora detachment, Northwest Region Rural and Agriculture Crime teams and Treaty 3 police also assisted. The big game season closes in Kenora on December 15, 2007.
November 2007
DEER HUNTING ENFORCEMENT BLITZ RESULTS IN 67 CHARGES
BANCROFT – The Ministry of Natural Resources checked almost 1,000 hunters and laid 67 charges during a deer hunting enforcement blitz in the Bancroft and Minden areas.
Charges laid during the two-week firearm hunt, which ended on November 18, include:
- Hunting deer without a licence
- Possessing a loaded firearm on/in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or vehicle
- Shooting down a road
- Making a false statement to a conservation officer
- Possessing another person’s deer seal
- Having an unencased firearm after dark
- Trespassing on private property while hunting
- Possessing or transporting illegally killed deer
- Failing to properly seal deer
- Hunting in a provincial park
- Having open liquor in a vehicle
Officers also seized eight deer, nine firearms, alcohol and narcotics. They issued 149 warnings. They are still investigating other cases resulting from the blitz, including two elk that were mistaken for deer and accidentally shot.
Bancroft and Minden have 11 conservation officers patrolling 61 townships with hundreds of deer camps. The ministry appreciates all the calls they received from the public during the hunting season.
November 2007
FINED $3,500 FOR SHOOTING HUNTER
AURORA – A Holland Landing man, who accidentally shot and disabled another hunter, has been fined $3,500.
After a long trial in Newmarket, the man was convicted of careless use of a firearm, violating the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. The man was also banned from hunting for two years and must retake and pass the Hunter Education Training course before hunting again.
Court was told that on November 30, 2004, the convicted man was part of a group of hunters who were set up on the closed portion of the Boag Road, in East Gwillimbury Township. Another part of the group was pushing deer from the north towards the hunters who were set up. A deer came between two hunters and both the convicted man and another hunter shot at it. The convicted man’s 12-gauge shotgun slug hit the other hunter, who now has limited use of his legs.
York regional police and Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers from the Aurora District conducted the investigation.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Newmarket, October, 26, 2007.
Hunters are reminded a person discharging a firearm is ultimately responsible for the path of the projectile.
November 2007
ANGLER FINED $1,250 FOR MULTIPLE OFFENCES
THUNDER BAY – A Thunder Bay resident has been fined $1,250 after pleading guilty to trespassing for the purpose of fishing and for taking walleye over the limit.
The man was fined $500 for trespassing for the purpose of fishing and $750 for taking five walleye over the legal limit of four. He was also prohibited from fishing for a period of two years.
Court heard that on May 21, 2007, operators at Ontario Power Generation, using remote surveillance cameras, saw an individual fishing in a posted restricted safety zone at the Kakabeka Falls Generating Station near Thunder Bay.
The angler was seen catching nine walleye, some of which were taken offsite by another person. The OPG staff contacted the MNR TIPS line to report the incident and a conservation officer was dispatched to the site.
Charges against the second person are still before the court.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on November 7.
Trespassing by anglers has become a chronic problem at many Ontario Power Generation facilities, and could potentially result in injury or death if sudden water flow increases occur. The area involved was clearly marked with signs and includes the riverbed owned by OPG.
November 2007
FINED FOR POSSESSING CONTAMINATED FISH
SAULT STE. MARIE – A local man has been fined $500 for possessing for sale mercury-contaminated fish that was to be sold to area stores and restaurants.
The man plead guilty to possessing for sale fish unfit for human consumption.
Court was told that on May 5, 2006, conservation officers from the Upper Great Lakes Enforcement Unit suspected that walleye fillets being sold at a local butcher shop contained high levels of mercury based on their large size. Following an investigation, the officers seized 129 pounds (59 kilograms) of whole walleye under the provincial Fish Inspection Act and charged the man. After further investigation with the assistance of Algoma Public Health, the officers seized contaminated fillets from two other restaurants that had made purchases from him.
Health Canada advises that walleye from the North Channel of Lake Huron, that is longer than 22 inches and contains more than 0.5 parts per million (ppm) of mercury, may not be sold for consumption in Canada. Testing of the seized fish found mercury readings of 0.6 ppm and higher. The Fish Inspection Act bans selling, or possessing for the purpose of sale, fish for human consumption that is tainted, decomposed or unwholesome.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sault Ste. Marie, on November 7, 2007.
Ontario’s commercial fisheries are managed through either a licence or agreement issued by the provincial government. Fish harvested and sold under these licences or agreements must be done in accordance with federal and provincial legislation. Anyone purchasing fish from an unlicensed commercial fishery may be subject to penalties under the Federal Fisheries Act and may be at risk of consuming or reselling fish that is unwholesome for human consumption.
November 2007
NON-RESIDENT HUNTING WITH RESIDENT LICENCE COST MORE IN THE LONG RUN
SAULT STE. MARIE – A Manitoba man has been fined $1,000 for making a false statement in a document when applying for an Ontario hunting licence.
The 50 year old resident of Fannystelle, Manitoba, plead guilty and was fined $500 for each of two counts.
Court was told that in November 2005 and November 2006, the man purchased a resident deer hunting licence using a relative’s address in Sault Ste. Marie. The man has been a resident of Manitoba since the late 1980s. He was stopped by the Ontario Provincial Police who determined that although he was in Ontario for the purpose of deer hunting and had a resident deer hunting licence, he was driving a vehicle with Manitoba licence plates and had a Manitoba driver’s licence. This information was passed on to a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer and the investigation was completed with the assistance of conservation officers in Manitoba.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sault Ste. Marie, on November 1, 2007.
The public is reminded that to be a resident of Ontario you must have resided in Ontario as your primary residence for six consecutive months within the previous 12 months.
November 2007
IGNACE OUTFITTER FINED $7,500 FOR HUNTING BLACK BEAR
IGNACE – An Ignace area outfitter has been fined $7,500 for black bear hunting without a licence.
The resident of Renfrew, owner of an Outfitter business near Ignace, was convicted of being party to black bear hunting.
Court was told that in early September 2004, the man showed two American hunters staying at his camp where to hunt black bears. The man could not give the hunters black bear validation certificates for the two bears they harvested because his business does not have an assigned Bear Management Area. He did not tell the hunters that the certificates are required by law. Following an investigation, Ministry of Natural Resources Dryden District conservation officers laid charges against the man.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Ignace on May 18, 2007 and the man was sentenced on October 29, 2007
Bear Management Areas are a cornerstone of Ontario’s bear management program and allow licensed bear operators to manage sustainable bear harvesting by non-resident hunters.
October 2007
$3,795 FINE FOR COMMERCIAL FISHING VIOLATIONS
CHATHAM – A Port Stanley commercial fishing licence owner and boat captain have been fined $3,795 for breaking licence conditions.
The captain of the commercial fishing vessel plead guilty and was fined $3,565 for five fishing violations, including not submitting a daily catch report to the Ministry of Natural Resources and not recording accurate fish weights. The licence owner plead guilty and was fined $230 for not ensuring that the captain submitted an accurate daily catch report.
Court was told that between August 29, 2006 and April 16, 2007, conservation officers investigated an alleged incident that a daily catch report was not submitted and inaccurate and incomplete fish weights were being reported in the commercial fishing port of Erieau on Lake Erie.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Chatham, October 12, 2007.
October 2007
$3,500 FINES & SUSPENSION FOR ILLEGAL MOOSE HUNTING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
KIRKLAND LAKE – Three Kirkland Lake area hunters have been fined $3,500 and suspended from hunting for one year for illegal moose hunting.
Two of the men plead guilty to hunting on private property and for hunting moose without a licence. One man plead guilty to attaching his seal to a moose killed by another person.
Court was told that on October 16, 2005, the two men trespassed on private property in Gauthier Township near Dobie, and harvested two calf moose. One man attached a valid 2005 moose seal to one of the calves and they contacted another man who arrived and placed his valid seal on the other calf.
The landowners reported the incident to the Ontario Provincial Police who reported it to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Kirkland Lake District conservation officers, assisted by the Kirkland Lake Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, seized the two moose, two rifles and laid charges. The two calf moose were forfeited to the Crown and donated to charity.
The case was heard in Ontario Court of Justice, Kirkland Lake, October 1, 2007.
October 2007
$2,000 FINE FOR NIGHT HUNTING
HAMILTON – An Oshweken hunter has been fined $2,000 for hunting at night.
The man was found guilty in absentia to unlawfully hunting wildlife at night. His rifle, magazine and spotlight were forfeited to the Crown.
Court heard that on the night of November 19, 2004, Guelph District conservation officers saw a vehicle traveling northbound along Paddy Greens Road. A high-powered light was being shone across the fields beside the road from the passenger side of the vehicle. The officers stopped the vehicle and seized as evidence a high-powered rifle with an attached scope, a handheld spotlight and a rifle magazine with four live rifle cartridges.
The officers began surveillance on Paddy Greens Road in response to numerous complaints of illegal night hunting. The man was hunting in a
built-up area, with numerous well-used hiking trails, of the Dundas Valley.
The case was heard in Ontario Court of Justice, Hamilton, October 2, 2007.
October 2007
JOINT BLITZ ON LAKE SIMCOE FINDS MOST HUNTERS OBEYING THE RULES
AURORA – The Ministry of Natural Resources and officers from Environment Canada and York Region’s marine unit laid nine charges and issued 12 warnings during a recent enforcement blitz on Lake Simcoe.
On Saturday, September 22, 2007, opening day of the migratory bird hunting season, officers checked 68 hunters for compliance with regulations, including safe hunting.
Charges were laid for:
- Using toxic shot
- Unlawfully hunting at night
- Failing to retrieve a bird immediately
- Shooting protected birds
- Warnings included:
- Failing to have proper safety gear in the boat
- Failing to have the proper licence to hunt
- Keeping liquor in the boat
September 2007
LOGGER FINED $62,000 FOR ILLEGALLY CUTTING CROWN TREES
SUNDRIDGE – A logger has been fined $62,000 for illegally cutting trees and constructing trails on Crown land without authorization.
The man plead guilty for creating a logging trail across most of the length of a Crown lot (approximately 1,000 metres) and for removing approximately 229 hardwood trees.
Court was told that during 2005, a logging crew was logging private land adjacent to several Crown lots. While logging on the private lots, they trespassed on the Crown lots, created a logging trail and removed hardwood trees.
The case was heard in Ontario Court of Justice, Sundridge, September 20, 2007.
The removal of trees from Crown land without a licence is an offence under the Crown Forest Sustainability Act.
September 2007
AGGREGATE OPERATOR FINED $2,000 FOR DUMPING MATERIALS
PETERBOROUGH – A commercial aggregates operator was fined $2,000 for not complying with permit conditions.
The man was convicted of failing to comply with the conditions of his permit by dumping a large volume of demolished building materials into his commercial aggregate pit located in Methuen Township.
Court heard that in September 2006, a Bancroft District conservation officer inspected the pit after receiving a public complaint. Following the investigation, the man was charged under the Aggregate Resources Act with failing to comply with the conditions of his permit. The man’s aggregate permit required him to maintain a clean and tidy pit.
The case was heard in Ontario Court of Justice, Peterborough, September 13, 2007.
The Aggregates Resources Act provides for the management, regulation, and rehabilitation of pit and quarry operations to minimize environmental impact and ensure the rehabilitation of pits and quarries.
September 2007
$1,700 FINE FOR TAKING SNAPPING TURTLE AND FISHING WITHOUT A LICENCE
BRACEBRIDGE – Two Scarborough men have been fined $1,700 for unlawfully hunting and possessing a snapping turtle and for fishing without a licence.
The two men plead guilty to unlawfully hunting and possessing a snapping turtle. One man was fined $1,200 and the second man was fined $200. Both men also plead guilty to angling without a licence and were each fined an additional $150.
Court was told that in September 2006, the ministry’s Parry Sound District office received several complaints about lines set in three locations in the South Gibson Lake Road area of the Township of Georgian Bay. Using information provided by the public, conservation officers set up surveillance over more than 20 lines baited with pork. On August 20, 2007, conservation officers found the two men removing a snapping turtle from a hook line and placing it in their vehicle.
The case was heard in Ontario Court of Justice, Bracebridge, September 13, 2007.
September 2007
$4,650 FINE FOR 31 WALLEYE OVERLIMIT
HEARST – Two Hearst men have been fined $4,650 and had their fishing licences suspended for three years after pleading guilty to catching 31 walleye over the daily limit.
A boat, motor and fishing equipment used by the men were also forfeited to the Crown.
Court heard that on May 21, 2007, acting on public complaints of over fishing at Fushimi Lake, west of Hearst, conservation officers found the two men in possession of a 31 walleye over the limit.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Hearst, September 18, 2007.
September 2007
$4,000 IN FINES FOR 130 ILLEGAL LAKE SIMCOE PERCH
AURORA – Two Newmarket men have been fined a total of $4,000 for having 130 yellow perch over the legal catch limit for Lake Simcoe.
The court heard that on August 19, 2006, Aurora District conservation officers, a deputy conservation officer and an officer from the York Regional Police Marine Unit observed two men angling from a boat on Lake Simcoe. The two men had several buckets of perch in the boat. When the officers counted the fish, they found the men had 130 yellow perch over the limit.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Newmarket, September 4, 2007.
September 2007
HUNTER SUSPENDED FOR FOUR YEARS FOR SHOOTING A PROTECTED BIRD
CHAPLEAU – A Timmins man, who shot a bald eagle, has been suspended from hunting for four years. The bald eagle is protected under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
The man was convicted of making a false statement to a conservation officer about evidence found at the scene of a bald eagle shooting.
Court was told that on October 6, 2004 Chapleau Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers responded to a report of an injured eagle. Ministry staff sent the bird to an animal hospital but it died of complications. X-rays showed shotgun pellets in the bird. Investigators used forensic evidence to determine that the man was lying when he denied shooting the bird. He had been hunting small game in Foleyet Township at the time the bird was shot.
The case was heard in Ontario Court of Justice, Timmins, September 20, 2007.
September 2007
TWO MEN FINED FOR HUNTING DURING CLOSED SEASON
PEMBROKE – Two Burnstown men have been fined a total of $1,500 for their involvement in an illegal deer hunt in 2004.
During a court appearance in Pembroke, September 18, a man plead guilty to unlawfully hunting white-tailed deer during the closed season and was fined $1,000. A second man plead guilty to unlawfully possessing white-tailed deer and was fined $500.
The court heard that on October 31, 2004, conservation officers in Pembroke were conducting an investigation into reports of illegal deer hunting in the Burnstown area. The investigating officers visited the second man’s home and found two white-tailed deer in his shed. Further investigation revealed that the deer had been shot and placed in the shed the previous day by the first man.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Pembroke, September 18, 2007.
September 2007
$1500 FINE FOR FISHING IN SANCTUARY
PETERBOROUGH – Two Peterborough men have been fined a total of $1500 for fishing in a sanctuary.
Court was told that on May 17, 2007, the two men were illegally fishing in the sanctuary at Lock 19, in the City of Peterborough. The Trent Severn Lock Master told the men that the area was closed for fishing but the men ignored his message and continued fishing. The Ministry of Natural Resources was contacted. When a Conservation Officer arrived, the men had left the scene but were eventually located and arrested.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Peterborough, September 13, 2007.
Fish sanctuaries protect fish populations during the spawning season.
September 2007
KILLING A SOW AND HER CUBS PROVES COSTLY
SAULT STE. MARIE – An East Algoma man was fined $1,225 and suspended from hunting for one year for unlawfully hunting bear.
Court was told that on May 22, 2007, the man shot and killed three bears and left them to spoil. He argued the bears posed a threat to public safety. The operator of a private daycare told the man a sow and two cubs had crossed daycare property. Several days later, the man spotted the bears approximately one-quarter of a kilometre from the daycare on private land and dispatched all three bears.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and local police services were not contacted at any time regarding the presence of the bears. The Crown successfully argued that neither the defence of property nor defence of life legislation applied to the man’s actions.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sault Ste. Marie September 6, 2007.
Killing of bears in defence of property or life must be reasonable and justifiable, and must be reported to the ministry immediately.
September 2007
SARNIA BRIDGE CHECK NETS HUNDREDS OF FISH
SARNIA – Most anglers stopped at a fish and game check station on the Bluewater Bridge in Sarnia were obeying Ontario’s hunting and fishing regulations.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canada Border Services Agency conducted the joint enforcement blitz on Saturday, September 8, 2007. Officers were checking for compliance with both provincial and federal fish and game regulations.
Conservation and customs officers stopped 248 vehicles during the five-hour operation, inspected 24 parties and laid 6 charges for unlawfully possessing fish packed so that species or number could not readily be identified or counted. In addition to the charges, hundreds of fish were seized and will be donated to charity.
They also issued 13 warnings for the same offence.
Conservation officers occasionally use border point or roadside check stations to enforce fish and wildlife regulations. This operation was carried out with the co-operation of staff from the Bluewater Bridge Authority.
September 2007
$2,000 FINE FOR SPOILED COW MOOSE
CHAPLEAU – A Parkhill man has been fined $2,000 for abandoning a cow moose.
The man plead guilty and was convicted of allowing game meat, suitable for eating, to spoil.
Court was told that in October 2005, a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer, acting on a complaint from the public, found an abandoned cow moose in Greenlaw Township East of Chapleau. The following investigation found that the man shot the moose and left it to spoil.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Chapleau, September 5, 2007.
September 2007
KUSHOG LAKE COTTAGER ORDERED TO PAY COST OF PUTTING OUT FIRE
MINDEN – A Kushog Lake cottager has been ordered to pay $6,745. for a fire that burned .22 hectares of the Frost Centre Management Area.
A resident of Toronto, plead guilty to starting the fire at his Kushog Lake cottage. He was ordered to pay fire suppression costs incurred by the Township of Algonquin Highlands and the Ministry of Natural Resources in putting out the blaze.
Court was told that on May 26, 2007, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the man ignited a rubbish pile on his cottage lot on Kushog Lake’s east shore. The man left the immediate vicinity of the fire and at approximately 4:30 p.m. he noticed a large plume of smoke rising up from the fire site. The man called the Algonquin Highlands fire department who extinguished the blaze that had spread into the surrounding forest.
A joint investigation by the ministry’s Haliburton Fire Base and Minden conservation officers revealed that no permit had been issued for the fire. There were no tools or water on site to contain the fire. The fire was started during the prohibited period and was less than two metres from flammable materials.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Minden, September 6, 2007.
You must not leave a fire unattended and must make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. Anyone found responsible for causing a forest fire can be ordered to pay the costs of extinguishing the fire.
September 2007
FINED FOR DUMPING GARBAGE ON CROWN LAND
SIOUX LOOKOUT – A Sioux Lookout man has been fined $500 after pleading guilty to dumping garbage on Crown land.
The man avoided a much larger fine by agreeing to clean up the entire site, where others had also illegally dumped garbage, by October 31, 2007.
The court was told that in late June or early July, 2007, the man dumped construction materials, packaging and boxes near the airport northeast of Sioux Lookout. Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers discovered the garbage on July 15 while patrolling areas known for illegal dumping. They were able to link some of the dumped material including a box and cement bag, to the man.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sioux Lookout, September 20, 2007.
The laws prohibiting the dumping of garbage on Crown land are intended to protect the ecological integrity and natural beauty of the province and ensure the lands are available for the public to enjoy. Approved landfill sites are the only safe place to dispose of garbage.
September 2007
$2,500 FINES FOR WORKING WITHOUT PERMITS
MINDEN – A Toronto area man was fined $1,000 for constructing a trail on Crown land without a work permit. In a separate case, a second Toronto area man was fined $1,500 for filling shore lands without a work permit.
Court was told that a conservation officer found an illegally constructed trail on Crown land. The following investigation found that the man had constructed the trail near his cottage on Koshlong Lake. Court also heard that, while on patrol, the conservation officer found an illegally constructed retaining wall and sand added to an existing beach at a cottage on Esson Lake near the town of Wilberforce.
In addition to the fines, the two men collectively donated $2,000 to the Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association. The association is a non-profit group that carries out natural resources projects and provides educational opportunities in and around Haliburton County.
Koshlong and Esson Lakes are stocked with the unique “Haliburton Gold” strain of Lake Trout which are raised by the association. The donations will be earmarked for future fish stocking efforts.
The two cases were heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Minden, September 6, 2007.
Crown land includes the beds of most lakes and rivers and provides critical habitat for many species of plant and animal life. Please contact your local ministry office to get the required permits before working in or around water.
August 2007
FINED $3,000 FOR DISCHARGING FIREARMS ON ROADWAY
RED LAKE — Two Madoc men have been fined $1,500 each for discharging their firearms in a roadway.
The two men plead guilty and in addition to their fines, their Ontario hunting privileges and licences have been suspended until they complete the hunter education course. The bull moose they killed was forfeited to the Crown.
The court heard that on October 14, 2006, the men were travelling on the Dixie Lake Road West from Highway 105 when they saw a bull moose. They got out of their truck and shot the moose. Ministry of Natural Resources Red Lake District conservation officers arrived shortly after the moose was shot. The officers determined that from the position from which they shot the moose, they would not have been able to determine if there was traffic beyond the crest of the hill behind the moose. The men did have a bull moose tag for the correct Wildlife Management Unit.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Red Lake, on August 3, 2007.
The ministry reminds the public that regulations that prohibit hunters from discharging a firearm on or across a roadway are in place to protect hunters and the public.
August 2007
$2,000 FINE FOR SPOILED MEAT
TIMMINS — Two Timmins men have been fined $2,000 for allowing moose meat to spoil.
The men plead guilty and were fined $1,000 each for allowing game meat, suitable for eating, to spoil.
Court heard that the two men were responsible for taking care of meat from the adult cow moose that was legally shot by their hunting party last fall. Instead the moose was neglected and the meat spoiled during a period of warm weather.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Timmins, on July 19, 2007.
The ministry reminds hunters that it is illegal to allow sport fish or game to spoil.
August 2007
ATV DRIVER CONVICTED OF EIGHT OFFENCES
KINGSTON — A Brockville man has been fined $1,800 and convicted of eight offences under the Off-Road Vehicles Act, Ontario Fishery Regulations and the Public Lands Act.
The man had his fishing equipment forfeited and was convicted of the following offences:
- Depositing material on Crown land
- Driving an off-road vehicle (ATV) not insured under a motor vehicle liability policy
- Failing to apply to the Ministry of Transportation for new permits
- Using plate(s) that were not authorized for use on his ATVs
- Setting more than one bait-fish trap than permitted under his sport fishing licence
- Failing to put his name on his bait-fish traps
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kingston, on July 26, 2007.
The public is reminded that ATV use on public land is regulated, restrictions apply to the harvest of bait fish and depositing material on Crown land is illegal.
August 2007
$2,400 FINE FOR LETTING A CAMPFIRE START A WILDFIRE
SUDBURY — Two Barrie area men were fined $1,000 each for causing a fire that burned 590 hectares of Crown land in Halfway Lake Provincial Park and along Highway 144 on the May long weekend. The cost of fighting the fire, named Sudbury 46, is estimated in excess of $1.1 million.
The two men plead guilty and were fined $1,000 each for failing to extinguish a campfire before leaving their site. The men were fined an additional $200 each for littering in a provincial park and for having a campfire in an area not designated for a campfire. The men were placed on probation for two years and must complete 40 hours of community service at Halfway Lake Provincial Park.
The court was told that on May 19, 2007, the men were camping on an island in the southern portion of Halfway Lake Provincial Park. Before leaving the park two days later the pair attempted to extinguish their campfire with water and dirt.
Sudbury 46 was reported on May 23, 2007 and was aggressively attacked by water bombers. The size of the fire forced the evacuation of several hundred people from homes and camps on Lake Onaping. Halfway Lake Provincial Park was evacuated and closed for two weeks. On May 24, 2007 further investigation found the two men that caused the fire.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sudbury, on August 14, 2007.
The ministry reminds the public that protecting our forests from fires requires caution and extreme care. Campers should never leave fires unattended and must ensure that they are completely extinguished before leaving. The public may be required to pay the government for the costs of putting out a fire that they caused.
August 2007
FINED $1,500 FOR UNSAFE MOOSE HUNTING
GERALDTON — Two southern Ontario hunters have been fined $1,500 for unsafe hunting.
One man from Arnprior, and another from Haliburton, plead guilty to the charge of unsafe hunting and were fined $750 each and banned from hunting for one year.
The court was told that on October 15, 2006, Ministry of Natural Resources Geraldton Area conservation officers located fresh moose remains on Greta Road just north of Geraldton. An investigation found that the moose was walking down the road when the men shot it from the roadway.
The case was heard in Ontario Court of Justice, Geraldton, on August 14, 2007.
The public is reminded that it is illegal to discharge a firearm in the travelled portion of a road. When discharging a firearm, a hunter must have a clear line of fire to prevent injury or damage to property.
August 2007
AGGREGATE PIT OWNER FINED $10,000 FOR OPERATING WHILE UNDER SUSPENSION
WOODSTOCK — An Embro man has been fined $10,000 for operating an aggregate pit in Zorra Township with a suspended licence.
The man plead guilty to operating a pit without a licence and was fined $625 for each of the 16 offences.
Court was told that in May 2006, his pit licence was suspended by the Ministry of Natural Resources for violating conditions of the site plan. Further investigation by a ministry aggregate inspector and conservation officers found that he had operated the pit on several days in 2006 while his licence was under suspension. When an aggregate licence is under suspension, the only work permitted on the licensed site is to fix violations.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Woodstock, on August 8, 2007.
July 2007
FISHING BLITZ IN THE NIAGARA PENINSULA FINDS MOST ANGLERS OBEYING THE RULES
GUELPH — Most anglers checked during an enforcement blitz on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29, 2007 were fishing legally. Information received from the MNR Tips Line and gathered locally by conservation officers over the last two months resulted in the blitz.
Many of the popular fishing areas in the Niagara Region and Haldimand County were checked by plainclothes officers to ensure compliance with fishing regulations. Accompanied by the Ministry's Canine Unit, officers contacted 220 people over the two days. They laid 28 charges and issued 22 warnings for the following violations under provincial legislation:
- over limit of bass (daily limit is 6 and daily conservation limit is 2);
- possession and use of gobies as bait;
- fishing without a licence;
- fishing with more than one line;
- failure to produce a licence;
- trespass of property for the purpose of fishing;
- operating ATVs without helmet and insurance; and
- possession of open liquor.
All live gobies and containers used to transport or store this invasive species were seized.
July 2007
POACHER KILLS TURKEY ON A SUNDAY
ORILLIA — A Barrie man has been fined $2,000 and banned from hunting for one year for killing a wild turkey out of season.
The man was convicted for hunting wild turkey out of season, for hunting on Sunday and for trespassing on private property to hunt. The turkey was forfeited to the court.
The court was told that on June 3, 2007, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers responded to a call from Barrie Detachment Ontario Provincial Police regarding a call from landowners in Oro Medonte Township, near Dalston. The landowners had heard a gunshot in their corn field at 4:45 p.m. that afternoon and witnessed a man carrying an injured turkey to his car, which was parked on their lawn. During the investigation the man admitted that he had shot the turkey. He told the officers that he had successfully completed the mandatory Wild Turkey Hunter Education Seminar, and he knew that turkey season was closed in June.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia, on July 10, 2007.
July 2007
FIRST JOINT PATROL NETS 10 ANGLERS DURING CLOSED SEASON
BANCROFT — The first joint patrol of the season by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Bancroft Ontario Provincial Police netted 10 pre-season bass anglers.
On June 22, 2007, the day before the opening of bass season, officers inspected a group of anglers from the Madoc area on Big Burnt Lake, in the Lake and Marmora Townships. Officers seized 32 bass and laid 10 charges for bass fishing during the closed season.
The public is reminded that the closed season protects bass when they are most vulnerable during the spawning season.
July 9, 2007
DEVELOPER CHARGED $1,000 FOR SHORELINE WORK
BANCROFT — An Apsley man is guilty of illegally filling shore lands without a work permit.
The man was fined $1,000 for placing fill in the water and altering the shoreline on a cottage lot on Ayrhart Lake in Faraday Township, near the town of Bancroft.
Court ordered the man to restore the site according to conditions imposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Bancroft, on July 3, 2007.
Cottagers and contractors are reminded that there are special conditions when working around water and must contact their local Ministry of Natural Resources district office for proper permits prior to doing any construction or depositing fill in or around shore lands.
July 9, 2007
CAMP OWNER FINED $1,500 FOR CUTTING A TRAIL ACROSS CROWN LAND
BANCROFT — An Oshawa man was fined $1,500 for cutting a trail on Crown land. The man was convicted of constructing a trail on public land without a work permit.
Court was told that on November 6, 2006, a Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officer was checking deer hunters in Lake Township when he discovered that a man had been working on a trail to gain easier access to his camp in Hastings County. When nearby property owners denied him his usual access to the camp, he cut down several trees to create a trail more than a mile long on Crown land. The area is classified as an Enhanced Management Area, requiring special protection and new trails are not permitted.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Bancroft, on July 3, 2007.
The public is reminded that under the Public Lands Act, a work permit is required to construct a trail on public land. The act ensures that Ontario's forests and Crown lands remain healthy and sustainable.
June 26, 2007
ILLEGAL BROOK TROUT NETS $3,650 IN FINES
NIPIGON — Two Thunder Bay men have been fined $3,650 for lying to a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer and for fishing violations.
The first man plead guilty and was fined $1,500 for obstruction, $400 for possessing an under-sized fish and $250 for not returning the fish to the water. The second man also plead guilty and was fined $1,500 for obstruction. Both men forfeited their fishing equipment to the Crown and the fish has been donated to charity.
The court was told that on May 19, 2007, the two men were fishing on the Nipigon River at the Alexander Dam. A Ministry of Natural Resources Nipigon District conservation officer saw the first man catch a brook trout and weigh, measure and attach it to the stringer on their boat. When the officer inspected the boat, the second man claimed that he caught the fish under his rights as a status Indian in the Robinson Superior Treaty Area.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Nipigon, on June 18, 2007.
The ministry reminds anglers that there are special regulations on the Nipigon River to protect the sustainability of brook trout.
June 21, 2007
LETTING GAME MEAT SPOIL COSTLY FOR THREE MEN
HEARST — Three Hearst-area men have been fined $1,800 after pleading guilty to their roles in letting moose meat spoil.
One man was fined $800, and the other two men were each fined $500.
Court was told that on or about September 27, 2006, a Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officer, acting on a complaint from the public, located an abandoned moose in Stoddard Township west of Hearst. The moose had been shot earlier, but because of improper handling the meat spoiled and the three men abandoned it.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Hearst, on, May 1, 2007 and concluded on June 19, 2007.
The ministry reminds the public that if they commit an offence they should contact the ministry as soon as possible. Officers will often take prompt disclosure and mitigating circumstances into account when laying charges.
June 19, 2007
TWO MICHIGAN MEN PLEAD GUILTY TO BRINGING LIVE MINNOWS INTO ONTARIO
THESSALON — Two Michigan men have been fined for bringing bait fish into Ontario illegally. The province and several U.S. states have restricted the transfer of live bait fish to slow the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia and invasive species.
The two men are residents of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and both men pleaded guilty.
One man was fined $500 and is banned from fishing in Ontario for two years the other man was fined $500.
Court was told that on April 21, 2007, the Ontario Provincial Police notified the Ministry of Natural Resources of possible illegal fishing at Brown's Bay near the St. Joseph Channel. Conservation officers from the Upper Great Lakes Enforcement Unit and Sault Ste. Marie District did a “plain-clothes” operation on the morning of April 22 where they saw several non-resident anglers using live bait to catch yellow perch.
When the officers talked to the first man, he claimed all his minnows came from an Ontario bait store; but most of them were a species and size not sold locally on the Ontario side of the border. The investigation determined that he had entered Ontario by vehicle early that morning and acquired six dozen minnows. He then transported these minnows back into the United States. Once in Michigan, he purchased at least 20 dozen shiners and mixed them in with the Ontario bait. He then entered Ontario again by boat, travelling to Brown's Bay. When questioned by the officers, he produced an Ontario receipt for a small number of minnows and alleged all the live bait in the vessel originated from Ontario. Conservation officers seized the minnows.
When the second man who was in a different boat, realized there were conservation officers investigating, he dumped his minnows in the bay.
These were not isolated violations. Conservation officers ticketed five other non-resident anglers for similar offences in the same area.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thessalon, on June 19, 2007.
June 14, 2007
PUBLIC TIP HELPS CATCH ILLEGAL DEER HUNTER
PETERBOROUGH — A Markham man has been fined $5,000 on charges related to illegal deer hunting.
The man plead guilty to hunting deer during the closed season, possessing illegally killed wildlife, and trespassing to hunt.
Court was told that on December 8, 2006, after receiving a tip from the public, Ontario Provincial Police officers and a Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officer found the man with a deer he had shot with a rifle on private property in Galway-Cavendish-Harvey Township. The rifle hunt for deer in that area had ended on November 19.
In addition to the fine, he was suspended from hunting for 2 years.
The case was heard at the Ontario Court of Justice, Peterborough, on June 14, 2007.
The ministry reminds the public that regulations are in place to protect hunters as well as the public and help ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations. Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act prohibits hunting on private land without the landowner's permission.
June 2007
CALIFORNIA MAN FINED $9,000 FOR HUNTING VIOLATIONS
THUNDER BAY — A California man has been fined $9,000 for hunting and licensing violations following a joint investigation by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and the Canada Border Services Agency.
The man pled guilty under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act to illegally hunting moose and deer, possessing void licences and illegally entering the resident moose draw. He was banned from hunting in Ontario for two years and permanently forfeited his rifle to the Crown.
Court was told that while posing as an Ontario resident, the man committed eight offences.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on June 13, 2007.
The ministry reminds the public that hunting regulations are in place to protect the sustainability of wildlife populations. Non-residents wishing to hunt moose in Ontario must be registered with a tourist outfitter or meet specific exception criteria. When non-resident hunters pose as resident hunters they illegally take hunting and tourism opportunities away from outfitters and residents of Ontario.
June 2007
$2,450 FINE FOR VANDALIZING ANCIENT TREE
ATIKOKAN — A Toronto man has been fined $2,450 for vandalizing a 250-year old red pine tree in Quetico Provincial Park.
The man was convicted under the Provincial Parks Act. In addition to the fine he was also banned from the park for one year. $1,500 of the $2,450 fine will be contributed to the Quetico Foundation.
The Pines is a unique pure stand of large red pines at the east end of Quetico Provincial Park. The trees have been dated to about 1750 and tree cores from them have been used for several long-term climate research projects. The trees also serve as seed stock for the forest.
The public receives a brochure upon entering the park explaining that it is against park law to remove, cut or damage vegetation or trees. The ministry reminds the public that damaging tree bark can lead to insect damage and potentially tree death.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Atikokan on June 7, 2007.
June 2007
$3,000 FINE FOR 12 ILLEGAL RAINBOW TROUT
NIPIGON — Two Nipigon men have been fined $3,000 after pleading guilty to possessing 12 rainbow trout more than the legal limit.
The two men were banned from fishing for one year and their fishing equipment and the fish were forfeited to the Crown. The fish were donated to charity.
On May 4, 2007 a Ministry of Natural Resources Nipigon District conservation officer inspected their vehicle and discovered 14 rainbow trout in a dip net and a pack. Each man was legally entitled to one rainbow trout.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Nipigon, on May 28, 2007.
The ministry reminds anglers that regulations are in place to protect the sustainability of rainbow trout populations.
May 2007
TOURIST OUTFITTER BANNED FOR LIFE FOR SELLING WILDLIFE
CHAPLEAU — Tourist outfitter has been fined $20,000 for selling wildlife and banned for life from hunting, fishing and bear guiding in Ontario.
The outfitter pled guilty to 16 offences under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Fines included:
- $5,000 for illegally purchasing a black bear (bought from an undercover conservation officer)
- $5,000 for illegally serving moose meat
- $5,000 for serving pike
- $5,000 for serving pickerel to guests
Other charges and convictions included:
- Unlawfully hunting bear
- Unlawfully bartering moose antlers
- Over limit of 42 pickerel
- Over limit of grouse - two days before the grouse season opened
Following tips and complaints from the public, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Michigan Department of Natural Resources conducted a 14-month investigation. While executing a search warrant, officers seized 48 packages of moose meat, five sets of moose antlers, 34 grouse, 15 pike and 53 walleye. All items were forfeited to the Crown.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Timmins, on May 24, 2007.
The Ministry of Natural Resources is committed to enforcing the laws against illegally commercializing fish and wildlife. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act provides for penalties of up to $100,000 and two years in jail for persons convicted of these types of offences.
May 2007
HEFTY FINES FOR ILLEGALLY HUNTING DEER
SAULT STE. MARIE — Two Michigan men have been fined $1,000 each and banned from hunting for one year for hunting violations during last October's archery white-tailed deer hunt.
The two men pled guilty and were each fined $500 for hunting deer without licences and $500 for trespassing on private property for the purpose of hunting.
The investigation revealed that both men were actively bow hunting deer without the authority of a licence and trespassed on private property for the purpose of deer hunting.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sault Ste. Marie, on May 3, 2007.
The public is reminded that hunting regulations are in place to protect the sustainability of wildlife populations and to give all hunters a fair opportunity to hunt. Hunters can find more information about hunting on private property on page 25 of the 2007 Hunting Regulations Summary.
April 2007
PUBLIC TIP HELPS CATCH ILLEGAL DEER HUNTER
PETERBOROUGH — A Markham man pled guilty to illegally hunting deer during the closed season and was fined $2000. In addition to the fine, the man was suspended from hunting for two years.
On December 8, 2006, after receiving a tip from the public, Ontario Provincial Police officers and a Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officer found the man with a deer he had shot with a rifle on private property. The rifle hunt for deer in that area had ended on November 19.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Peterborough, on April 12, 2007.
The ministry reminds the public that regulations are in place to protect hunters as well as the public and help ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations. Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act prohibits hunting on private land without the landowner's permission.
March 2007
CAMPFIRE STARTS WILDFIRE & COSTS THREE MEN $6,300
KENORA — Three Winnipeg men must pay $6,000 to cover a portion of the cost of suppressing a wildfire they caused. That fire, known as Kenora Fire 9, cost the Ministry of Natural Resources over $38,000 to put out.
The three men pled guilty and were fined $100 each for not tending their campfire and $2,000 each to help pay for a portion of the cost of putting the fire out.
On April 24, ministry fire technicians investigated the fire. They determined that embers from the men's campfire had blown downwind and started the wildfire. Two days later, a Kenora District conservation officer interviewed the men and laid charges against them.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kenora, on March 20, 2007.
The ministry reminds the public that protecting our forest from unwanted fires requires caution and extreme care. If you start a fire, never leave it unattended and be sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. The public may be required to pay the government the costs of putting out a fire which they have caused.
FEBRUARY 2007
UNETHICAL HUNTERS HIT HARD WITH FINES
PETERBOROUGH — Five Haliburton-area men have been fined $7,000 after pleading guilty to hunting offences.
One man was fined $2,000 for illegally killing an adult cow moose and $1,000 for abandoning it. He was also suspended from hunting for two years.
The other four men were each fined $1,000 for their part in abandoning the moose.
The hunting party did not have an adult cow validation tag so they took the calf but left the cow to spoil. Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers charged the group in October 2006 after a two-year investigation.
There are a limited number of bull and cow validation tags allocated in Wildlife Management Unit 60A to ensure moose populations aren't adversely affected. The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds hunters who mistakenly shoot the wrong animal to call the ministry immediately. Officers will investigate and take into account all of the circumstances. It is unethical to let fish or game spoil and courts take it seriously when sentencing offenders.
The case was heard in the Ontario Court of Justice, Peterborough, on February 8, 2007.
