Hunters fined for shooting down roadway near Sioux Lookout
Tim Brody - Editor
Two hunters have been fined a combined total of $11,000 for shooting down a roadway near Sioux Lookout last year.
Justice of the Peace Jennifer Neil heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sioux Lookout, on July 15.
A Tottenham resident pleaded guilty to careless use of a firearm. He received $6,000 in fines and a one-year hunting licence suspension. He will also have to successfully complete the Ontario Hunter Education Course before obtaining another hunting licence.
A North York resident pleaded guilty to careless use of a firearm. He received $5,000 in fines and a two-year hunting licence suspension. He will also have to successfully complete the Ontario Hunter Education Course before obtaining another hunting licence.
According to an August 13 Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry bulletin, “Court heard that on October 19, 2020, conservation officers were conducting a moose decoy operation on the Star Creek Road, east of Sioux Lookout. This planned operation was in response to historical unsafe hunting practices and party-hunting-related violations observed in the same area. The moose decoy was situated on a commonly used forestry road where conservation officers controlled traffic in the vicinity of the operation.”
According to the bulletin, both men fired shots down the roadway at the moose decoy with high powered rifles. The bulletin states that the Tottenham resident fired three times. The North York resident fired once.
The Ontario government is reminding hunters that shooting down or across a road is both dangerous and illegal.
“Conservation officers continue to patrol and protect our natural resources during the current COVID-19 pandemic and would like to remind everyone that by respecting seasons, sanctuaries, bag and possession limits, we all help ensure our natural resources stay healthy. Visit Ontario’s website (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/) to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19,” the bulletin informed.
To report a natural resource violation or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. People can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, people can visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.
