NDMNRF Report:

Ontario Protects Public Safety and Moose

The Ontario government is protecting public safety and moose by ensuring hunters use safe hunting methods.

Douglas Ferguson of Thunder Bay pleaded guilty and was fined $5,500 for using a firearm carelessly to hunt, $2,000 for obstructing a conservation officer as well as being suspended from hunting in Ontario for one year. He will also have to successfully complete the Ontario Hunter Education Course before purchasing another hunting licence.

James Walters of Simcoe and Randal Kenning of Winnipeg, Manitoba, plead guilty and were each fined $1,000 for transporting unlawfully killed wildlife.

Court heard that on September 19, 2020, Ferguson was part of a party hunting moose on the Race Lake Road North of Sioux Lookout. Conservation officers along with canine services unit investigated and discovered that Ferguson had shot a bull moose down the road and into a blind corner. Ferguson, Walters and Kenning then loaded the moose and moved it to another location to hide the fact it was shot down the road.

Justice of the Peace Denette Ellard heard the case from the Sioux Lookout Ontario Court of Justice on November 25, 2021.

Conservation officers remind everyone that by respecting seasons, sanctuaries, bag and possession limits, we all help ensure our natural resources stay healthy. To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.