Hunters fined

Two Vermont hunters have been fined $2,500 after pleading guilty to illegal deer hunting.
Leonard J. Rivers, 44, of Montpelier, was fined $1,000 for careless hunting and $500 for trespassing while Earl D. MacDonald, 35, of Westburke, was fined $500 for careless hunting and $500 for trespassing.
They also are banned from hunting in Ontario for two years, and must take the hunter safety course before re-applying for a hunting licence.
They forfeited the deer they killed to the Crown, which was donated to charity.
Court was told that back on Nov. 8, Rivers and MacDonald shot and killed a buck on private property near School Road, in a rural area about six km north of Kenora.
Local residents heard shots, chased a truck with Vermont licence plates leaving the scene, and called the Ministry of Natural Resources and OPP.
Police pulled the pair over as they were on their way to the OPP detachment to turn themselves in.
Conservation officers from Kenora District interviewed them.
Justice of the Peace Marcel Donio heard the case Jan. 30 in Dryden.
The ministry reminds the public that safe hunting practices protect hunters as well as the public. Hunters always should obtain a landowner’s permission before going on to private property to hunt.
To report a natural resource violation, call toll-free 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) any time or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours.
You also can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).