Press Release
Two Hearst hunters have been fined a total of $7,000 for trespassing and hunting deer on private land.
Ricky Morrissette, 48, and Gerald Arguin, 60, both were convicted of trespassing for the purpose of hunting and fined $1,500 and $2,500, respectively.
Both men also were fined $1,000 each for possession of illegally-killed wildlife and $500 for failing to wear hunter orange.
Court heard that back on Nov. 6, Morrissette and Arguin were deer hunting in Sutherland Township of Rainy River District.
Alerted by gunshot, a homeowner watched from the window as the pair, both dressed in camouflage, retrieved a dead deer from a clearing on the private property, clearly marked with a “No Hunting” sign.
They loaded the deer, which Arguin shot on the private property from the road, onto Morrissette’s truck.
The resident reported the incident to the Ministry of Natural Resources’ TIPS Line and shared with conservation officers photos taken of the hunters, their truck, and the deer.
After positively identifying the hunters, search warrants were executed for both men’s homes.
On Jan. 10, conservation officers discovered 60 packs of deer meat at Morrissette’s home and 54 packs of deer meat at Arguin’s.
Arguin’s firearm was forfeited to the Crown and will be returned once all the fines are paid.
Justice of the Peace Jean-Marie Blier heard the cases March 24 in Hearst.
The accused originally were served summons to appear in court in Fort Frances on Feb. 13.
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 anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
