Press Release
A Northwestern Ontario man has been fined $3,500 for illegal deer hunting.
James Amie Rousseau, of Balmertown, pleaded guilty and was convicted under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
He was fined $2,500 for trespassing to hunt and $1,000 for failing to affix a valid game seal tag to his harvested deer.
Rousseau also is prohibited from hunting in Ontario for the next two years.
Rousseau’s firearm was seized and will be returned once his fines are paid.
Court heard that on Nov. 1, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers observed Rousseau and a second individual walk out of the woods, enter a truck, and drive down Nelles-Patullo Road in Patullo Township in Rainy River District.
Officers then heard a gunshot from the direction of Rousseau’s truck.
When questioned, Rousseau advised the officers he did not shoot any wildlife.
Upon investigation, officers found a buck deer and evidence it had been dragged from its kill site in a cattle pasture on private property to a fence next to the road, where the vehicle originally was parked.
A single bullet found under the hide of the deer matched the firearm Rousseau had with him when interviewed by the officers.
Rousseau later admitted to shooting the deer.
The ministry reminds hunters that it is illegal to shoot from, down, or across a public road when hunting.
Hunters also must have permission to enter private land—even if the intent is just to cross the private land to reach public land.
Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell heard the case Jan. 14 in Rainy River.
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).
