Four hunters have received one-year licence suspensions and fines totaling $16,000 for hunting offences.
These convictions follow an investigation by the ministry’s enforcement branch that found a moose was harvested without a validation tag or any evidence left to verify the gender of the moose.
Ministry conservation officers were misled throughout the investigation on several occasions and given false information.
“Illegal harvest is a contributing factor that puts the sustainability of Ontario’s moose population at risk. Misrepresenting, falsifying or failing to report your harvest can lead to over harvest,” said conservation officer Davis Viehbeck.
“The ministry wants to remind resource users that they must provide honest and accurate information regarding their activities and harvest.”
On April 10, 2019, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Red Lake, all four members of the hunting party pleaded guilty before Justice of the Peace Marcel Donio.
Gerald Woolsey was fined a total of $4,000 for possession of illegally taken wildlife and providing false information to a conservation officer;
Doug Woolsey was fined $5,000 in total for hunting big game without a licence and obstructing a conservation officer;
Cam Woolsey was fined $4,500 in total for hunting big game without a licence and providing false information to a conservation officer; and
Kurtis Gessner was fined $2,500 in total for possession of illegally taken wildlife and providing false information to a conservation officer.
Ministry conservation officers work diligently to provide an environment where we can all enjoy Ontario’s natural resources in a safe and respectful manner.
To report a natural resource violation, call the ministry TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 toll-free, or contact your local ministry office. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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