the MNR
A Colorado man has been fined $2,500 for shooting a black bear without a valid licence.
Levi Larsen, of Denver, was fined $1,000 for unlawfully hunting a black bear, $1,000 for possessing a void licence, and $500 for exporting the bear out of Ontario without a permit.
He is banned from hunting in Ontario for one year, and the bear was forfeited to the Crown.
Court heard that in August, 2009, Larsen tried to purchase a non-resident bear hunting licence from a licence issuer in Fort Frances District.
The issuer denied his request and referred him to the Ministry of Natural Resources office in Fort Frances.
Ministry staff informed Larsen that he did not have the proper hunting accreditation from his home state and therefore could not purchase the licence.
An investigation by conservation officers revealed that Larsen persisted and purchased a non-resident bear hunting licence in another location despite being informed by the ministry that he could not buy one.
He subsequently shot a black bear and exported it to the U.S.
With assistance from conservation officers in Colorado, the bear was seized and enough information was gathered to secure a conviction in court.
Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell heard the case Dec. 10 in Fort Frances.
To report a natural resources 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).
