the MNR
Three men have been fined a total of $3,500 for offences related to deer hunting.
Rodney Szyszka of Ignace pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for trespassing to hunt white-tailed deer.
He also pleaded guilty, and was fined $2,000, for not taking reasonable care to ensure that the hunter apprentice under his supervision complied with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
Szyszka is not allowed to hunt in Ontario for two years.
Meanwhile, Jordan McKay of Ignace and Geatano Ricci of Dryden each were fined $250 for trespassing to hunt.
Court heard that last Oct. 31, a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer responded to a complaint that hunters had trespassed on private property to harvest a deer.
Szyszka told the investigating officer he was supervising an apprentice hunter while deer hunting with McKay and Ricci northwest of Dryden.
Szyszka said the apprentice hunter shot a deer while standing on the side of Howell Road, as Szyszka told him to.
The hunting party of four then drove onto private property that was posted with “No Trespassing” signs to retrieve the deer.
The deer later was forfeited to the Crown.
Justice of the Peace Marcel Donio heard the case Oct. 18 in Dryden.
The ministry reminds hunters that it is illegal to hunt deer on private property without the permission of the landowner.
Permission must be obtained to enter private land even if the intent is just to cross the land to retrieve a deer or to reach public land.
Ontario’s Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program allows new hunters aged 12-15 to safely develop their hunting skills under the supervision of a qualified mentor who is a licensed and experienced hunter.
To report a natural resources violation, call toll-free 1-877-TIPS-MNR (874-7667) any time or contact your local MNR office.
You also can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
