the MNR
Three Ontario residents have been fined a total of $2,750 for charges related to illegal moose hunting.
Jim Martin of Owen Sound was convicted under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and fined $2,250 for discharging a firearm across a highway, possessing illegally-killed wildlife, and providing false information to a conservation officer.
Calvin Crawford of Tara and Brian Cupskey of Allenford, meanwhile, were fined $250 each for providing false information to a conservation officer.
Court heard that on Oct. 17, the three men were driving west on Highway 11 near Kashabowie when they came upon a cow moose standing in the ditch on the opposite side of the road.
Martin got out of the vehicle and fired two shots across the highway, killing the moose.
When later questioned by a conservation officer, the party provided false information about where the animal was shot.
Conservation officers used physical evidence to determine the moose was shot from the highway.
Both the moose and a firearm were seized; the firearm will be returned once the fines are paid.
Justice of the Peace Gene A. Bannon heard the case March 2 in Thunder Bay.
The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds hunters that it is illegal to shoot from, down, or across a public road.
Hunters in Northwestern Ontario should be aware of proposed regulation changes regarding firearms and roadways.
For further information on hunting regulations, consult the 2010-11 Hunting Regulations Summary, available at ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, from licence issuers, and at ontario.ca/hunting
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).
