the MNR
An Illinois man has been fined $2,000 for shooting a moose from a road and leaving the carcass to spoil.
Michael Steward of Belvidere pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm on or across a road and abandoning the moose carcass.
In addition to the fine, Steward is banned from hunting in Ontario for two years.
Court heard that on Sept. 22, 2008, conservation officers were contacted about an abandoned moose on Trail Lake Road near Armstrong.
An investigation involving the Ministry of Natural Resource’s canine unit, information from the public, forensic ballistic evidence, and assistance from the Illinois Conservation Police revealed Steward had shot and killed a bull moose from the road.
He had a bull tag, but said he was unsure if it was legal to shoot from a road.
He then abandoned the animal.
Justice of the Peace Ray Zuliani heard the case Dec. 1 in Thunder Bay.
The ministry reminds hunters it is illegal to shoot from, down, or across a public road.
It also is an offence to leave the flesh of a game animal to spoil.
Hunters should contact the TIPS-MNR line or a conservation officer if they kill an animal by mistake.
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).
