Press Release
A hunter has been fined $2,000 for illegal moose hunting.
John Ireland, of Everett, Ont., was convicted under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and fined $2,000 for unlawfully hunting cow moose.
His firearm was seized and will be returned once his fine is paid.
Court heard that on Oct. 10, Ireland shot a cow moose. But he was unaware of the whereabouts of any of the other seven hunters in his hunting party, including the one who had the valid cow moose game seal tag.
Ireland could not communicate with any member of his party—all of whom were more than five km away from him.
Ireland finally alerted his hunting party of the harvested moose when they picked him up three hours after he had shot it.
A Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer had contacted the hunting party at a roadside check and officers later contacted Everett when they patrolled the area.
The ministry reminds hunters that the person who kills wildlife while hunting in a party immediately must notify all other members of the party, and the game seal-holder must immediately affix the game seal to the wildlife.
Each member of the party must be able to reliably and immediately communicate with the other members, and hunt within five km of the person who holds the valid game seal.
Justice of the Peace Daisy Hoppe heard the case Dec. 15 in Dryden.
To report a natural resource 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).
