the MNR
A Winnipeg angler must pay $3,000 for possessing an over-limit of walleyes.
Harold Bumstead was convicted under Ontario fishing regulations.
All the fish were seized and forfeited to the Crown.
Court heard that on May 31, conservation officers conducting a road check on Highway 596, north of Kenora, found Bumstead to have 22 walleyes—18 over the legal possession limit of four.
Officers subsequently inspected Bumstead’s cabin north of Kenora and found more walleyes.
Through investigation, officers determined there also were walleyes at Bumstead’s residence in Winnipeg.
Justice of the Peace Robert McNally heard the case Aug. 6 in Kenora.
The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds the public that it is illegal to stockpile large quantities of fish.
An individual may not possess more fish than the possession limit of that species.
You are considered to possess fish if you are storing them at home, in freezers, on stringers or at other locations, or even eating them as part of a day’s meal.
For more information on fishing regulations, consult the 2008-09 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, available at ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, from licence issuers, and at ontario.ca/fishing.
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).