MNR NEWS Media Release – Illegally Shot Bear
Two McDougall Township men have been fined a total of $1,000 for a bear shooting incident.
Wayne Morris pleaded guilty to failing to report the shooting of a black bear and was fined $500. Paul Doherty pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a conservation officer and was fined $500.
The court heard that on May 20, 2014, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conservation officers responded to a complaint about the shooting of a black bear in the Hoddys Sideroad area of McDougall, in the Parry Sound district. Officers were alerted to two persons of interest.
Charges were brought against Morris and Doherty as a result of the officers’ investigation, which involved the ministry’s canine unit and examination of DNA evidence.
Justice of the Peace Sue Hilton heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Parry Sound, September 23, 2014.
The public is reminded that under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, the shooting of a black bear must be reported to the local MNRF office or to the 1-866-514-2327 bear reporting line.
For further information on hunting regulations, please consult the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/hunting.
To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
