Ripple Outdoors Media MNR News Release

=====================================================================================

$2,500 in Fines for Illegal Wild Turkey Hunt

Masoud Arab pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for trespassing while in possession of a firearm, $1,000 for killing a wild turkey with an illegal firearm, and $500 for unlawfully killing a hen wild turkey.A Toronto man has been fined a total of $2,500 for illegally hunting wild turkey.

Court heard that on May 1, 2016, a conservation officer was called to the scene of a single motor vehicle accident on Burys Green Road, near Fenelon Falls. OPP officers were investigating the accident when they discovered a dead female wild turkey, hunting equipment and two firearms in the trunk of the car. Further investigation by the conservation officer revealed that Arab had trespassed on private property and killed the wild turkey with a .22 calibre rifle. The motor vehicle accident happened as Arab was attempting to leave the scene of the illegal hunting activity. His firearm and the wild turkey were forfeited to the Crown.

Justice of the Peace Martha De Gannes heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, City of Kawartha Lakes, on July 27, 2017.

Hunters are reminded that they must obtain permission from the landowner before hunting on private land, and that only a shotgun with shells containing #4, 5, 6 or 7 shot can be used to hunt wild turkey in Ontario.

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).

====================================================

$11,500 in Fines for Moose Hunt Violations

Five Ontario residents have been fined a total of $11,500 for unlawfully hunting a cow moose.

Todd Bowman of Bowmanville pleaded guilty and was fined $3,000 for unlawfully shooting a cow moose without a licence and $2,000 for the careless discharge of a firearm. In addition, he received a two-year hunting suspension.

Joseph Keller of Bancroft pleaded guilty and was fined $2,000 for shooting a cow moose without a licence and $1,000 for unlawfully discharging a firearm from the travelled portion of a road. He also received a one-year hunting suspension.

Larry Holmes of Simcoe pleaded guilty and was fined $750 for unlawfully attaching his game seal to a cow moose killed by another person and $1,000 for possessing illegally killed wildlife.

Norman Easto of Maynooth pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for possessing illegally killed wildlife.

Curtis Wash of Elginburg pleaded guilty and was fined $750 for possessing illegally killed wildlife.

Court heard that on October 22, 2016, conservation officers conducted an investigation involving a cow moose that had been harvested on Wippletree Road, north of Lake St. Peter. It was determined that Bowman and Keller had shot at a cow moose when neither of them were licensed. Some of the shots were taken from the travelled portion of the road. After mortally wounding the cow moose, they travelled to another local hunting camp where they met with Holmes, who possessed a cow moose seal. Holmes, Easto and Wash went to where the moose was still alive in the ditch near Wippletree Road. The moose was then killed and tagged using Holmes’ moose seal.

=============================================

$1,500 in Fines for Turkey Hunt During the Closed Season

Two southwestern Ontario men have been fined a total of $1,500 for turkey hunting offences.

Maxwell Denomy of Minto, in Wellington County, pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for unlawfully hunting wild turkey during the closed season. In addition to the fine, he received a three-month turkey hunting licence suspension.

Davis Hutchinson of Hanover, in Grey County, pleaded guilty and was fined $500 for unlawfully hunting wild turkey during the closed season.

Court heard that on September 6, 2016, Denomy and Hutchinson spotted a flock of wild turkeys after skeet shooting on a property along Normandy Road 9 in the Municipality of West Grey. Denomy shot and killed one of the turkeys with his shotgun. Hutchinson photographed Denomy posing with the turkey and his shotgun. A Midhurst Enforcement Unit conservation officer became aware of the photo, which had been posted on a popular website, and investigated the illegal activity with assistance from the ministry’s Investigations Services Unit.

Justice of the Peace Holly Charyna heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Walkerton, on March 7, 2017.

For further information on hunting regulations, please consult the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/hunting.

============================================

$800 Fine for Bass Fishing During Closed Season

Feb7 2017

A Toronto man has been fined $800 for catching largemouth bass during the closed season, contrary to the Ontario Fishery Regulations.

Atique Miah pleaded guilty to unlawfully catching and retaining largemouth bass during the closed season.

The court heard that on June 9, 2015, a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conservation officer observed Miah fishing from shore on Chemong Lake in Peterborough County. Upon inspection, the officer determined that Miah had been catching and placing fish in an enclosure constructed of rocks along the shoreline that prevented the fish from escaping back into the lake. Miah was found to be keeping largemouth bass within that enclosure, along with sunfish and crappie. The season for bass opens on the third Saturday in June in Fisheries Management Zone 17 where Miah was fishing.

Justice of the Peace Joni Glover heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Peterborough, on January 26, 2017.

For further information on fishing regulations, please consult the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary, available at ontario.ca/fishing.

=================================================================

$7,800 in Fines for Illegal Moose and Bear Hunt

Five men have been fined a total of $7,800 for moose and bear hunting offences.

Alan Brake of Keswick pleaded guilty and was fined $1,800 for hunting a cow moose without a licence.

Dakota Villiers of Keswick pleaded guilty and was fined $1,500 for hunting a black bear without a licence.

Norman Cuillerier of Willow Beach pleaded guilty and was fined $2,000 for transferring a moose licence to another person and $500 for transporting a black bear that was unlawfully killed.

Wesley Taylor of Windsor pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for possessing another person’s moose seal.

James Hand of Keswick pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for attaching his seal to a bear that was killed by another person.

Court heard that on October 18, 2016, a conservation officer contacted a large group of moose hunters in Longford Township in the City of Kawartha Lakes. The officer determined that Brake had shot a cow moose earlier that morning. Cuillerier, the holder of the licence seal for the animal, had left camp the night before and was not present when the moose was shot. The officer found that prior to leaving camp, Cuillerier had illegally transferred his cow moose seal to Taylor, another member of the group.

Further investigation found that Villiers had shot a black bear without a licence the previous day. Hand, who was licensed to hunt black bear, unlawfully attached his seal to the bear that was shot illegally. The bear was then transported from the area by Cuillerier when he left camp that night.

The ministry’s canine unit was utilized to recover evidence in this investigation and both the moose and the black bear were seized and forfeited to the Crown.

Justice of the Peace Catherine Henderson heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Lindsay, on January 27, 2017.

=================================================================

Feb 4 2017

TIPS Call Leads to $3,000 in Fines for Illegal Deer Hunt

Jason Reis pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for hunting white-tailed deer without a licence, $1,000 for trespassing for the purpose of hunting and $1,000 for using an illegal firearm to hunt deer.A Cambridge resident has been fined a total of $3,000 for an illegal deer hunt.

Court heard that on October 9, 2016, after receiving a trespassing complaint on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry TIPS line, a conservation officer went to the Glen Morris area of Brant County. The officer went to the site and located a ground blind, trail camera and bait used for the purpose of deer hunting. The officer continued to monitor the site over the next few days. On October 14, the conservation officer contacted Reis on the site. It was determined that Reis had trespassed onto the private property and was using the hunting equipment and a high powered rifle for hunting during the bows-only season.

Justice of the Peace Lillian D. Ross heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Brantford, on January 31, 2017.

===============================================================

Fined $2,500 for Illegal Deer Hunting

NEWS	February 3, 2017

An Uxbridge man has been fined $2,500 for illegal deer hunting.

James Brown pleaded guilty to hunting deer without a licence. In addition to the fine, he received a three-year hunting licence suspension.

Court heard that on November 13, 2016, Brown was hunting north of Wilberforce in Harcourt Township without a deer hunting licence when he shot and killed a deer. The deer was transported back to his camp, where it was later found by conservation officers.

Justice of the Peace Linda Kay heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Minden, on February 2, 2017.

===============================================

Fined $2,000 for Hunting Offences

NEWS	January 30, 2017

An Orleans man has been fined $2,000 under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act for hunting offences.

Reginald Mask pleaded guilty and was fined $1,500 for using a firearm carelessly to hunt, $250 for failing to wear hunter orange clothing while hunting, and $250 for possessing a loaded firearm within eight metres of a roadway. He also received a one-year hunting licence suspension and was ordered to retake the hunter safety course.

Court heard that on November 17, 2016, a complaint was received about an individual who had shot a deer near a residence located on Highway 60 in Jones Township, Renfrew County. Upon investigation, Pembroke district conservation officers determined that Mask had shot towards a residence while standing on the shoulder of Highway 60. In addition, he was not wearing hunter orange clothing while hunting. Conservation officers seized the deer.

Justice of the Peace Barry Moran heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Pembroke, on January 23, 2017.

===============================================

$1,200 in Fines for Hunting Violations – Jan 2017

A London man has been fined $1,200 for violations under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

Richard Graves pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for failing to attach a game seal to a deer immediately after it was killed, and $200 for unlawfully possessing an un-encased firearm at night.

Court heard that on November 9, 2016, a conservation officer and an Ontario Provincial Police constable from the West Parry Sound detachment contacted Graves, who was hunting in the Pickerel River area of Blair Township. The officers found Graves in possession of an un-encased firearm after legal hunting hours. Further investigation revealed that Graves had harvested an antlerless deer the previous day and failed to affix his game seal to the animal. The deer was seized and forfeited to the Crown.

Justice of the Peace Cornelia Mews heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Parry Sound, on December 20, 2016.

The ministry reminds hunters that deer must be tagged immediately at the location of the kill site in the manner described on the game seal.

For further information on hunting regulations, please consult the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/hunting.

============================================================================

Ministry Seeks Public’s Help in Identifying Individuals who shot Trumpeter Swans

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is seeking the public’s help in identifying the individuals responsible for shooting two Trumpeter Swans at the Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area, northeast of Arthur, in the Municipality of Wellington North.

In the first incident, a Trumpeter Swan was located floating in the marsh during the first week of October 2016 by a conservation officer. The swan is believed to have been shot and left in the water during the first few days of October. The swan had a metal leg band and two large yellow wing tags.

In the second incident, another Trumpeter Swan was reported to have been shot at Luther Marsh on Monday, October 10, 2016. Hunters in the area reported seeing the swan shot down around 9:00 a.m.

If you have information about either incident, 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).

================================================================================

$1,500 in Fines for Illegal Harvesting of Deer

October 13, 2016

A Markham resident has been fined a total of $1,500 for hunting offences.

Durgah Singh pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for harvesting a white-tailed deer without a licence and $500 for trespassing to hunt.

Court heard that on January 2, 2015, conservation officers responded to a call to the ministry’s TIPS line about possible hunting activity within an industrial portion of Brampton adjacent to a conservation area. While onsite, officers located a deer feeding station and the carcass of a doe behind a manufacturing plant on Intermodal Drive. Examination of the carcass led to the conclusion that the animal had been harvested with a bow and arrow. With cooperation from company officials, it was found that Singh had been hunting in the area for some time without a licence and utilizing the adjacent conservation area to lure wildlife and to dispose of his harvest.

Justice of the Peace Richard Quon heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Brampton, on October 4, 2016.

For further information on hunting regulations, please consult the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/hunting.

================================================================================

August 16/2016 – $3,150 in Fines for Turkey Hunting Violations

Two Ontario men have been fined a total of $3,150 under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act for turkey hunting violations.

Harold Douglas, of Elmwood, pleaded guilty and was fined $2,000 for hunting turkey without a licence, $500 for gun hunting on a Sunday in an area where it is prohibited, and $150 for wasting flesh suitable for food. Douglas must complete the Ontario Wild Turkey Hunter Education Course and exam.

Ben Smith, of Stoney Creek, pleaded guilty and was fined $500 for gun hunting on a Sunday in an area where it is prohibited.

Court heard that on the morning of May 7, 2016, Douglas shot a mature male turkey on his property in Bentinck Township, Grey County, without a licence. Douglas and Smith took the turkey to a barn and cleaned it. They removed only the breast meat, and Douglas burned the carcass and legs, wasting edible meat on the turkey legs. On Sunday, May 8, Douglas and Smith went turkey hunting on the same property, which is located in the Municipality of West Grey, where Sunday gun hunting is not permitted. A conservation officer was on patrol when he contacted Douglas and Smith as they target practised with their rifles. The officer was able to locate evidence that a turkey had been harvested on the property after Douglas denied hunting or killing turkeys on his property.

Justice of the Peace Lloyd Phillipps heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Walkerton, on August 9, 2016.

==============================================================================

Enforcement Blitz Finds Most Anglers Obeying Rules

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conducted the spring sport fisheries enforcement patrols on southwestern waterways between March 20 and June 19, 2016.Most anglers stopped during enforcement patrols in southwestern Ontario were obeying Ontario’s fishing regulations and public safety laws.

Conservation officers with the ministry’s Southern Marine Enforcement Unit and Aylmer District checked 1,355 resident anglers and 390 non-resident anglers. Officers patrolled the Essex, Chatham-Kent and Lambton County waters of Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Rondeau Bay, and the Detroit and St. Clair rivers, checking for compliance with Ontario’s sport fishing and public safety laws.

A total of 107 charges and 161 warnings were issued for the following offences:

· fishing without a licence

· catching and keeping smallmouth bass and muskellunge during the closed season

· fishing for smallmouth bass and muskellunge during the closed season

· catching and keeping too many walleye

· fishing with extra lines

· failing to carry a licence when fishing

· possessing live invasive gobies

· possessing baitfish containing live invasive gobies

· catching and keeping more than 120 baitfish

· having open liquor in a place other than a residence

Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to bring any live fish, crayfish, leeches or salamanders into Ontario for use as bait, or to use invasive species such as gobies for bait.

Kevin Sprague, Southern Marine Enforcement Unit, 519-324-7662

Colin Stass, Southern Marine Enforcement Unit, 519-825-4297

==============================================================================

$2,500 Fine for Illegally Hunting White-tailed Deer

A Peterborough man has been fined $2,500 and given a five-year hunting licence suspension for illegal hunting activity.

As a result of a trial, James Fredrick Mitchell was convicted and fined $2,500 for hunting white-tailed deer without a licence. In addition to the fine, Mitchell received a five-year hunting licence suspension.

Court heard that on November 9, 2015, while on patrol in Dummer Township, a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conservation officer encountered Mitchell carrying a loaded shotgun during the open season for white-tailed deer. During the inspection, the shotgun was found to be loaded with ammunition commonly used to hunt deer. Mitchell claimed he was only engaged in target practice. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Mitchell was hunting for white-tailed deer and did not possess the required licence.

==============================================================================

Total of $8,000 in Fines for Moose Hunting Offences

NEWS May 27, 2016

A hunting party from Southwestern Ontario has been fined a total of $8,000 for moose hunting offences.

Robert Renaud Sr. of Woodslee pleaded guilty and was fined $3,500 for failing to immediately attach his seal to big game while party hunting, transporting big game without the seal attached and possessing illegally killed wildlife.

Christopher Renaud of Essex pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for failing to immediately notify his hunting party of a kill and for possessing illegally killed wildlife.

Robert Renaud Jr. of Colchester pleaded guilty and was fined $500 for possessing illegally killed wildlife.

Jordan Curtis of South Woodslee pleaded guilty and was fined $1,250 for making a false

statement to a conservation officer and for possessing illegally killed wildlife.

Daniel Seguin of Ruscom Station pleaded guilty and was fined $750 for making a false

statement to a conservation officer.

Matthew Nightingale of Woodslee and Joshua Vickerd of Ruthven pleaded guilty and were each

fined $500 for possessing illegally killed wildlife.

Court heard that on October 18, 2014, the group of hunters was party hunting for moose on Graham Road, near Harmon Lake, approximately 200 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay. One member shot a bull moose and failed to immediately notify the other members of his hunting party of the kill. Shortly after, another member of the party shot a second bull moose.

The group then located another hunting party that unlawfully placed their game seal on the second bull moose in an attempt to conceal the illegal hunt.

The cases were heard before Justice of the Peace Bruce Leaman on March 2, 2016, and

Justice of the Peace John Guthrie on May 11, 2016, in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay.

The ministry reminds hunters that in order to party hunt for big game, a number of conditions must be fulfilled by all members of the hunting party, including having immediate and reliable means of communication.

==============================================================================

$1,000 Fine, Five-Year Ban and Probation Order for Fishing Violations

MNR NEWS May 6, 2016

A Markham man has been fined and is banned from fishing for five years for fishing violations.

Wu Wang was convicted of violating a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act order which prohibited him from fishing. He was fined $1,000, banned from fishing for five years and is prohibited from possessing fishing equipment while on any body of water or within 50 metres of any body of water. Wang was also convicted of violating a Probation Order which ordered him not to commit a fisheries violation and was given an additional two years of probation.

Court heard that on May 23, 2015, a conservation officer with the Southern Marine Enforcement Unit was conducting an enforcement patrol along the Detroit River shoreline in the City of Windsor when the officer observed Wang fishing. The officer determined that he did not have a fishing licence and issued Wang a Provincial Offence Notice. Further investigation by conservation officers determined that, at the time Wang was fishing without a licence, he was under a court order that prevented him from fishing which was related to previous fisheries convictions against him in 2014.

Justice of the Peace Malcolm Rogers heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Windsor, on April 27, 2016.

To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-847-7667 toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

==============================================================================

$2,500 Fine and Licence Suspension for Illegally Shooting Bald Eagle

NEWS February 11, 2016 A Mississauga man has been fined $2,500 for shooting a bald eagle.

Ning Pan pleaded guilty under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act to hunting specially protected wildlife and received a fine of $2,500. His hunting licence has been suspended for one year.

Court heard that on the afternoon of October 19, 2015, an off-duty Grand River Conservation Authority provincial offences officer contacted Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conservation officers regarding an illegal waterfowl hunt observed on Authority property. Conservation officers went to the property known as Wilson’s Flats in Pilkington Township and conducted an investigation. The investigation determined that Pan shot and killed a bald eagle while hunting waterfowl.

Justice of the Peace Walter W. Rojek heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Guelph, on February, 10, 2016.

Hunters are reminded that it is their responsibility to properly identify the wildlife they are hunting. It is illegal to shoot specially protected birds. The bald eagle is also listed as a species of special concern under the provincial Endangered Species Act.

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).

==============================================================================

25 Ways To Earn Money in the Hunting Industry —-> Click For Free Access >>>>

==============================================================================Closed Season Angling Proves CostlyTo USA Anglers

Two residents of the United States have been fined a total of $2,000 for fishing violations.

Steven Petre, of West Seneca, New York, and William Petre, of Norfolk, Virginia, were each fined: $500 for fishing without a licence, and $500 for catching and retaining fish during the closed season.

Court heard that on May 5, 2015, a conservation officer and a detective constable with the Ontario Provincial Police conducted a compliance check on Gould Lake in the municipality of South Frontenac. The two men were found to be fishing without licences. They were also in possession of two lake trout during the closed season. One of the men had been previously warned by the same OPP detective constable, following complaints of closed season angling. Warnings were issued for failing to have the appropriate safety gear onboard their vessel and failing to display registration numbers on the vessel as required under the Small Vessel Regulations.

Justice of the Peace Veronica Carmichael heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kingston, on June 30, 2015.

The closed season protects lake trout during spawning. Every fish removed during spawning has a significant impact on the overall lake trout population.

For further information on fishing regulations, please consult the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/fishing.

==============================================================================

Abandoning Moose Leads to $6,250 in Fines

Three men from the Greater Toronto Area have been fined a total of $6,250 for an illegal moose hunt.

Natale Chiodo of Mississauga pleaded guilty and was fined a total of $4,000 for hunting moose without a licence, abandoning game and allowing it to spoil, and making a false statement to a conservation officer. He forfeited his firearm to the Crown and is prohibited from hunting big game in Ontario for two years. Rosario Chiodo of Mississauga pleaded guilty and was fined a total of $1,250 for allowing game to spoil and having a loaded firearm on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Enrico Ercoli of Brampton pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for allowing game to spoil. A high-powered rifle and an ATV seized in the case will be returned once fines are paid.

Court heard that on October 25, 2014, a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conservation officer, along with the ministry’s canine unit, responded to an anonymous complaint to the ministry’s TIPS line about an abandoned moose near Axe Lake Road, northwest of Bracebridge. The officers located three men in a nearby hunt camp who were preparing to depart the area. One of the three was found with a loaded, high-powered rifle on his running ATV. The men were questioned about the abandoned moose. The officers located the abandoned and spoiled moose carcass nearby and recovered evidence with the assistance of the canine unit. Forensic analysis determined it originated from the firearm of Natale Chiodo.

The investigation eventually revealed that on October 20, 2014, Natale and Rosario Chiodo and Enrico Ercoli were hunting for moose as a party with one moose licence. After the men fired at and killed two moose, they decided to abandon one of the animals. The trio tagged and removed the other moose to a residence in Mississauga. That moose was forfeited to the Crown.

======================================================================

Chatham man has been fined $1,250 for hunting deer without a licence.

Spencer Baker pleaded guilty and was fined $1,250 for hunting deer without a licence. His hunting licence was suspended for one year.

Court heard that on November 9, 2014, during the controlled deer hunt in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, a conservation officer inspected an antlered deer that was hanging at a residence. Upon further investigation, it was determined that on November 7, 2014, Baker had killed the deer using his archery equipment.

To participate in the controlled deer hunt, licensed deer hunters must obtain a controlled deer hunt validation tag. During the controlled deer hunt, archery equipment is prohibited.

Justice of the Peace Peter Aharan heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Blenheim, on June 24, 2015.

=======================================================================

Kawartha Lakes Walleye Catch Proves Costly

Two Greater Toronto Area men have been fined a total of $2,250 for fishing offences.

Sretko Kosteski of Pickering pleaded guilty to possessing fish of a prohibited size and making a false statement to a conservation officer and was fined $750 for each offence. Kire Nikolovski of Scarborough pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a fishery officer and was fined $750.

Court heard that at 11:00 p.m. on October 29, 2014, a conservation officer observed the two men angling in the Town of Fenelon Falls. Using night vision equipment, the officer watched Kosteski carry a large walleye from the bank of the river towards a wooded area and then return empty-handed. The officer approached to speak with Kosteski and Nikolovski, and both men repeatedly denied possessing any walleye. A thorough search of the area located four hidden walleye, all of which were not within the legal size limits.

Justice Esther Rosenberg heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Lindsay, on April 23, 2015.

For further information on fishing regulations, please consult the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary, available at ontario.ca/fishing.

Most Anglers Obeying Rules During Local Ice Fishing Season

Most anglers checked during the recent ice fishing season in Essex, Chatham-Kent and Lambton counties were obeying the rules.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Conservation Officers from the Southern Marine Enforcement Unit conducted numerous patrols on Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, Lake Erie, Rondeau Bay and the Detroit River, from the third week of January until the third week of March. In total, 980 resident anglers and 220 non-resident anglers were checked. Overall compliance with Ontario’s sport fishing and public safety-related legislation was found to be 87 per cent.

A total of 49 charges and 108 warnings were issued for offences including:

bringing live fish (minnows) into Ontario for use as bait
fishing without a licence
catching and keeping too many yellow perch
catching and keeping a muskellunge (muskie) during the closed season
fishing with too many lines
failing to register ice fishing huts
emptying the contents of a bait bucket back into the water
fishing without carrying a licence

littering on public land

Officers also issued charges and warnings related to safety infractions under the Liquor Licence Act, the Off-Road Vehicles Act and the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act.

With the open water fishing season getting under way, conservation officers will continue patrolling the local waterways for compliance with Ontario’s sport fishing and public safety-related legislation. Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to bring any live fish, crayfish, leeches or salamanders into Ontario for use as bait or to use invasive species as bait. It is also illegal to release any live bait or dump the contents of a bait bucket back into any waters or within 30 metres of any waters.

For more information on fishing regulations, please consult the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/fishing.

Three Men Fined for Illegal Wolf Hunt

Two Sioux Lookout men and a resident of Oacoma, South Dakota, have been fined for an unlawful wolf hunt.

Daniel Baas of Sioux Lookout pleaded guilty to hunting wolf without a licence by counselling a party to commit the offence, possessing and permitting to be displayed a void licence, and transporting unlawfully killed wildlife. He was fined $2,500.

Gregory Baas of Sioux Lookout pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a conservation officer, possessing and permitting to be displayed a void licence, and transporting unlawfully killed wildlife. He was fined $2,500.

Anthony Nogy of Oacoma, South Dakota, had previously been convicted in the United States in September 2014 and fined $5,000 under the U.S. federal Lacey Act for unlawfully importing into the United States a wolf killed in violation of Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Nogy also received a one-year hunting licence suspension in the United States and was ordered to pay $750 in restitution to the Province of Ontario.

The court heard that in the fall of 2013, a joint investigation was commenced by an Ontario conservation officer and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent. The lengthy investigation revealed that in September of 2013, a party of seven U.S. residents, including Anthony Nogy, came to Sioux Lookout to hunt moose at an outpost camp owned and operated by Daniel Baas. While purchasing their moose licences, some clients, including Nogy, inquired about hunting wolves. They were counselled by Daniel Baas that they could hunt wolf without a licence. Daniel Baas also said that he could purchase a licence after the fact if someone shot a wolf.

Later in the week, while being actively guided by Gregory Baas, Nogy shot and killed a wolf without a licence. The wolf was transported by boat to the outpost camp and hidden. Gregory Baas contacted Daniel Baas in Sioux Lookout, where he purchased a licence the following day on Nogy’s behalf for the illegally hunted wolf and had it flown into the outpost camp. There, Gregory Baas and Nogy jointly applied the wolf seal, falsifying the date and time of kill. The wolf was then flown to Sioux Lookout where Daniel Baas stored it at his residence. After the moose hunt, Nogy illegally smuggled the wolf into the United States. During the investigation, Gregory Baas provided false information to the investigating officer in an attempt to conceal the offences.

Justice of the Peace Danalyn MacKinnon heard the case against the two Ontario men in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sioux Lookout, on March 19, 2015.

33 Charges in Two-Day Enforcement Blitz

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry laid 33 charges and issued 127 warnings during a two-day enforcement blitz in the Minden area.

On March 14 and 15, 2015, conservation officers from the Bancroft Enforcement Unit and the ministry’s canine unit checked 230 anglers on more than 50 natural lake trout and walleye lakes. Many of the lakes have special restrictions in place to protect sensitive lake trout populations. Officers were checking for compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, the Ontario Fishery Regulations and public safety legislation, such as the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act.

Charges were issued for:

fishing without a licence
angling with more than the permitted number of lines
leaving set lines unattended
possessing fish of prohibited size
fishing without carrying a licence
failing to maintain a clear and unobstructed view of a set ice fishing line
unlawfully using another person’s licence
catching and retaining fish during the closed season
enabling someone to unlawfully use a licence
making a false statement to a conservation officer

operating a motorized snow vehicle without insurance

Officers also seized lake trout of a prohibited size. In addition, an unlawfully kept muskellunge was revived and successfully released back into the water.

Anglers are reminded to check the regulations before fishing on an unfamiliar lake. A number of lakes in the province have exceptions to the general regulations on slot sizes, lines, bait use and limits. These exceptions help to conserve sensitive fish populations.

For further information on fishing regulations, please consult the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/fishing.

Enforcement Blitz Finds Most Anglers Obeying Rules

Most anglers checked during a two-day fisheries enforcement blitz in Renfrew County were obeying Ontario’s fishery regulations.

Conservation officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry patrolled local lakes March 6 and 7, 2015, checking for compliance with the Ontario Fishery Regulations and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Officers were paying special attention to fish sanctuaries, undersize walleye, bait restrictions and licence requirements.

The officers checked 256 anglers from across Ontario during the two-day blitz. They laid six charges and issued 24 warnings for offences including:

leaving set lines unattended

fishing without a licence
being more than 60 metres from a fishing line that is in use
fishing in a fish sanctuary
fishing with more than the permitted number of lines
failing to wear a proper helmet when operating a snow machine or all-terrain vehicle
operating a motorized snow vehicle without insurance, ownership and a number plate
consuming liquor in an area other than a licensed premise, residence or private place

For further information on fishing regulations, please consult the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/fishing.

Total of $4,500 in Fines for Illegal Deer Harvest

Two men have been fined a total of $4,500 for the illegal harvest of a white-tailed deer.

Manousos Doulaverakis of Toronto pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for failing to attach his seal to a deer he shot in Carling Township and $2,500 for hunting in a provincial park. Timothy Hunt of Nobel pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for possessing illegally killed wildlife.

The court heard that on Saturday, November 16, 2013, conservation officers stopped three men in a pickup truck exiting Blind Bay Road in Carling Township, in the District of Parry Sound. In the back of the truck, officers saw a freshly killed white-tailed deer that had not been field-dressed. Doulaverakis had a proper validation tag for the deer but had failed to affix it to the animal. Further investigation by the officers revealed that the animal was retrieved from Killbear Provincial Park.

Justice of the Peace Patricia Tennant heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Parry Sound, on March 10, 2015.

For further information on hunting regulations, please consult the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/hunting.