Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officers (COs) laid 237 charges and seized illegally hunted animal carcasses, including 21 deer, during recent enforcement initiatives in southwestern Ontario.
The targeted area covered all counties south and west of Lake Simcoe and included some islands in Georgian Bay.
From Nov. 1 to Dec. 11, COs checked approximately 4,700 hunters and uncovered close to 500 violations, leading to 237 charges and 261 warnings. A number of investigations are ongoing and further charges are expected.
The enforcement initiatives coincided with the opening of the rifle and controlled deer hunting seasons.
Charges were laid for a range of offences, including:
– having loaded firearms in vehicles;
– unlawful possession of firearms at night;
– hunting without a licence;
– trespassing to hunt;
– failing to attach game seals; and
– careless hunting.
Special emphasis was placed on regulations relating to safe hunting practices and the wearing of hunter orange. Some hunters were found wearing an inadequate amount of orange, or none at all.
In addition, hunters were found with loaded firearms in motor vehicles or to have discharged firearms from a motor vehicle. COs also reported incidents of firearms being used at night.
For more information on hunting regulations, please consult the 2009 Hunting Regulations Summary available from licence issuers, ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres and on the ministry’s website at ontario.ca/hunting.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours.
People can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
