A Fort Frances man has been fined a total of $4,600 for unlawfully hunting moose.
John Koles pleaded guilty and was fined $3,500 for hunting moose without a licence and $1,100 for obstructing a conservation officer. He is not allowed to hunt in Ontario for two years.
Justice of the Peace Marcel Donio heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Atikokan, on Jan. 29. Court heard that on Nov. 1, 2014, a conservation officer responded to a complaint of an abandoned moose near Pearson Road in Farrington Township, east of Fort Frances. When the officer contacted Koles and another individual with a bull moose in the area, Koles said that the other individual killed the moose under the authority of treaty rights.
Upon investigation, the officer determined that Koles shot the moose earlier that day without a licence. Koles did not check or field dress the carcass, but immediately left and returned about six hours later with the individual who planned to claim it. The moose had partially spoiled and was seized and forfeited to the Crown. An all-terrain vehicle, trailer and firearm were also seized and will be returned upon payment of fines.
For further information on hunting regulations, consult the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary, available at ontario.ca/hunting.
To report a natural resources violation, call the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry 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).
