A Simcoe man faces stiff fines after a lengthy investigation into illegal moose hunting.
He pleaded guilty recently to unlawfully hunting big game without a licence and was fined $3,755. He also pleaded guilty to abandoning big game and was fined $11,255.
In addition, his hunting licences have been cancelled and he is prohibited from hunting in Ontario for two years.
The court heard that on October 26th, 2020, the accused shot and killed a cow near Sables Lake. He did not have a valid licence to hunt a cow moose. He then abandoned the moose, causing it to spoil. Conservation officers were notified of the wildlife crime and started a lengthy investigation which involved taking statements, using a canine detection dog, a forensic ballistics examination and a search warrant.
Justice of the Peace Lori-Ann Toulouse heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Espanola, on December 1st.
To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667.