July 21, 2020 3:00 P.M.Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry wants to remind hunters that abandoning a shot moose is illegal. In the event the wrong animal is shot, contact a conservation officer.
Four men have been fined a total of $17,500 and handed seven years in hunting suspensions for illegal moose hunting-related offences. Another member of the hunting party is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Michel Beaudoin of Timmins pleaded guilty to hunting a bull moose without a licence, as well as transporting wildlife unlawfully killed, and abandoning flesh suitable for human consumption. Marc Dillon of Timmins pleaded guilty to transporting wildlife unlawfully killed, as well as wasting flesh suitable for human consumption. Roland Laurin of Kapuskasing and Real Laurin of Hearst both pleaded guilty to possession of illegally killed wildlife.
Court heard that on December 7, 2018, Michel Beaudoin, who was not licenced to hunt moose, shot a bull moose when his hunting party only possessed a cow moose game seal. After realizing the wrong animal had been hunted, members of the hunting party transported the moose away from the kill site. The next day, a snowmobile was used to transport the moose to a remote location to avoid detection by conservation officers.
The shot bull moose was discovered by conservation officers and an MNRF canine team, acting on information received from the public. Once the bull moose was located, a lengthy investigation was conducted by conservation officers from the Hearst Enforcement Unit with the assistance of Timmins officers.
Justice of the Peace François Cloutier heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Hearst, on March 10, 2020.
Conservation officers continue to patrol and protect our natural resources during the current COVID-19 outbreak and would like to remind everyone that by respecting seasons, sanctuaries, bag and possession limits we all help ensure our natural resources stay healthy. Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
To report a natural resource violation or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667 or contact your local ministry office. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.