The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) wants to remind hunters that hunting at night is both dangerous and illegal.

An investigation by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has resulted in two people being fined a total of $3,000 for hunting violations, with one also being ordered to forfeit a firearm.

Kelly S.L. Schweyer of Selkirk was fined a total of $2,000 for unlawfully hunting black bear at night and for having a loaded firearm on an all-terrain vehicle. Allan J. Moerschfelder of Fisherville previously pleaded guilty to two offences and was fined $500 for unlawfully hunting black bear at night and ordered to forfeit his firearm. He also received an additional $500 fine for having a loaded firearm on an all-terrain vehicle.

Justice of the Peace François Cloutier of the Ontario Court of Justice, Timmins, heard the case against Moerschfelder in-person on February 13, 2020 and the case against Schweyer by virtual means on November 19, 2020.

Court heard that on August 24, 2019, conservation officers contacted Moerschfelder and Schweyer as they were returning to their temporary residence in St. John Township. The two had been hunting for black bear beyond legal hunting time over a known bear baiting station. Upon inspection, an un-encased, loaded firearm was discovered on their all-terrain vehicle. A scope with night vision capability and infrared lighting was attached to the firearm.

MNRF 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.