The Ontario government is safeguarding deer populations and protecting the public from unsafe hunting in Southern Ontario.
Lloyd Williamson of Glen Morris pleaded guilty to unlawfully hunting at night, shining a light for the purpose of night hunting, discharging a firearm from a conveyance, hunting big game without a licence, and hunting without a firearms licence. He was fined a total of $5,700 and received a one-year hunting licence suspension as well as a two-year firearms prohibition.
Andrew Buck of Ayr pleaded guilty to unlawfully hunting at night and shining a light for the purpose of night hunting and fined $2,500. The firearm and light used in the commission of the offence were forfeited to the Crown.
The court heard that on November 5, 2022, conservation officers were conducting enforcement activities targeting illegal and unsafe night hunting in Brant County. At approximately 2 a.m. Williamson and Buck were observed in a pickup truck as a light was being shone from inside the vehicle to illuminate agricultural fields on both sides of the road. The vehicle stopped and five shots were discharged at a deer decoy, using a .22 calibre rifle. Both Williamson and Buck were arrested by conservation officers while attempting to flee the scene.
Justice of the Peace Dan D‘Ignazio heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Brantford, on August 24, 2023.
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. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.