The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) wants to remind hunters that shooting from a vehicle is both dangerous and illegal.

An investigation by the MNRF has resulted in a Dryden area man being fined $5,500 for attempting to illegally kill a deer.

Ronald Gangloff of Vermillion Bay was fined $2,000 for discharging a firearm from a vehicle, $1,000 for having a loaded firearm inside of his vehicle, and $2,500 for shooting at a deer on private property for which he did not have permission to hunt.

Court heard that on November 10, 2019, conservation officers conducted a deer decoy operation to curtail ongoing issues of deer being shot on private property in the Waldhof area. Gangloff was traveling on Rhyner Road when he spotted the deer decoy on private property beyond a fence and signs. Gangloff stopped his vehicle, loaded his gun and shot at the deer decoy from inside of his vehicle.

Justice of the Peace Shiree Scribner heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Dryden, on December 15, 2020.

MNRF conservation officers continue to patrol and protect our natural resources during the current COVID-19 pandemic 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.