Three eastern Ontario residents have been fined for several offences under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, resulting in a total of $2,000 in fines as well as hunting licence suspensions.

Gordon K. Hyland of Jasper pleaded guilty to six counts of making a false statement in an application for a licence. He was fined $1,000 and is banned from hunting in Ontario for ten years.

Matthew J. Baker of Merrickville pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a void licence and was banned from hunting in Ontario for five years. Dale G. Cross Sr. of Jasper pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a void licence and was fined $1,000.

Court heard that between 1994 and 2012, Hyland had been using an Outdoors Card issued to another person to acquire licences for his own use without the knowledge of that person. In September 2011, Hyland obtained a bull moose tag through the use of false information.

He subsequently transferred the tag to Baker, who then transferred it to Cross.

The investigation also involved the execution of a search warrant to locate the void Outdoors Card and hunting licences. Justice of the Peace Richard Sculthorpe heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Brockville, on May 22, 2013.

The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds the public that it is illegal to falsify statements in documents; to use a licence, or any component of a licence, including an Outdoors Card, that was issued to someone else; to transfer a licence; or to possess a void licence.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours.

You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).