The Ontario government is safeguarding moose from illegal hunting activities.

Syed Muhammad Mehdi Rizvi of South Hampton was fined $5,000 for hunting moose without a licence, $1,000 for trespassing for the purpose of hunting and $1,000 for making a false statement to a conservation officer. In addition, he is suspended from hunting in Ontario for five years and his firearm and GoPro video camera were forfeited to the Crown.

Court heard that on October 17, 2020, conservation officers contacted Rizvi after he was hunting on the Brown Forest Access Road, north of Parry Sound. Despite his denials, the officers suspected unlawful moose hunting activity and seized a GoPro video camera and firearm as part of the investigation. Rizvi was not licensed to hunt moose, and evidence collected revealed that an illegal moose hunt had taken place over several days that month. Evidence also found Rizvi had trespassed on private property.

Justice of the Peace Diane McAleer heard the case in Ontario Court of Justice, Parry Sound, on April 5, 2022.

Conservation officers remind everyone that by respecting seasons, sanctuaries, bag and possession limits, we all help ensure our natural resources stay healthy. 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.