Two Smiths Falls men have been convicted of multiple hunting offences and fined a total of $3,900.
Nicholas James William Kelford pleaded guilty to six charges, including illegally hunting ducks, Canada geese and white-tailed deer during the closed season; illegally transporting and possessing white-tailed deer; allowing hunted game to become unsuitable for human consumption; abandoning hunted game, and hunting beaver without a licence. Kelford was fined $2,900 and is banned from hunting for two years.
William Jared Witham pleaded guilty to hunting white tailed deer during the closed season and to illegally transporting white-tailed deer. Witham was fined $1,000 and is banned from hunting for one year.
The violations occurred in March 2012 near McDonalds Corners in Lanark County. The court heard that the charges resulted from a joint investigation and excellent cooperation between the Perth Area Office of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.
Justice of the Peace John D. Waugh heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Perth, on May 22, 2012. The men pleaded guilty on November 28, 2012 and were sentenced by Justice Waugh on January 16, 2013.
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).