NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY
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The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry wants to remind hunters that shooting from or down a road is both dangerous and illegal.
An investigation by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has resulted in Christian Couture from Hearst, Ontario, pleading guilty to careless use of a firearm and discharge from a vehicle. He received a $6,000 fine and a six-year hunting licence suspension. He will also have to successfully complete the Ontario Hunter Education Course before being able to purchase another hunting licence.
Court heard that on Oct. 29, 2019, conservation officers were conducting a white-tailed deer decoy operation near the town of Nestor Falls, and had placed a deer decoy on a commonly used forestry road. Conservation officers observed Couture open the vehicle door, and while standing in the vehicle, shoot at the deer decoy.
Justice of the Peace Clysdale-Cornell heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kenora, on September 30, 2020.
MNRF conservation officers continue to patrol and protect our natural resources during the current COVID-19 outbreak 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.
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