London man fined and banned from hunting for violations

MNR News Release

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A public complaint in 2006 helped Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers in a lengthy investigation that resulted in the successful prosecution of a London man on moose hunting offences.

Colin David Dunham, 56, pleaded guilty to unlawfully hunting a cow moose, providing a false statement and obstructing a conservation officer while executing his duties. He was fined a total of $4,000 and banned from hunting for one year. His rifle will be returned once the fines are paid.

The investigation revealed that Dunham accidentally killed a cow moose while shooting at a bull moose for which his party had a tag. The dead cow was found by Dunham’s party a couple of days later. They failed to report their mistake to the Ministry of Natural Resources, including when two conservation officers stopped in at their hunt camp for a courtesy visit. The spoiled cow was found several days later by another hunting party and reported to conservation officers. When Dunham learned that their party was suspected in the incident, he altered his rifle in order to make forensic comparison more difficult.

Justice of the Peace Susan Hilton heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, North Bay, on January 29, 2009.

To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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