Hunting in a crown game preserve proves costly for a city man

MNR News Release

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A North Bay-area man has been fined a total of $2,125 for charges related to illegal hunting in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve.

Gordon Woods pleaded guilty to hunting moose in a game preserve, transporting a moose illegally killed, illegally possessing a gill net, depositing litter on public land, and three counts of providing a false statement to a conservation officer. Seized items, including an all-terrain-vehicle, a utility trailer and a hunting rifle, will be returned when all fines have been paid.

The court heard that on October 23, 2006, Woods hunted a bull moose in the game preserve and removed it using the vehicle and trailer. During an investigation by Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers Woods falsely claimed on three occasions that other people were responsible for killing the moose. When questioned by officers, the people admitted they were asked by Woods to lie to investigators.

A search of Woods' residence turned up several packages of moose meat. Testing revealed that the meat came from the game preserve moose. Also seized from the home was a gill net used in commercial fishing. The moose meat and net were forfeited to the Crown.

Justice of the Peace Theodore Hodgins heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Chapleau, on September 8, 2010.

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

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