Hunter fined for leaving bear meat to spoil

MNR News Release

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A Maryland man was fined $750.00 for shooting and leaving a bear to spoil during the 2009 bear hunting season.

Gary Baynes of Baltimore, Maryland pleaded guilty and was fined $750.00 for leaving bear meat to spoil contrary to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. The court heard that in September of 2009, Timmins District Conservation Officers conducted an investigation regarding 2 whole bear carcasses that were left to spoil in the Thorburn township area approximately 35 kilometres North West of the city. The officers found that the bear carcasses were dragged off into the woods with an all terrain vehicle after the hunters skinned them for their hides which they exported back to Maryland with them. Provincial wildlife export documents were obtained by the officers and with the assistance of the Maryland Natural Resources Police who tracked down the hunters; both men were charged for leaving the bear meat to spoil. The other hunter was previously convicted and fined in court for allowing the bear meat from his bear to spoil.

The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to remind hunters that if they harvest a game animal it is an offence to leave the flesh to spoil and that they can give that meat to anyone who wants it.

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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