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Shotgun accident leaves man with nine toes

A Sudbury man has been fined $1,500 for careless hunting after shooting himself in the foot. Court heard that on October 23, 2014, Richard Chamberland was hunting small game on the South Pardo road, off highway 805.

A Sudbury man has been fined $1,500 for careless hunting after shooting himself in the foot.

Court heard that on October 23, 2014, Richard Chamberland was hunting small game on the South Pardo road, off highway 805. 

After shooting unsuccessfully at a grouse, he returned to his brother’s pickup truck and sat on the passenger side.

He did not unload his 12 gauge shotgun and it discharged, shooting through Chamberland’s big toe and through the floor of the truck.

Chamberland was required to have his big toe amputated.

Chamberland pleaded guilty and was fined $750 for discharging a firearm without due care and attention for people or property and $750 for having a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

He is prohibited from hunting for five years and must successfully complete the Ontario Hunter Education Course before hunting in the province again.

The firearm was seized and will be returned once fines are paid.

Justice of the Peace Monique Seguin heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sturgeon Falls, on March 16, 2015. 

Hunters are reminded that all firearms must be unloaded when in or on a vehicle. A Conservation Officer must be notified as soon as possible if an injury requiring treatment by a physician is caused by the discharge of a firearm while hunting or trapping.