An Astorville man has been fined $1,000 for an offence under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
Emile Groulx pleaded guilty to unlawfully obstructing a conservation officer.
Court heard that on November 20, 2016, a conservation officer contacted Groulx while hunting on private property in Ferris Township. This was the final day of the rifle season for deer and Groulx was dressed in camouflage.
He denied that he was hunting and would not produce his firearm for inspection. A loaded rifle that he had hidden in a nearby structure was eventually found and seized.
Justice of the Peace Ruby Beck heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, North Bay, on May 17, 2017.
Hunters are reminded that they can be subject to inspection by conservation officers on Crown or private land. For reasons of safety, hunters are legally required to wear hunter orange during certain open seasons, including the gun season for deer.
For further information on hunting regulations, please consult the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/hunting.
