Who knew that was illegal? But it's just one of many charges laid by a joint OPP and MNR effort on Highway 69 this week.
On October 22, members of the West Parry Sound OPP, OPP Highway Safety Division, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Conservation Officers and Canine Unit joined forces to conduct vehicle checks on Highway 69 in Pointe au Baril.
During the seven hours, 79 vehicles were stopped, where it was identified that 97 occupants had been engaged in hunting or fishing.
Charges included:
- Transport a migratory bird without at least one fully feathered wing attached contrary to the Migratory Birds Convention Act.
- Transport fish unlawfully taken or possessed contrary to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
- Possessing fish that have been skinned so that species cannot be easily identified contrary to the Ontario Fishery Regulations
- Fail to have insurance card contrary to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act
- Possess unmarked cigarettes contrary to the Tobacco Tax Act
- Drive motor vehicle no currently validated permit contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
We hadn't heard that charge before, so we contacted Provincial Constable Miles Loach. He says the feathered wing and skinned fish law is to help officers identify the species if hunters are stopped and questioned.
For more information about hunting regulations go to http://www.ontario.ca/ministry-natural-resources-and-forestry
