Hunting From A Power Boat Proves Costly
Two Sault Ste. Marie residents have been fined more than $5,000 and received hunting licence suspensions for illegally hunting from a pontoon boat.
Adam Massolin pleaded guilty and was fined $200 for hunting a migratory bird from a power boat, $200 for hunting a migratory bird using lead shot, $750 for discharging a firearm from a boat and $1,500 for using prohibited shot when hunting big game. Michael Tuomela pleaded guilty and was fined $1,500 for using a boat for the purpose of killing wildlife, $500 for depositing garbage, $250 for having open liquor on a boat and $250 for not having any lifejackets.
Both men received a two-year hunting prohibition and must re-take the Ontario Hunter Safety Course before they can hunt again. The shotgun used by Massolin was also forfeited to the Crown.
Court heard that on November 12, 2011, conservation officers set up two deer decoys on the shoreline of a lake near Blind River. Unsafe hunting offences had been detected there in previous years. Massolin and Tuomela were on a pontoon boat and saw the deer decoys. Tuomela maneuvered the boat so that Massolin could get a clear shot. Massolin fired twice at the decoy using a shotgun loaded with bird shot. When they realized the deer were not real, they attempted to flee and Tuomela began throwing beer cans overboard. When conservation officers stopped the pair, more open beer was found on board and neither man had a lifejacket. Massolin also admitted to shooting at a duck earlier in the day from the boat using the same bird shot he used on the deer. The bird shot used on the ducks and deer decoys was lead shot.
Court heard that this type of hunting is both unsafe and unethical. Bird shot is illegal for big game hunting since it would most likely only wound a large animal such as a deer. Lead shot is also illegal when hunting waterfowl as it may be ingested by ducks when they are feeding.
Justice of the Peace Paula Nichols heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Blind River, on February 1, 2012.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours.You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
