Convictions and Fines Upheld Re: Hunting in Algonquin Park
Moose photographed in Northern Ontario. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
A Pembroke man’s convictions and fines of $500 for illegally hunting in Algonquin Provincial Park have been upheld.
Grant Tysick was convicted and fined $350 for unlawfully hunting in a provincial park and $150 for operating a motor vehicle in a provincial park without a park permit. Court heard that Tysick had been apprehended by Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conservation officers on October 18, 2008, while moose hunting with a highpowered rifle in Algonquin Park. He did not have a park permit and could not produce any document authorizing him to participate in the annual Algonquin hunt.
At trial, Tysick argued that he was a member of the Kinouchepirini Algonquin community and therefore had constitutionally protected rights to hunt in the provincial park. The Justice of the Peace rejected that claim and found that Tysick did not present sufficient evidence to prove that he was a member of a local historic Aboriginal community. The appeal judge found that the Justice of the Peace made no error in convicting Tysick. He dismissed the appeal and upheld the convictions.
The case was heard by Justice of the Peace Louise Logue in the Ontario Court of Justice, Pembroke, on July 27, 2015. The appeal was heard by Judge Rommel Masse in the Ontario Court of Justice, Pembroke, on January 8, 2016.
For further information on hunting regulations, please consult the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary. To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 tollfree 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).
