The government is protecting moose populations by ensuring hunters don’t hunt without a licence.

Maurice Gauthier of Kapuskasing and Eric Bergeron of Cumberland both pleaded guilty to hunting moose without a licence and were each issued a fine of $1,500.

Court heard that on October 17, 2020, conservation officers were conducting a moose decoy operation south of the town of Kapuskasing. This planned operation was in response to historically unsafe hunting practices in that same area. That day, which was the opening day of the adult moose gun season, Gauthier and Bergeron were observed actively hunting a cow moose. Conservation officers contacted the two men, who claimed to be hunting black bears and not moose. They did not possess a valid licence to hunt moose and although they did not shoot at or kill a moose that day, their actions and the moose hunting equipment they possessed demonstrated that they were in fact hunting moose without a licence.

Justice of the Peace Jean-Marie Blier heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kapuskasing, on November 23, 2021.

Conservation officers remind everyone that by respecting seasons, sanctuaries, bag and possession limits, we all help ensure our natural resources stay healthy. To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.