FATHER AND SON FINED $4,000 FOR SHOOTING DECOY
April 6, 2009
A father and son from the Allenford area have been convicted of careless hunting activities following an appeal and new trial.
Gerald ‘Burt’ Buckton, 58, and Bruce W. Buckton, 26, were convicted of discharging a firearm without due care and attention for people or property. They have been fined a total of $4,000 and have been prohibited from hunting for a period of two years. They must successfully complete an approved Ontario Hunter Education Course before applying for a licence to hunt in the future. The firearm has been permanently forfeited to the Crown.
The court heard that on December 10, 2005, the men were driving on a road in South Bruce Peninsula when they saw a deer decoy that had been placed by conservation officers who had received complaints of illegal hunting. Burt Buckton stopped his pickup truck in the middle of a public roadway while Bruce Buckton, seated in the passenger seat, fired three shots out the driver’s side window with his father seated behind the steering wheel. Although Burt Buckton did not shoot at the decoy, he was also convicted because he stopped the vehicle and allowed his son to shoot.
Justice of the Peace B. Forster heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Owen Sound, from March 30, to April 2, 2009.
To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).