May 8, 2009
CHARGES AND HUNTING SUSPENSION AFTER MOOSE HUNTER SHOOTS TRUCK
A Belleville man has been convicted after pleading guilty to discharging his firearm across a road, north of Terrace Bay. The wayward bullet struck a vehicle.
Michael K. Chamberlain, 51, has been fined $2,000, under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, for discharging his firearm carelessly, without due care and attention for people or property. Chamberlain is prohibited from hunting in Ontario for three years.
Court heard that on October 13, 2008, Chamberlain accidentally shot a pickup truck parked on Mill Road, a main logging road north of Terrace Bay. The vehicle was vacant as the driver had stepped out to take pictures of a bull moose on the road. The bullet struck a rearview mirror, shattered a passenger-side window, pierced both front and rear seats and exited the rear of the cab. Ontario Provincial Police and Ministry of Natural Resources officers jointly investigated the incident, which took place while Chamberlain and his hunting party were moose hunting dangerously close to the road.
Justice Joyce Pelletier heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on May 1, 2009.
The public is reminded that it is illegal to shoot from, down or across a road while hunting as it is unsafe and has resulted in accidents, including fatalities. Those convicted of careless hunting will lose their hunting privileges and be required to successfully complete a hunter education course before being allowed to apply for a new hunting licence.
To report a natural resource
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).