June 23, 2009
MOOSE HUNTERS FINED $9,250 IN TWO ILLEGAL HUNTING INCIDENTS
Two Thunder Bay moose hunters have been convicted of offences under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act for two separate incidents involving illegal moose hunting.
Shane Earley, was fined $1,500 for unlawfully hunting a bull moose out of season for gun hunting; $2,500 for using ammunition prohibited for big game hunting; $2,500 for careless hunting with a firearm; $750 for transporting illegally killed wildlife and $500 for making a false statement to a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer. Earley is not allowed to hunt in Ontario for five years. Michael Parolari, was fined a total of $1,500 for two counts of possessing illegally killed wildlife.
Court heard that on September 15, 2007, Earley and a second hunter shot a bull moose several times with a 12-gauge shotgun before the start of gun hunting season for moose in Wildlife Management Unit 13. Some of the shells used were number 8 birdshot, which are prohibited for big game hunting. The moose was taken to Parolari’s home, where it was gutted and hung. Earley told conservation officers that the moose was killed out of compassion because it was in distress. Conservation officers conducted an investigation and utilized forensic analysis to determine that Earley’s statement was false.
Court also heard that on December 9, 2007, a conservation officer checked a hunting party, which included Earley and Parolari, transporting a freshly-killed cow moose on Highway 595 in Pardee Township. The conservation officer later investigated the kill site and determined that the moose had been shot from the highway as it walked down the side of the road. This moose was also brought to Parolari’s home.
Justice of the Peace John Guthrie heard the cases in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on June 3, 2009.
The public is reminded that it is illegal to shoot from, down or across a road while hunting as it is unsafe and could result in serious accidents.
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).