June 24, 2009
ILLEGAL BEAR GUIDING RESULTS IN 10-YEAR HUNTING SUSPENSION
A resident of New York State has had his Ontario hunting licence suspended for 10 years and has been ordered not to participate in any aspect of operating a bear management area for 10 years.
Daniel Vanderwalker, a taxidermist from Middleport, New York, was convicted on two counts of providing black bear hunting services without a licence. In addition to the other terms of his sentence, he was ordered not to be associated with game wildlife or hunting equipment for 10 years.
The convictions resulted from a 14-month joint investigation of illegal bear hunting and guiding by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
The court was told that during the 2006 bear hunting season Vanderwalker guided U.S. hunters on black bear hunts. The hunters were staying at tourist accommodations in Elk Lake, Ontario. Vanderwalker provided services that only a licensed bear management area operator can provide in Ontario. During the 2007 black bear hunting season, Vanderwalker provided the same illegal services to U.S. hunters staying at a tourist camp near Gowganda, Ontario.
Justice of the Peace Michael Kitlar heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, City of Temiskaming Shores, on June 2, 2009.
To report a natural resources
violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free anytime or contact your
local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime
Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).