June 30, 2009
FINED $1,750 FOR ANGLING IN FISH SANCTUARY AND LYING TO CONSERVATION OFFICER
A Red Lake area man has been fined $1,750 for angling in a fish sanctuary and lying to a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer.
David Betker, of Cochenour, was charged under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and fined $1,250 for angling during closed time in the Chukuni River Fish Sanctuary, in the Hoyles Bay area of Red Lake. Betker was also fined $500 for providing a false statement to a conservation officer regarding fish he caught and kept.
Court heard that on April 4, 2009, a conservation officer encountered Betker as he returned from ice fishing at the sanctuary. Betker told the officer that he had one large northern pike, but upon inspection, four prime, spawning walleyes were found under the fishing gear on his snowmobile.
Justice of the Peace Marj Pasloski heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Red Lake, on June 10, 2009.
Anglers are reminded that fish sanctuaries protect spawning fish to maintain the high quality fisheries for which northwestern Ontario is known. Some areas are declared fish sanctuaries for all or part of the year.
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).