2009-07-15 Chapleau - Crown Game Preserve Enforcement

July 15, 2009

Fines at Remote Tourism Outpost Camps in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve

The Ministry of Natural Resources laid eight charges and issued seven warnings after checking 26 individuals during a two-day enforcement blitz in the Chapleau area.

On July 4 and 5, 2009, the Ministry of Natural Resources' Thunder Bay canine unit and Chapleau District conservation officers visited remote tourism outpost camps in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve. Ten resident and 16 non-resident anglers were checked for compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, Ontario Fishery Regulations and public safety related legislation.

Charges and warnings included:

Possessing too many walleye over 18.1 inches
Possessing more walleye then permitted with a sport fishing licence
Making a false statement to a conservation officer
Packaging and skinning fish so that the species and number could not be readily identified or counted
Depositing litter on Crown land
Consuming alcohol while fishing in a vessel
Not having the necessary safety equipment aboard a vessel.

Before going fishing, the public is encouraged to consult the 2008-2009 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, available from licence issuers or at ontario.ca/fishing.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact the ministry's Chapleau District office at (705) 864-1710 during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).