July 20, 2009

Night Hunting Proves Costly

A Rodney, Ontario, man has been convicted for hunting at night and has been fined a total of $1,300.

Willard Sowden was convicted of hunting at night and possessing an open container of liquor. He was fined $1,300 and had his shotgun, spotlight, liquor and ammunition forfeited to the Crown. He is also prohibited from hunting for the 2009 hunting season.

On January 22, 2009, conservation officers were working along Marsh Line in the Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich in the County of Elgin. At 7:15 p.m., a vehicle was seen travelling slowly along Marsh Line, stopping at several locations. Officers conducted a vehicle stop and found an unencased, loaded rifle in the rear seat of a pickup truck. A second unencased shotgun, a spot light and an open container of liquor were also found. The vehicle was seized pending further investigation and was later returned to the owner.

Justice of the Peace Jan Levitt heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, St. Thomas, on July 16, 2009.

To report a natural resources 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).

www.ocoa.ca