Two southern Ontario hunters have been fined $1,500 for unsafe hunting.

Barry Labrie, 59, of Arnprior, and Richard Armstrong, 60, of Haliburton, pleaded guilty and were fined $750 each. They have been banned from hunting for one year.

The court was told that on Oct. 15, 2006, Ministry of Natural Resources Geraldton Area conservation officers located a moose gut pile on Greta Road just north of Geraldton. An investigation found that the moose was walking down the road when Labrie and Armstrong shot it from the roadway.

Justice of the Peace Marcel Donio heard the case in Ontario Court of Justice, Geraldton, on Aug. 14, 2007.

The public is reminded that it is illegal to discharge a firearm in the travelled portion of a road.  When discharging a firearm, a hunter must have a clear line of fire to prevent injury or damage to property.

To report a natural resource 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).