Ignace outfitter fined

An Ignace area outfitter is the latest person convicted following a two-year investigation by Ontario and U.S. wildlife officials into illegal bear hunts.
Harold St. Cyr, 69, of Renfrew, owner of Agimak River Outfitters near Ignace, has been convicted of being party to hunting black bear without the authority of a licence.

He’s been fined $2,500.
Court was told that from Aug. 16-20, 2003, two non-resident hunters stayed at St. Cyr’s camp and he showed them where to hunt black bears.
They harvested two black bears, but Agimak River Outfitters is not licensed to provide non-resident black bear hunts and does not have Bear Management Areas for hunters.
Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers from Dryden District, special agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and state wildlife officers in four states co-operated over the last two years to investigate 16 non-resident hunters charged with illegal bear hunting in the Ignace area.
Most already have been convicted, with the remaining few having court dates early this year.
Justice of the Peace Albert Kast heard the case Jan. 18 in Ignace.
The MNR reminds the public that Bear Management Areas are a cornerstone of Ontario’s bear management program and allow licensed bear operators to manage the bear harvest by non-resident hunters.
To report a natural resource violation, call toll-free 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) any time or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours.
You also can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).