the MNR
An Oshawa man has been fined $2,000 for careless hunting and lying to a Ministry of Natural Resources’ conservation officer.
Rodolfo Kovic was fined $1,500 for careless hunting and $500 for providing a false statement to a conservation officer.
He also must complete a hunter safety course before being allowed to apply for a hunting licence again.
Court heard that back on Oct. 14, a conservation officer found a calf moose had been killed along a major logging road, east of Ear Falls.
The officer then encountered Kovic and his moose hunting party.
Kovic told the conservation officer that he had shot the calf while both he and it were standing off the travelled part of the road.
The conservation officer determined it was not possible for the hunter to make the shot from the angle Kovic described.
One of the ministry’s canine units found a shell casing away from the kill site identified by the hunter. Analysis by the Centre of Forensic Sciences showed the casing was from Kovic’s rifle.
Evidence confirmed he had shot the calf from the middle of the road in the direction of an intersection.
The bullet could have travelled through the intersection if it had passed through or missed the moose.
The public is reminded it is illegal to shoot from, down, or across a road while hunting because it is unsafe and has resulted in accidents, including fatalities.
Those convicted of careless hunting will lose their hunting privileges and be required to successfully complete a hunter education course before being allowed to apply for a new hunting licence.
Justice of the Peace Marj Pasloski heard the case June 10 in Red Lake.
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 anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
