An Angus man has been fined $2,000 for a violation under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
Joseph Beirness pleaded guilty and was fined $2,000 for trespassing to hunt.
Court heard that on April 28, 2018, conservation officers conducted a turkey decoy operation on private property adjacent to Lucky Road in Utterson. The decoy was set up to target unsafe hunting practices and address public complaints about trespassing in that area. After observing the decoy, Beirness stopped and exited the vehicle he was driving, entered onto posted private property and shot once at the decoy.
Justice of the Peace Douglas Conley heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Bracebridge, on July 4, 2018.
The ministry reminds the public that hunters must obtain the permission of landowners prior to hunting on their property.
To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 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). And visit Ontario.ca/mnrftips to view an interactive, searchable map of unsolved cases. You may be able to provide information that will help solve a case.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
