Government is Protecting Ontarians from Unsafe Hunting

November 18, 2022

The Ontario government is safeguarding people from unsafe and illegal hunting practices.

Jesse Fairservice of Thunder Bay pleaded guilty to careless use of a firearm. He received $7,500 in fines and a two-year hunting licence suspension. He also has to successfully complete the Ontario Hunter Education Course before being able to purchase another hunting licence.

The court heard that on October 23, 2021, conservation officers were conducting a moose decoy operation on the Whitesand Lake Road west of Schreiber. This planned operation was in response to historical unsafe hunting practices documented in the same area. The moose decoy was situated on a commonly used access road where conservation officers controlled traffic in the vicinity of the operation. Fairservice shot at the moose decoy with a high-powered rifle down and across the road into a blind corner, while standing on the road.

Justice of the Peace Jennifer Neill heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Nipigon on September 12, 2022.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.