FORT FRANCES – Crimebeat – Two Ontario residents have been fined a total of $6,000 for shooting a deer on private land. Tim Gould of Chelmsford was fined $3,500 and given a three-year hunting suspension for trespassing for the purpose of hunting, possessing illegally killed wildlife and failing to immediately attach a game seal to the deer. Coupled with a suspension from a previous court case, Gould is banned from hunting in Ontario for four years.
David Wheadon of Manitouwadge was fined $2,500 and given a two-year hunting suspension for trespassing for the purpose of hunting and possessing illegally killed wildlife. Coupled with a suspension from a previous court case, Wheadon is banned from hunting in Ontario for three years.
The court heard that on November 13, 2010, a witness heard a vehicle traveling west on Highway 600 in Richardson Township, Rainy River District. The vehicle slowed, and the witness heard three rapid gunshots. When the witness went to investigate, he saw Gould walking on private property toward a creek. Another shot was fired as the witness approached the creek, where he found Gould with a dead deer. Gould did not have permission to hunt on the property. The vehicle returned, and the driver, Wheadon, helped Gould load the deer onto the back. The witness noted the licence plate number and reported the incident to the local Ministry of Natural Resources. Four days later, conservation officers found Gould and Wheadon at a nearby hunt camp. The deer was seized and forfeited to the Crown.
In a related case heard in court on April 8, 2011, Wheadon and Gould pleaded guilty to trespassing for the purpose of hunting and possessing illegally killed wildlife. They were fined a total of $4,500 and each received a one-year hunting suspension for shooting a deer on posted private land in Spohn Township, Rainy River District, on November 16, 2010.
Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Fort Frances, on October 12, 2011. To report a natural resources 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).