THUNDER BAY – Crimebeat – Three southern Ontario men have been fined a total of $4,750 for illegal wolf hunting. Douglas McDonald of Chepstow pleaded guilty and was fined $2,500 for possessing illegally killed wildlife. Craig England of Brampton pleaded guilty and was fined $1,500 for possessing illegally killed wildlife and tagging a wolf killed by another person. Paul England, also of Brampton, was fined $750 for attaching a tag to a wolf killed by another person.
Court heard that during the fall of 2009, McDonald shot two wolves while hunting near Thaddeus Lake, north of Dryden. Craig England attached his tag to one wolf and Paul England’s tag was attached to the other wolf. A Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer subsequently received information regarding a wolf mount and an investigation began. A search was conducted at McDonald’s residence and the mount of a wolf head was recovered. Officers also recovered the tanned hide of a second wolf at Craig England’s residence.
Justice of the Peace Edith Baas heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Dryden, on March 20, 2012.
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).