THUNDER BAY – A Booth Township man has been fined $1,500 for obstructing a conservation officer.
Allan James Curle was fined $1,500 under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act for obstructing a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conservation officer.
Court heard that on October 7, 2013, during a routine patrol, a conservation officer contacted Curle as he drove an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with a gun case attached, on Limestone Lake Road, northeast of Nipigon. When the officer asked to inspect his gun case and ATV to determine his compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Off-Road Vehicle Acts, Curle refused to identify himself. He also indicated he would use physical force to resist inspection. The officer contacted the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) which confirmed his identity and advised he was prohibited from possessing firearms or driving an ATV. The officer arranged for the OPP to meet him at a location nearby to conduct the inspection.
Justice of the Peace Bernard Caron heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on January 16, 2015.
The ministry reminds the public that conservation officers have the authority to conduct a vehicle stop and inspection to determine compliance with regulations regarding firearms, ammunition, licences, possession of game and licensing and insurance.
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).
