KENORA – A Timmins man has been fined for a hunting violation. Ricky Leclair pleaded guilty and was fined $3,500 for carelessly discharging his firearm down a roadway. In addition, he is suspended from hunting for three years and must successfully complete the Ontario Hunter Education Course before being eligible to apply for another hunting licence.
Court heard that on October 30, 2017, conservation officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Kenora Enforcement Unit conducted a white-tailed deer decoy operation on Tri Lake Road near Nestor Falls. The decoy was set up to target unsafe hunting practices. After observing the decoy on the roadway, Leclair stopped his truck and fired two shots from his rifle down the length of the road in the direction of the decoy.
Justice of the Peace Marcel Donio heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kenora, on June 5, 2018.
The ministry reminds the public that it is illegal and unsafe to shoot from, down or across a public road while hunting and to discharge a firearm without due care and attention for people and 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). 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.
