DRYDEN – Two South Dakota men have been fined a total of $3,400 for offences related to an illegal bear hunt near Ignace.
John Gubbrud of Alcester, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to illegally hunting a black bear and providing hunting services to a non-resident of Ontario without a licence. He was fined $3,000. James Walker of North Sioux City, South Dakota, was fined $400 for hunting a black bear while not carrying his licence and failing to wear hunter orange.
The court heard that on September 1, 2009, a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer on routine patrol discovered that Walker had harvested a black bear in an area for which his licence was not valid. The officer learned that Gubbrud, who was working for an Ontario tourist lodge, had led Walker to the area, which was outside the Bear Management Area in which Walker could lawfully hunt.
Justice of the Peace Edith Baas heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Dryden, on August 24, 2010.
The ministry reminds hunters that non-residents who contract the services of a tourist operator or outfitter for black bear hunting may only hunt within the boundaries of the Bear Management Area assigned to the tourist operator.
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).