CARLISLE HUNTER FINED $3,800

[Some Old Guy 968]

ATIKOKAN - A southern Ontario man has been fined $3,800 for hunting and other violations.

John Lilakos, 43, of Carlisle, has been fined $1,000 for using another person's moose hunting licence, $1,000 for making a false statement to an officer, $1,000 for having loaded firearms on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), $500 for not wearing a helmet and $300 for operating an ATV without insurance. He has been banned from hunting for three years and must take the hunter safety course before reapplying for a hunting licence. He has also forfeited his firearms to the Crown.

The court heard that on the morning of October 12, 2005, a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer from the Atikokan area checked Lilakos and his young son on the Caribus Road, south of Highway 11, west of Atikokan. Lilakos told the officer that he thought he had shot a calf moose about four hours earlier. Instead of tracking it, he said he decided to go to Atikokan to see if he could find anyone with a cow moose licence who would be interested in returning with him to the area to kill a cow moose he had seen in the area. He was unsuccessful.

After Lilakos and his son walked back into the bush to look for the calf, the officer requested the help of another officer to investigate the incident. The two officers eventually found Lilakos and his son riding an ATV without helmets. The ATV had no licence plate, Lilakos could not produce documents showing ownership or insurance and he gave the officer false information regarding the ATV.

Two loaded firearms were also found, and Lilakos could not produce a firearms licence or prove that either of the guns was registered. As well, he produced another person's licence and gave the officer additional false information about the hunting activities that occurred that day.

Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Atikokan, on December 15, 2006. Lilakos pleaded guilty to the firearms charges in the same court the previous day.

The ministry reminds the public that firearms laws protect the public and hunters. As well, hunting regulations ensure the sustainability of moose populations and give all hunters a fair chance to participate in the hunt.

To report a natural resource 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 at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).