Man Fined $6,800 For Illegal Hunting Offences

[Some Old Guy 968]

A Toronto-area man has been convicted of a number of offences related to illegal hunting.

Pal Szamko of Newmarket was fined $1,500 for discharging his firearm carelessly while hunting, $3,800 for transporting an over-limit of grouse and $1,500 for unlawfully possessing another person’s moose game seal. Szamko is not allowed to hunt in Ontario until he successfully completes the hunter education course and examination.

The court heard that on October 18, 2009, conservation officers contacted Szamko at a road check on Highway 17 in Schreiber. Szamko was found with 34 ruffed and spruce grouse – 19 over the daily legal limit of 15. Officers found evidence that a bullet had been discharged inside the truck’s cab. Szamko admitted to unintentionally firing his gun through his back seat into the truck’s cargo box while loading his gun to go moose hunting south of Armstrong two days earlier. He also had a moose game seal that belonged to another hunter.

Justice of the Peace Ray Zuliani heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on July 29, 2010.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry officer during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Anne Hinton, Nipigon District 807-887-5021

Jeff Anderson, Terrace Bay Area, 807-825-3402

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Officers found evidence that a bullet had been discharged inside the truck's cab. Szamko admitted to unintentionally firing his gun through his back seat into the truck's cargo box while loading his gun to go moose hunting south of Armstrong two days earlier.