Hunter Fined $3,500 For Illegally Shooting Moose And Leaving It To Spoil

[Some Old Guy 968]

An Ontario man was fined a total of $3,500 for shooting a bull moose without a licence and leaving the animal to spoil.

David Huitson of Little Britain was fined $2,500 for hunting a bull moose without a licence and $1,000 for abandoning the moose carcass. His firearm was seized. It will be returned once the fines are paid.

The court heard that on October 9, 2010, Huitson and his party were hunting off Mile 20 Pit Road near Sioux Lookout. Huitson said he shot at what he thought was a calf. He later discovered it was a bull moose. His hunting party had already filled its bull tag that morning, so Huitson abandoned the dead animal.

Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers received a call about the incident on the TIPS line. An investigation led officers to the tourist camp where Huitson was staying. When they questioned Huitson, he admitted he had killed and abandoned the moose.

Justice of the Peace Daisy Hoppe heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sioux Lookout, on November 18, 2010.

The ministry reminds hunters that if they harvest a game animal it is an offence to leave the flesh to spoil. Hunters should contact TIPS-MNR or a conservation officer if they kill an animal by mistake.

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).