Amherstburg man fined $2,000 for pre-season waterfowl baiting
Posted 19 days ago
WINDSOR — An Amherstburg resident was fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to unlawfully depositing bait in a pond during the prohibited period. He has also been banned from possessing a migratory game bird hunting licence for one year.
Court heard that on September 25, 2009, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers were conducting surveillance of a suspected baited pond in the vicinity of Big Creek in the Town of Amherstburg. The resident was observed dumping approximately 22 kilograms of corn into the water one day before the opening of duck hunting season.
An all-terrain vehicle was seized as a result of the investigation and will be returned when the fine is paid.
Justice of the Peace Janice Levitt heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Windsor, on October 28.
Baiting is done to attract waterfowl to ponds or other waterways so that the birds become accustomed to feeding at the site, giving the hunter an unfair advantage. It is legal to bait up to 14 days prior to the start of the waterfowl hunting season. In addition, waterfowl hunters may not hunt within 400 metres of the site unless it has been free of bait for at least seven days.
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).
