The Ontario government is safeguarding the public and deer from unsafe and illegal hunting practices.
Derek Morgan from Mactier pleaded guilty to trespassing for the purpose of hunting and discharging a firearm from a roadway. He was fined $8,000 and had his hunting licence suspended for two years.
The court heard that on November 7, 2022, conservation officers were conducting a controlled deer decoy operation in the Port Carling area. The planned operation was in response to public reports of trespassing and unsafe hunting practices in the area. Morgan shot at the deer decoy from the roadway with a shotgun and slug on property he did not have permission to hunt on.
Justice of the Peace Margo Ballagh heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Bracebridge, on May 17, 2023.
To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.
