The Ontario government is safeguarding people and moose populations by ensuring hunters are harvesting in a safe manner and hunting with required licences.
Nicholas Brooks of Napanee, was convicted of careless use of a firearm while hunting and hunting moose without a licence. He was fined $5,500, had his hunting licence suspended for two years and is required to retake the Ontario Hunter Education Course and Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
The court heard that on October 22, 2019, while driving, Brooks observed two moose standing on the Smith Lake Road in the Township of Addington Highlands. Brooks exited the vehicle and fired three shots with a high-powered rifle in the direction of the moose from where he stood on the roadway. He recovered one bull moose, which he was licenced to hunt. On October 23, 2019, a conservation officer canine unit located a second bull moose that had spoiled, which Brooks hunted without a licence.
Justice of the Peace David Auger heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Napanee on September 19, 2024.
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.