The Ontario government is safeguarding the public against unsafe and illegal hunting practices.
Gordon Madill of Roseneath was found guilty of carelessly discharging a firearm while hunting, in addition to numerous wild turkey hunting offences and received a total of $15,000 in fines and a 10-year hunting licence suspension. Madill must also complete the Ontario hunter education course and the Canadian firearms safety course before obtaining another hunting licence.
The court heard that that on May 16, 2022, Madill was turkey hunting on a property near the town of Gooderham. He discharged his shotgun at a wild turkey and the pellets hit a nearby resident standing beside her house. The individual was not injured. Further investigation by conservation officers revealed numerous other offences including hunting turkeys without a licence and hunting within 400 metres of bait on multiple dates.
A ministry canine unit was used during the investigation to retrieve key evidence resulting in a total of 12 charges being laid.
Justice of the Peace Herbert Radtke heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Lindsay, October 17, 2022.
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.