The Ontario government is safeguarding black bear populations by making sure they are hunted legally.
Yves Theriault of Smooth Rock Falls pleaded guilty to hunting big game that is swimming, for which he received a $2,000 fine, and to hunting big game without a licence, for which he received an $800 fine.
The court heard that on August 26, 2020, Theriault was at his cottage on Shackleton Lake when a bear entered his property. Theriault decided to hunt the bear by chasing it across private property to the shore of the lake. Theriault shot at the bear multiple times while it ran on land and as it swam across the lake. Four witnesses came forward to help identify Theriault as the shooter and the investigation revealed that he did not possess a licence to hunt black bear for 2020.
Justice of the Peace Jean-Marie Blier heard the case remotely in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kapuskasing, on January 26, 2022.
Conservation officers remind everyone that by respecting seasons, sanctuaries, bag and possession limits, we all help ensure our natural resources stay healthy. 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.