The Ontario government is safeguarding moose populations by ensuring hunters do not cover up illegal hunting activities.
Gord MacMillan of North Bay pleaded guilty to hunting a bull moose without a licence and making a false statement to a conservation officer. He was fined a total of $6,000 and received a one-year suspension from all hunting activities.
Zachary MacMillan of North Bay pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a conservation officer and possessing illegally obtained moose meat. He was a fined a total of $2,000.
Mike Molyneaux of Temagami pleaded guilty to possessing illegally obtained moose meat and was fined $500.
The court heard that between October 23, 2022, and October 28, 2022, a conservation officer performed an inspection on the three men on Roosevelt Road in South Lorrain Township. They possessed a bull moose, which Zachary MacMillan told the Conservation Officer he had shot the under the authority of his Indigenous harvesting rights. Through a lengthy investigation involving matching moose DNA, reviewing numerous trail camera photos, and executing several search warrants, it was discovered the shooter of the bull moose was Gord MacMillan, who did not possess a licence to hunt moose in Ontario.
Justice of the Peace Leonard Ellery heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Haileybury, on February 1, 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.