Almost $17K in fines for illegal hunting, fishing in northern Ont.
Three men from southern Ontario and a man from Texas have been fined a total of $16,700 for illegal hunting and fishing in September 2021.
The group was in an area north of Geraldton in northwestern Ontario. A news release Friday from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said the group was caught thanks to air patrols by conservation officers.
On Sept. 30, 2021, conservation officers landed at Kellow Lake, a remote area north of Geraldton, and questioned the group.
Wayne Pottle of Biarcliffe, Tex., told the officers he was hunting bear but did not have a bear tag with him.
Harry Gerritsen of Caledonia told them he was hunting moose but did not have a moose licence. Randy Gerritsen of Waterdown “refused to provide relevant information that he was legally required to provide to conservation officers, obstructing them from conducting their inspection,” the news release said.
“The investigation and DNA testing revealed Harry Gerritsen possessed 11 walleye over his limit, Randy Gerritsen possessed 11 walleye over his limit and Jeffrey Reagan possessed 13 walleye over his limit.”
Reagan of Combermere was convicted of possessing over his limit of walleye and was fined $2,600.
Randy Gerritsen pleaded guilty to obstruction of a conservation officer, possessing fish that have been skinned so the species is not identifiable and possessing over his limit of walleye. He was fined a total of $7,550.
Harry Gerritsen pleaded guilty to hunting moose without a licence, possessing fish that have been skinned so the species is not identifiable and possessing over his limit of walleye. He was fined a total of $6,550.
And Pottle was convicted of possessing fish that have been skinned so the species is not identifiable and for hunting without a licence on his person. He was fined a total of $1,500.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Jeffrey Justice of the Peace Nancy Tulloch heard the Gerritsen portion of the case remotely in the Ontario Court of Justice, Geraldton, on Jan. 10. Justice of the Peace Tobey Meyers heard the Reagan and Pottle portion of the case remotely in the Ontario Court of Justice in Geraldton on Feb. 27.
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.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.