Southern Ontario man fined $20K for shooting moose out of season near North Bay

A cow moose shakes water from its fur after pulling its head out of Lobster Stream while feeding on aquatic plants, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in Lobster Township, Maine. Moose are attracted to underwater plants because of their high sodium content. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Sudbury -

A Mississauga man has been fined $20,000 after pleading guilty to two counts of moose hunting with a rifle out of season.

Paul Markewycz was convicted in connection with a hunt that took place in October 2019 in Chisholm Township before the start of the gun season, the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry said in a news release.

"Court heard that on Oct. 10, 2019, conservation officers learned of a moose calf that had been shot on Bear Mountain Road in Chisholm Township and was lying in the bush," the ministry said.

"Officers located the calf and waited for the offender to return to retrieve the moose. An investigation determined Markewycz had also shot a cow moose at a different location the day before and had already butchered it. Both moose were seized and forfeited to the Crown."

Justice of the Peace Ruby Beck heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay on June 22 of this year.

"The Ontario government wants to remind hunters that it is important to adhere to big game tagging requirements specific to the sex and age of the animal to protect our valuable natural resources," the release said.

"Conservation officers … would like to 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 violation 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, click here.