Goulais man fined for shooting black bear

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF
NATURAL RESOURCES

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Shooting black bear in mobile home park proves costly

A Goulais River area man has been fined a total of $1,395 for wildlife and public safety offences.

Lyle Armstrong pleaded guilty under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act to unlawfully hunting a black bear without a licence and unlawfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle.

In addition to being fined $365 and $1,030 respectively, he was also placed on probation for a period of two years and ordered not to commit similar offences.

The court heard that on July 18, 2010, Ontario Provincial Police were dispatched to the Beaumont Mobile Home Park in Heyden, Ontario, after a rifle was discharged within the park. 

Subsequent investigation by Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers revealed that Armstrong discharged a high-powered rifle from a vehicle at a black bear that was located on private property not owned by Armstrong. 

At the time, Armstrong did not possess a valid licence to hunt black bear.

Justice of the Peace Paula Nichols heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sault Ste. Marie, on January 10, 2012.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry officer during regular business hours.

You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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