Echo Bay hunter couldn't outrun conservation officer

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

************************* Fined for illegal hunting and fleeing from conservation officer

(November 21, 2011) - An Echo Bay man was fined and had his hunting licence suspended for a variety of hunting-related offences.

Benjamin Reader pleaded guilty to failing to stop for a conservation officer, hunting a game bird without a licence and failing to wear a proper helmet while operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

He was fined $735 and received a one-year hunting suspension.

His shotgun was also permanently forfeited to the Crown.

Court heard that on September 24, 2011, a conservation officer attempted to stop Reader while he was operating an ATV in a remote area north of Elliot Lake.

Reader turned and fled on the ATV for more than 12 kilometres.

After failing to stop a second time for the conservation officer, the ATV finally ran out of gas and Reader walked out of the bush.

He initially denied he was hunting despite being dressed in hunter orange clothing.

He then admitted he was hunting, he did not have a small game licence and he had hidden his shotgun in the bush.

Justice of the Peace Norm Ross heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Elliot Lake, on November 16, 2011.

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

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

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