Injured moose left to suffer. Kirkland Lake man fined

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF
NATURAL RESOURCES

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A Kirkland Lake man has been fined a total of $5,000 and prohibited from applying in the moose selective harvest system for 10 years, after being convicted of five charges related to the killing of a bull moose.

Douglas Johnson pleaded guilty to unlawfully hunting a bull moose, using prohibited lead shot to hunt big game, using two types of prohibited hunting weapons, and the unlawful possession of moose parts.

Court heard that in October 2009, Johnson was hunting small game in South Lorrain Township when he came upon a large bull moose with a broken hind leg.

Even though Johnson did not have a bull moose validation tag, he decided to hunt the injured animal.

Using a 12-gauge shotgun with small #6 lead pellets, he shot the moose twice but did not kill it.

He also tried to dispatch the moose with a four-metre long wooden spear.

As the moose was still alive, Johnson stoned it with large rocks, which stunned the animal.

Johnson left the area and the moose died later at the site.

Approximately two weeks later, Johnson returned to the site and collected the large antlers and attached skull, pictures of which he posted online.

Evidence during the lengthy investigation was collected with the assistance of the ministry’s canine team.

Justice of the Peace Ted Hodgins heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Haileybury, on January 31, 2013.

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

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

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