The Ontario government is safeguarding people from unsafe and illegal hunting practices, including shooting from a vehicle.
Cody Symes of Bayfield pleaded guilty and was fined $2,000 for unlawfully discharging a firearm from a conveyance and $1,000 for trespassing for the purpose of hunting, both under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. In addition to the fines, he was suspended from hunting in Ontario for one year.
Court heard that on November 3, 2021, conservation officers were conducting a deer decoy operation southeast of the town of Bayfield. This operation was planned in response to historic occurrences of unsafe hunting practices in that same area. Officers observed Symes shoot at the decoy, which was located on private property where Symes did not have permission to hunt, from inside his vehicle.
Justice of the Peace Joanna Opalinski heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Goderich, on March 22, 2022.
Conservation officers 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 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. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.
