An investigation has led to two men being convicted of firearms offences and possessing illegally killed wildlife in the Bancroft area.
Conservation officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry located evidence of recent deer hunting activity in November 2019 while conducting a patrol in Carlow Township.
Their investigation determined earlier that day, two men harvested two deer near Hass Road and both men discharged their firearms across the road.
On March 3, 2020, both men pleaded guilty to charges under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act in Bancroft Court.
Brandon Bellis of Foxboro and Eric Mclennan of Campbellford were fined $3,000 for discharging a firearm without reasonable consideration for people or property and $500 for possessing illegally killed wildlife. Both received a one-year hunting suspension and must successfully retake the Ontario Hunter Education Course before they can hunt again.
The seized deer was donated to a local charity.
The MNRF reminds hunters that it is illegal and unsafe to discharge a firearm down from or across public roads. Hunters are also reminded they must handle firearms with reasonable consideration for people and property.
Conservation officers continue to patrol and protect our natural resources during the COVID-19 outbreak and remind everyone that by respecting seasons, sanctuaries, bag and possession limits we all help ensure our natural resources stay healthy.
