Two Northern Ontario hunters are facing a staggering $113,000 in fines after a comprehensive investigation revealed multiple serious hunting violations that have conservation officers sounding the alarm.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry confirmed that Brian Alexander and Alexander Brian, both residents of the Cochrane area, were convicted of numerous offences under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act following a lengthy probe into their 2021 hunting activities.
Wasted Meat and Out-of-Season Hunting
Court documents reveal the hunters committed several egregious violations, including allowing the meat of two bull moose to spoil completely—a serious offence that conservation officials say shows disrespect for wildlife resources.
The investigation further uncovered that the men hunted moose during the closed season and failed to properly validate their moose seals, compounding their legal troubles.
Massive Financial Penalties
The total fines levied against the two men reached $85,000, with additional mandatory victim fine surcharges pushing the final amount to over $113,000. But the financial punishment doesn't end there.
In a significant blow to their future hunting privileges, both men received three-year hunting licence suspensions. This means they won't be legally able to hunt in Ontario until at least 2026.
Conservation Message Sent Loud and Clear
Ministry officials emphasized that cases like this demonstrate their zero-tolerance approach to serious hunting violations. "The substantial fines and lengthy suspensions reflect the seriousness of these offences," said a ministry spokesperson.
Conservation officers remind all hunters that proper game management and adherence to hunting regulations are crucial for maintaining healthy wildlife populations for future generations.