THUNDER BAY — Anglers or hunters who violate Ontario fish and game regulations will pay a steeper price as a result of changes introduced by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
The government this year quietly implemented new set fines and increased existing set fines covering hundreds of infractions under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
Failure to wear proper coloured clothing while hunting now carries a fine of $300, triple the previous amount.
Having a loaded firearm in a conveyance brings a fine of $500, compared with $200 under the previous regulations.
Fishing without having your licence with you will cost $200, twice the former amount.
More than 200 new set fines have also been established for offences ranging from failing to notify the MNRF about a change of information ($300) to failing to submit a hunter report by deadline after acquiring a tag to hunt ($300).
There are numerous new set fines related to moose hunting.
For example, failing to invalidate a tag immediately after killing a moose will cost $500.
Trappers are not immune to the amendments, either.
Unlawfully carrying a gun while trapping can result in a fine of $500, and carrying more than one firearm when supervising a youth trapper can bring a fine of $400.
The ministry issued a statement this week saying it has "made updates to modernize some fines that had not been changed in 20 years, in response to public and stakeholder concerns...and to support compliance with the regulations."
The statement noted that all fish and wildlife licence fees and fines go into the ministry's Special Purpose Account, which exclusively supports fish and wildlife management programs such as monitoring populations and enforcing regulations.
"These changes will help support compliance...ensure tickets are an effective deterrent for unlawful behaviour" and address wildlife management priorities, the ministry said.
John Kaplanis of the Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance welcomed the fee changes, calling them "a step in the right direction."
Kaplanis said NOSA and other groups have been concerned over the years about the inadequacy of penalties for fishing and hunting offences.
Courts, he said, haven't always placed a proper value on some wildlife resources "when it comes time to place fines and make prosecutions against violators and poachers."
According to Kaplanis, it's a view that's shared by numerous hunters as well as conservation officers he's spoken to.
As an example, he said, "We know there's a problem with moose being poached in northwestern Ontario. Obviously the deterrent as it stands is not enough, and the violators continue to do these things. It's the next natural progression that these fines are raised."
Kaplanis said "it's a good thing" that the revenue from the new fines and increased fines will be directed to resource management, something he said is "desperately needed" in Ontario.
A complete list of the fines and changes can be found here: http://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/how-do-i/set-fines/changes-to-the-consolidated-set-fine-schedules/
