$2,500 Fine And Hunting Ban For Shooting Bald Eagle
February 11, 2010 - International, National and Local News
Matt MacGillivray Reports:
Did you know that most (if not all) raptors are protected by law? In Ontario, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act protects hunting, trapping, or disturbing nests of most raptors including Peregrine Falcons. Most Canadian provinces and US states have a similar law. Breaking this law in Ontario can result in a fine up to $25,000 or a year in prison. A similar law, the Canadian National Parks Act, covers National Parks and can issue fines of up to $150,000 for disturbing birds including Peregrine Falcons, Gyrfalcons, Piping Plovers or Whooping Cranes.
If you stick to common sense, you will never be the subject of a Ministry of Natural Resources news story, as Shawn Bowes was earlier this year -
A Thunder Bay man has been fined $2,500 and prohibited from hunting for three years for shooting and killing a bald eagle. Shawn A. Bowes pleaded guilty to charges under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. The eagle carcass was forfeited to the Crown. Bowes’ firearm was seized by conservation officers and will be returned once his fine is paid.
Court heard that on June 1, 2009, conservation officers investigated a report of gunfire at Bowes’ property and discovered a decaying bald eagle carcass in his yard. Bowes admitted to shooting the eagle in the summer of 2008. The bald eagle is a specially protected raptor under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, and is protected from being hunted or trapped throughout Ontario. Bald eagles are also considered a species of special concern under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. Justice of the Peace Ray Zuliani heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on August 5, 2009.
To report a natural resources violation, you can call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (1-877-847-7667) toll-free anytime or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
News story courtesty of MNR on August 27, 2009.