Northern Ontario Lodge and Two Men Face Hefty Fines for Egregious Illegal Moose Hunt

In a decisive move to uphold wildlife conservation laws, a Northern Ontario lodge and two Thunder Bay men have been met with substantial penalties following a serious illegal moose harvest near Sudbury. The Ministry of Natural Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) investigation culminated in significant fines totaling $28,000 and the suspension of hunting privileges, sending a clear message about the unwavering commitment to protecting Ontario's natural resources.

The illicit activities, which unfolded in October 2021, involved Kukagami Lake Camp Ltd., along with Rodney Bonin and Mathieu Bonin, both hailing from Thunder Bay.

The probe was initiated following vigilant tips from the public, which proved crucial in uncovering the extent of the violations. Conservation officers diligently investigated, revealing that the two men had engaged in hunting moose without the necessary valid licences and had utilized hunting tags that were not designated for the specific wildlife management unit where the hunt occurred.

Compounding the infractions, the lodge was found to be in possession of the illegally harvested moose, knowingly facilitating the offence.

During court proceedings held in Sudbury, all parties involved entered guilty pleas to their respective charges, acknowledging their roles in the unauthorized hunt.

Kukagami Lake Camp Ltd. pleaded guilty to two distinct counts: permitting another individual to unlawfully hunt moose and knowingly possessing an illegally killed moose. For its critical role in these wildlife infractions, the lodge was ordered to pay a substantial fine of $15,000, which encompassed a $5,000 victim surcharge.

This significant penalty underscores the serious responsibility that commercial establishments bear in ensuring adherence to wildlife regulations.

Rodney Bonin, one of the individuals involved, faced two charges: hunting moose without a valid licence and illegally possessing moose. He was consequently penalized with a total fine of $6,500, which included a $1,500 victim surcharge.

Beyond the financial repercussion, Bonin will be prohibited from engaging in any hunting activities in Ontario for a period of one year, a direct consequence of his disregard for established hunting regulations and conservation efforts.

Similarly, Mathieu Bonin pleaded guilty to identical charges of hunting moose without a licence and illegally possessing moose.

He also received a $6,500 fine, which incorporated a $1,500 victim surcharge, and was issued a one-year hunting licence suspension. The synchronized penalties for both individuals underscore the collective accountability and severe repercussions that await those who partake in unauthorized and unlawful hunting practices.

This pivotal case serves as a stark reminder that Ontario's wildlife laws are enforced with unwavering rigor, essential for the preservation of its precious natural heritage.

The combined financial penalties and the enforced hunting suspensions powerfully reinforce the provincial government's steadfast dedication to maintaining healthy wildlife populations and ensuring that all hunting activities are conducted responsibly, ethically, and strictly within the bounds of the law.

The MNRF continues to urge the public to come forward with any information regarding natural resource violations by contacting their tip line, reaffirming the vital role the community plays in safeguarding our shared environment for generations to come.