It is now hunting season across northeastern Ontario, and the Ministry of Natural Resources is going to be out in force making sure hunters follow the rules.
In a press release, the Ministry said it would be out on a safety-first campaign between Oct. 9-23, and would educate and enforce hunter-orange requirements and the safe use of firearms.
Offenses can net up to $25,000 in fines, imprisonment, or both.
Hunters are required to wear solid hunter-orange clothing and a hunter orange cap, except during bows-only season. The clothing must be solid, and mesh construction vests are not acceptable.
Any person handling a firearm must care for the weapon with care to person and property, and a hunting injury caused by a firearm must be reported.
Hunters cannot fire from a vehicle, boat, or aircraft, nor is it legal to fire from, down, or across a public road.
For a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, it is illegal to have an uncased or loaded firearm in an area inhabited by wildlife.
Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, firearms include air guns, bows and crossbows, rifles and shotguns. Bows, crossbows and muzzleloaders have various definitions of loaded, according to the press release.
For more information, visit http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/FW/Publication/MNR_E001275P.html.
