Three Ontario men, one of whom is from Sudbury, have been fined a total of $2,500 for charges related to illegal moose hunting.

Richard Doucette of Sudbury was found guilty of illegally hunting a cow moose without a validation tag and was fined $1,000, according to a new release from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Daryl Hill and Robert Darlow, both of Sault Ste. Marie, were found guilty of making a false statement to a conservation officer and were each fined $750.

The court heard that on Oct. 15, 2007, the MNR received a tip regarding two untagged moose that were hanging in a garage on Kerr Street in Sault Ste. Marie. The investigation by ministry conservation officers revealed that Doucette had shot and killed a cow moose, although he had a calf moose licence.

One of the moose was shot by Daryl Hill and claimed under his Aboriginal rights. During the investigation, Hill and Darlow made several false statements, according to the news release.

Justice of the Peace Paula Nichols heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie on March 3, 2012. The defendants were found guilty on April 25 and sentenced on July 5.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Posted by Heidi Ulrichsen