$3,000 fine handed to Belle River man for moose hunting violations

In this May 31, 2018, file photo, a pair of bull moose pause while feeding in the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge in Wentworth's Location, N.H. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

A Belle River man was one of five people fined after a 32-month investigation into moose hunting violations.

Evidence was gathered as part of a joint investigation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Environment Canada and Quebec’s Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks.

Kenneth Beuglet of Belle River pleaded guilty to unlawfully transporting wildlife and unlawfully hunting big game. He received $3,000 in fines and a one-year hunting licence suspension.A conservation officer's vehicle is shown in this undated photo. (Source:Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry)

Joseph Arko of Georgetown pleaded guilty to unlawfully hunting big game using a fraudulent licence and making a false statement to a conservation officer. He received $27,000 in fines and a seven-year hunting licence suspension.

Gary Giles of Orleans and Glenn Scanlan of Kirkland Lake both pleaded guilty to unlawfully hunting big game and making a false statement to a conservation officer. Giles received a $9,000 fine and a one-year hunting licence suspension. Scanlan received a $2,500 fine and a one-year moose hunting licence suspension.

Gerardo Fiacco of Downsview pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing wildlife. He received a $2,500 fine and an 18-month hunting license suspension.

Court heard that in October 2018, Arko obtained a big game licence using another individual’s outdoors card, and that he reported killing a bull moose that had been harvested by Giles in the Temiskaming area near the Quebec border.

The ministry said Giles also possessed part of the harvested bull moose. Scanlan, Fiacco and Beuglet were found to have participated in the unlawful hunt and were also in possession of portions of the bull moose that had been killed.

“Conservation officers remind everyone that by respecting seasons, sanctuaries, bag and possession limits, we all help ensure our natural resources stay healthy,” according to a statement from the ministry.

There was also $11,000 in victim surcharge fines levied against the five convicted individuals.

All five individuals’ guilty pleas were heard by various Justices of the Peace over an 11-month period in the Ontario Court of Justice in Temiskaming Shores.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.