John Paul Gagne of Red Lake, Ont., was found guilty at trial in absentia for failing to immediately invalidate his deer tag, for unlawful possession of wildlife and for making a false statement to a conservation officer. He was fined a total of $8,000 and he is prohibited from possessing a hunting licence in Ontario for five years.
Gagne's rifle has been permanently forfeited to the Crown.
Bryan Turpin of Dryden pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a conservation officer and was fined $1,500.
Court heard on November 12, 2022, conservation officers were conducting a patrol in the Eton-Rugby Road area west of Dryden, Ont., and encountered Gagne and Turpin returning from deer hunting that evening. The inspection and subsequent investigation determined that Gagne had shot and killed a deer and did not invalidate his tag. Both Gagne and Turpin made false and misleading statements throughout the investigation.
Justice of the Peace Tobey Meyer heard Turpin’s case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Dryden, on October 31, 2023.
Justice of the Peace Shiree Scribner heard Gagne’s case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sioux Lookout, on February 29, 2024.
The Ontario government says it is safeguarding deer by ensuring hunters properly invalidate their deer tags.
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, please visit ontario.ca/mnrtips.
