Fines handed out for fishing/hunting violations

News Release
M.N.R.

An Illinois man has been fined $2,400 for having too many walleye in his possession.
Dan Behrens of Chicago pleaded guilty to having 12 walleye over the legal limit.
The court heard that on June 30, 2011, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers were conducting a boat patrol on Lac La Croix on the west side of Quetico Provincial Park. On Moose Hide Island, the officers met Behrens and a fishing guide cooking a shore lunch. Behrens had 14 walleye in his possession, 12 more than his legal limit.
Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Atikokan, on October 27, 2011.
The ministry reminds anglers that an individual may not have more fish than the possession limit of that species. Possession includes storing fish at home or other locations, as well as transporting them and holding them in live wells.
Two Winnipeg men have been fined a total of $1,700 for fishing licence infractions.
John Bracken pleaded guilty and was fined $1,200 for making false statements on an Ontario resident Outdoors Card application and possessing a void licence.
Michael Mendres pleaded guilty and was fined $500 for making a false statement on an Ontario resident Outdoors Card application.
The court heard that in June 2010, Mendres and Bracken purchased Ontario resident Outdoors Cards and sport fishing licences at a marina on Lake of the Woods near Kenora. On their applications, both men put the marina’s address and phone number as their primary residence and contact.
In May 2011, Bracken returned to the same marina and purchased another Ontario resident Outdoors Card and sport fishing licence. Officers subsequently contacted Bracken, who had the licence in his possession. Further investigation revealed that both men are residents of Winnipeg.
Justice of the Peace Roger McGraw heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kenora, on November 8, 2011.
For the purposes of obtaining an Ontario resident hunting and fishing licence, a resident is a person whose primary residence is Ontario, and who has resided in Ontario for a period of six consecutive months during the previous 12 months.
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).