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MNR keeping things legal on the lakeshore Those who may want to bend the rules may want to think again when hunting in the former Huron Township after the Ministry of Natural Resources received reports and photos of tree stands being set up a week before deer hunting season started. Rich Henry, Conservation Officer for the MNR says that bow hunting season for deer opened on Oct 1, however several tree stands and the carcass of a young fawn were found at the top of the bluff behind the old saw mill on Lake Range Drive in Point Clark. Henry was on the scene on Oct 9 to investigate and says the carcass may not have been shot however and that it may have simply been caught up in the fence when trying to jump over. The positioning of the hind legs and the way they were inter-twined with the fencing gave him that indication. The tree stands themselves, located not far from the carcass on Sept 26, were also not illegal if only set up in preparation for the hunt. Salt blocks were also found near by, those too are legal. Henry says he will be keeping an eye on the area however, now that it has come to his attention that it is an active hunting area and that he will check hunters for proper tags and permits. Those caught hunting illegally or poaching face steep penalties. Deer aren’t the only wildlife that must beware of flying lead these days. Geese and ducks are at the receiving end of shotgun shells. Henry was also at the lakeshore; making sure hunters were playing it safe and obeying the rules. He says he has no complaints with our local sportsmen. “I watched some of them for about an hour,” he says. “I never saw any take a shot towards land when they flew overhead. They all seem to be doing everything legal.” Henry says that the MNR receives a number of reports of illegal hunting or trespassing each year and although understaffed, they take the time to investigate complaints. At times, these turn out to be nothing, however he says, “they are not a waste of time. I’d rather come out and investigate something and it turns out to be nothing. At least I know where hunters are active and I can check it out from time to time.” Those who suspect illegal hunting are encouraged to call the MNR Tips line. To report abuse call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667).
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