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Published Jul 12, 2026
Last updated 3 hours ago
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Essex hunter fined $3,000 for unlawful deer hunt | Windsor Star
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An Essex man has been fined $3,000 after pleading guilty to unlawfully hunting during a controlled deer hunt in southwestern Ontario.
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According to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the man was convicted in the Ontario Court of Justice after hunting during the early-season controlled deer hunt without the required validation.
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Court heard that on Nov. 4, 2025, a conservation officer conducting enforcement in the West Elgin area during the muzzle-loading-only controlled deer hunt encountered the hunter after he had tagged a deer while participating in a party hunt.
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An inspection determined the hunter was not properly validated to participate in the early November controlled hunt.
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The ministry said a subsequent investigation found the Essex resident had committed the same offence during the controlled deer hunt in 2024.
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As part of the investigation, the deer was seized and later donated. The man pleaded guilty to unlawfully hunting during a controlled deer hunt and was fined $3,000.
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The case was heard by Justice of the Peace Clive L.M. Forbes in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on May 13.
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If you are aware of someone hunting illegally, or any other “natural resources violation,” you can call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667). You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).