(SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX, ON) – A group of hunters had their hunting activities cut short after it was discovered they failed to obtain permission to be on the property they were hunting on.
On December 28, 2013 at approximately 4:10 p.m. Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was called to assist a property owner on Thames Road in the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex. A group of five men were on the owner’s property hunting without permission. As a result of an investigation, police have charged the five hunters with trespassing for the purpose of hunting under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (FWCA). All five hunters were adults from the Greater Toronto Area.
Police urge all hunters to obtain all necessary permissions before engaging in hunting activities on property they don’t own.
Provincial Constable Laurie Houghton advises “Not only is it your legal responsibility to ensure you have permission to hunt on private property but it is the courteous thing to do. Find out who owns the property and make sure you get your permission in writing and don’t assume that because you have permission one season that the permission is implied for the next. By getting your permission in writing each and every season, you will help build better relations between hunters and landowners and you will help keep everyone safe.â€Â
For further information on hunting regulations and responsibilities you can visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca and search for Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary.