The article below outlines how the MNR charged a citizen of Ontario for "trespassing on a publicly funded road surrounded by Crown land for the purpose of hunting or fishing"… during moose season to boot.
The other hunting parties were groups of American bear hunters.
He was charged under the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Act for trespass for the purpose of hunting or fishing.
The sign which was erected under another Act (Public Lands Act s.28) only pertained to the road and road allowance.
Public Lands Act s. 28 does not govern roads.
A road isn't a premises according to the Trespass to Property Act
One can't hunt on a road anyways and he wasn't charged for that
The Public Lands Act forbids using any other act to close these roads
Written by Ministry of Natural Resources
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Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 – 14:26:00
A Thunder Bay man must pay $1,000 for trespassing to hunt on a closed road.
John R. Spack was charged under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and fined $1,000 for trespassing for the purpose of hunting on a closed road. The moose was forfeited to the Crown. His firearm was also seized and will be returned once the fine is paid.
Court heard that on September 22, 2009, Spack drove his truck behind a posted road closure sign on Toset Creek Road, east of Armstrong, and camped there until he shot a bull moose two days later. Spack then went to look for help to load the moose into his truck. After two parties refused to assist him and advised him that he had illegally trespassed, he turned himself in to the Ontario Provincial Police, Armstrong detachment. A Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer was then alerted. Toset Creek Road is closed under the Public Lands Act.
Justice of the Peace John Guthrie heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on November 4, 2009.
\To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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