The Ontario government is safeguarding moose by ensuring the rules around licencing are followed, as well as protecting walleye populations from overfishing by ensuring anglers comply with quotas and packaging laws. A total of $18,200 in fines were recently levied against residents from Waterdown/Caledonia/Combermere and the USA.
Randy Gerritsen of Waterdown pleaded guilty to obstruction of a conservation officer, possessing fish that have been skinned so the species is not identifiable and possessing over his limit of walleye. He was fined a total of $7,550.
Harry Gerritsen of Caledonia pleaded guilty to hunting moose without a licence, possessing fish that have been skinned so the species is not identifiable and possessing over his limit of walleye. He was fined a total of $6,550.
Wayne Pottle of Biarcliffe, Texas, was convicted of possessing fish that have been skinned so the species is not identifiable and for hunting without a licence on his person. He was fined a total of $1,500.
Jeffrey Reagan of Combermere was convicted of possessing over his limit of walleye and was fined $2,600.
The court heard that, on September 30, 2021, conservation officers were conducting inspections during remote aerial patrols north of Geraldton and landed at Kellow Lake. The officers contacted Pottle and Reagan. Pottle stated he was hunting bear but did not have a bear tag with him. Officers inspected 10 bags of frozen skinless fillets. Harry Gerritsen stated he was hunting moose but did not have a moose licence. Randy Gerritsen refused to provide relevant information that he was legally required to provide to conservation officers, obstructing them from conducting their inspection.
The investigation and DNA testing revealed Harry Gerritsen possessed 11 walleye over his limit, Randy Gerritsen possessed 11 walleye over his limit and Jeffrey Reagan possessed 13 walleye over his limit.
Justice of the Peace Nancy Tulloch heard the Gerritsen portion of the case remotely in the Ontario Court of Justice, Geraldton, on January 10, 2024. Justice of the Peace Tobey Meyers heard the Reagan and Pottle portion of the case remotely in the Ontario Court of Justice, Geraldton on February 27, 2024.
To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.
