Ontario conservation officers have laid over a dozen charges after a coyote hunting enforcement blitz in Southwestern Ontario.
The charges were laid in Chatham-Kent, Essex, and Lambton counties. A total of 16 charges were issued during the three-day blitz.
"In response to an increase in unsafe hunting practices by coyote hunters, conservation officers conducted a plainclothes enforcement operation on February 7, 8 and 9, 2020," conservation officials stated in a news release. "Officers contacted approximately 58 hunters during the operation that focused on public safety."
The following charges were laid under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Liquor Licence Act:
-Thirteen charges for having a loaded firearm in a vehicle
-Two charges for hunting a fur-bearing mammal without a licence
-One charge for having an open container of liquor in a motor vehicle
Additionally, seven warnings were issued for failing to have small game licence on person and failing to have firearms licence on a person while hunting with a gun.
"The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry reminds the public that natural resources laws are in place to ensure public safety and ethical hunting practices."
After laying the charges, conservation officers seized firearms and ammunition as evidence.
