Essex hunter fined $3,000 for unlawful deer hunt

An Essex man has been fined $3,000 after pleading guilty to unlawfully hunting during a controlled deer hunt in southwestern Ontario. According to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the man was convicted in the Ontario Court of Justice after...

An Essex man has been fined $3,000 after pleading guilty to unlawfully hunting during a controlled deer hunt in southwestern Ontario. 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. 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.

An inspection determined the hunter was not properly validated to participate in the early November controlled hunt. The ministry said a subsequent investigation found the Essex resident had committed the same offence during the controlled deer hunt in 2024. 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. 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. 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). Related Kingsville man fined $1,300 for illegal deer hunting mholmeshill@postmedia.com