A Port Loring man has been fined $1,000 for an illegal bear hunt.

Glen Walker pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for hunting and killing a black bear without a licence. The bear was forfeited to the Crown.

Court heard that on November 6, 2014, a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conservation officer, while conducting a hunt camp inspection during deer season, found a bear head and hide near the camp. Further investigation revealed that Walker was party hunting white-tailed deer near Memesagamesing Lake in Port Loring when he shot the bear. Walker admitted to shooting the bear without a bear licence.

Justice of the Peace Lauren Scully heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, North Bay, on February 18, 2015.

Hunters are reminded that in order to participate in a bear hunt each member of the party must possess a valid bear licence. For further information on hunting regulations, please consult the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary available at ontario.ca/hunting.

To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 toll-free anytime or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).