Enforcement check shows most anglers and hunters obey the rules

Most anglers and hunters stopped at a fish and game check station in Georgina were obeying the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Ontario Fisheries Regulations.

On June 10, officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Aurora detachment of the OPP stopped 4,000 vehicles on Highway 48. Of those stopped, 200 were pulled in for further inspection.

Conservation officers issued 18 charges and 10 warnings for fish and wildlife related offences including:

+ Unlawfully transporting bass

+ Failing to produce a licence to a conservation officer

+ Catching and retaining bass during the closed season

+ Packaging and skinning fish so that the species and number could not be readily identified or counted

+ Illegally using another person's licence.

The officers also used the check station as an opportunity to tell people about rules and regulations and what the public can do to slow the spread of invasive species.

Police officers arrested one person for impaired driving, laid 12 Highway Traffic Act charges, issued two 12-hour driving suspensions, laid one breach of probation charge, and impounded one vehicle.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact the Aurora District office at (905) 713-7400 during regular business hours.

You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1- 800-222-TIPS (8477).