Sault hunter fined $4K, forfeits crossbow for using someone else's deer tag

A Sault Ste. Marie hunter has paid a hefty price for using another person’s deer tag and providing false information to conservation authorities.

Bradley Charrette was fined $4,000, banned from hunting for two years — and ordered to forfeit his crossbow to the Crown.

According to a news release issued Friday by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the infractions were committed during white-tailed deer hunting season in November 2022.

Conservation officers were conducting compliance checks along Highway 638 in Aberdeen Additional Township when they saw Charrette hunting with a crossbow.

“It was determined that Charrette had already used his deer tag on an antlerless deer earlier in the season and was in possession of another hunter’s deer tag,” the news release says. “Charrette later made false statements on his mandatory year-end deer hunting report.”

Justice of the Peace Kathleen Bryant heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie on Nov. 16, 2023. Charrette was found guilty.

“The Ontario government is safeguarding Ontario’s deer population from illegal hunting practices,” the news release says.

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. 

Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. 

More information about unsolved cases can be found HERE.