This is what happens when hunters don't tell the truth

Two hunters in northern Ontario were fined a combined $9,500 after lying to conservation officers about a deer kill two years ago.

On the evening of Nov. 12, 2022, conservation officers were conducting a patrol in the Eton-Rugby Road area, west of Dryden, when they spoke to two men returning from a deer hunt: John Paul Gagne of Red Lake and Bryan Turpin of Dryden.

The inspection and subsequent investigation determined that Gagne had shot and killed a deer but did not invalidate his tag. Both Gagne and Turpin also made false and misleading statements throughout the investigation.

According to a news release from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Gagne was found guilty at trial in absentia for failing to immediately invalidate his deer tag, unlawful possession of wildlife and making a false statement to a conservation officer. He was fined $8,000 and is prohibited from possessing a hunting licence in Ontario for five years.

His rifle has also been permanently forfeited to the Crown.

Turpin pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a conservation officer and was fined $1,500.

"The Ontario government is safeguarding deer by ensuring hunters properly invalidate their deer tags," 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. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

More information about unsolved cases can be found HERE.