NEWS - September 28th, 2011 ILLEGAL TO NIGHT HUNT Hunters should know that it is illegal and unsafe to hunt big game animals (deer, moose, elk and bear) at night. The majority of hunters in Ontario follow safe and ethical hunting practices. The law requires: -firearms to be handled and discharged only with due care, attention and reasonable consideration for other persons or property; -firearms to be unloaded and encased from ½ hour after sunset until ½ hour before sunrise in an area usually inhabited by wildlife; -firearms to be unloaded when carried in or on any car, truck, ATV, snowmobile, motorboat or other conveyance; and -lights not be shone at night for the purposes of hunting. Unlawful night hunting is prohibited under Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997. The maximum penalty for illegal night hunting offences is a fine up to $25,000, one year imprisonment, or a combination of both. In addition to putting public safety at risk and discrediting the reputation of the majority of law-abiding hunters, unlawful night hunting may result in: -depleted local game populations; -wounded and wasted animals; -dead or injured livestock; -damaged farm fences and crops; -damage to other private property. If you have any information about unlawful night hunting, or any other natural resources violation, call the Ministry of Natural Resources TIPS line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (1-877-847-7667). You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).