A multi-year investigation into moose hunting resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offenses and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges.
The court heard that between 2020 and 2022, conservation officials, along with the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Research and Intelligence Services, conducted a special investigation into illegal moose hunting activities in a remote location north of Pickle Lake.
“As a result of the investigation, it was discovered that Paul Markewycz illegally discharged a firearm from a motorboat at a moose on the Otoskwin River,” the MNR said in a news release Friday.
“The court heard that Miroslaw Markewycz invalidated his tag on a moose illegally hunted by another member of his hunting party when he was not present.”
Michael Lamanna, Piotr Markewycz and Vitaliy Shevchenko were found to have made false and misleading statements to conservation officials during the investigation.
Paul Markewycz of Mississauga pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm from a motorboat. He received fines of $20,000 and a suspension of his hunting license for three years.
“The court took into consideration his past history of big game violations when imposing the penalty,” the statement said.
Miroslaw Markewycz of Mississauga pleaded guilty to unlawfully invalidating a tag in respect of an animal killed by another person. He received $2,000 in fines and a two-year suspension of his hunting license.
Piotr Markewycz of Mississauga pleaded guilty to knowingly making a false statement to a conservation officer. He received $6,000 in fines and a one-year hunting license suspension.
Vitaliy Shevchenko, of Mississauga, pleaded guilty to knowingly making a false statement to a conservation officer. He received $5,000 in fines and a one-year hunting license suspension.
Michael Lamanna of Milton pleaded guilty to knowingly making a false statement to a conservation officer. He received a $4,000 fine and a one-year suspension of his hunting license.
Justice of the Peace Nancy Tulloch heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on December 2.
To report a natural resource issue or provide information about an unresolved case, the public can call the ministry’s TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information on cold cases, click here.
