O.F.A.H. offers reward in horse’s death

OFAH FILE: 842
November 12, 2010

O.F.A.H. offers reward in horse’s death
$1,000 for information leading to arrest of poacher

Across the province 170,000 deer hunters are in the field. The vast majority of these men and women are responsible hunters who respect their game and place the highest priority on safety. Unfortunately, there are a few individuals who cast a shadow over hunting by disregarding the regulations. Last Saturday morning in Glenelg Township, a Hallinger mare was allegedly shot outside of legal hunting hours on private property, likely the result of poaching. West Grey Police have confirmed that the incident is under investigation (see release).

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.), which represents over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 670 member clubs, is offering a reward of $1,000 for information leading to the identification of the poacher.

“As hunters who respect the game we seek, we are both frustrated and angered by the death of this horse because it never should have happened. Every hunter is safety trained and licensed before they ever take to the field, and lesson one is to be certain of your target and what’s behind it,” said O.F.A.H. Executive Director, Mike Reader. “Law abiding hunters appreciate the privilege of hunting and we respect the rights of landowners to determine who will have access to their property. In offering this reward, we are demonstrating that this kind of action which reflects poorly on all hunters.”

Hunters are reminded to:

• Seek permission for every person accessing a landowner’s property
• Know legal local shooting times (check weather stations)
• ALWAYS be sure of their target and what is beyond it
• Wear 400 square inches of hunter orange plus a hunter orange hat
• Keep firearms encased until legal shooting time
• Know and follow all Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and Canadian Firearms regulations
• Be respectful of the public when transporting or handling harvested animals

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call West Grey Police Services at 519-364-2411.

The O.F.A.H. is the largest nonprofit, fishing, hunting and conservation-based organization in Ontario, and is the voice of anglers and hunters. For more information, visit www.ofah.org.

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