Ontario Protects Moose from Illegal Hunting

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The Ontario government is safeguarding moose populations by ensuring hunters only harvest what they have tags to hunt.

Louie Frustaglio of North York pleaded guilty to hunting a cow moose without a licence, making a false statement to a conservation officer and possessing an illegally killed cow moose. He was fined $5,500.

Michael Fardella of Palgrave pleaded guilty to hunting a cow moose without a licence, making a false statement to a conservation officer and possessing an illegally killed cow moose. He was fined $5,500.

Marco Paolini of Nobleton pleaded guilty to possessing an illegally killed cow moose and making a false statement to a conservation officer. He was fined $3,500.

Ian Frazier of Echo Bay pleaded guilty to possessing an illegally killed cow moose and failing to complete his mandatory hunter report. He was fined $2,000.

Kellie Frazier of Echo Bay pleaded guilty to possessing an illegally killed cow moose and was given a suspended sentence.

The court heard that on October 21, 2022, a group was hunting for moose during the open season near Mashagama Lake in Renwick Township. Members of the group shot at and killed a cow moose for which the group did not have a valid licence. To cover up the illegally harvested cow, one of the members drove to the nearest licence issuer to purchase their unclaimed cow tag after the fact. The group then removed the moose from the bush and divided the meat amongst the members. During the investigation, members of the group conspired to create a false narrative to mislead investigators.

Various justices of the peace heard the case throughout 2023 and 2024 in the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie.

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. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.

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