BulletinMinistry of Natural ResourcesPublished: July 10, 2026

Hunter in Southwestern Ontario fined $3,000 for illegal early-season deer hunt

A man was caught and fined for taking a deer during a muzzle-loading controlled hunt without validation; his deer was seized and donated.

Published

July 10, 2026

Source

Ministry of Natural Resources

Release type

Bulletin

External ID

1007719

Summary

What happened

On Nov. 4, 2025, a conservation officer encountered Derrick Shepley tagging a deer while participating in a party hunt during the early-season, muzzle-loading controlled deer hunt in the West Elgin area.
An inspection found he was not validated for that hunt. Further checks showed he committed the same offence during the 2024 controlled deer hunt.

By the numbers

Outcome

Shepley pleaded guilty in Ontario Court of Justice (St. Thomas). His deer was seized and donated.

Why it matters

Shows enforcement of controlled-hunt validation rules and penalties for repeat offences.

How to report or get more information