Jail time for fishing offences

A Mattawa man who pleaded guilty to a series of fishing violations has been sentenced to seven days in jail.

Shawn Miller pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing walleye over his legal limit and one count each of unlawfully transporting fish, possessing a commercial gill net and selling walleye.

Each count carries a seven day jail sentence. Miller will serve his sentences concurrently.

The court also issued an order prohibiting Miller from obtaining or possessing a fishing licence and engaging in any fishing-related activities for five years.

Court heard that during the spring and summer of 2013, the MNR received a tip that Miller was catching over-limits of walleye using a gill net and by angling in Tee, Red Pine and Papineau lakes and the Ottawa River.

On July 12 and August 27, 2013, conservation officers observed Miller catch and retain a large quantity of walleye.

Officers executed a search warrant at his residence on August 29, 2013.

Miller admitted to taking over-limits of walleye on a regular basis while fishing the Ottawa River and not adhering to the Ontario fishing regulations.

Miller further admitted that the fish he caught by netting were taken to his residence and sold in Mattawa.

Officers seized a gill net, walleye, fishing gear and a boat and motor. All seized items were forfeited, except for the boat and motor, which will be returned to the rightful owner.

The people buying from him should be in the next cell for seven days as well. Nice to see the MNR are taking a stronger stance against these offenders, hope they put him in gen pop

Book'em and take away fishing license for life! Scumbag

This kind of behavior needs tougher penalties (more jail time)

Maybe this guy has nets in Shantybay!

I hate reading this kind of abuse of our resources Fines never big enough

Is some of the problem not just the guy arrested and charged as per description - but also those people who are purchasing the fish from him?

I think you're right...thats why so many of us cant find lakers

Forget jail time, send him to a hatchery for some education and let him work his but off there as well. Maybe he'll have a little respect for his limits. It's to easy for jail time I think.

Yes let him work the hatchery and then put him into a cell with Charlie Tuna. Starkist and Charlie only like Great Tasting Tuna.

Not enough .

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