Ask a CO: Mistake consequences explained

Q: My hunting partner made a mistake and shot the wrong sex moose. What are the consequences of self-reporting the mistake vs. abandoning the animal in the bush?

A: Mistaken identity of moose can happen. Scenarios include twin yearling cows lying down — one stands up and gets shot, it falls, and the twin stands up to escape, only to be shot as well. The hunter believes, mistakenly, that they’re the same animal. Hunters should also be aware that during the late season, bull moose may have lost their antlers; a hunter harvests what they believed to be a lone cow which they subsequently realize is a bull that has shed its antlers.

It is imperative that time is taken to properly identify what you are about to shoot at. There is no rewind option once the decision has been made. Features that identify sex or age must be part of the hunting experience, including slowing things down to really see the animal, focusing on colour of face, presence/absence of a whitish vulval patch, presence of a calf, antlers present or obstructed by ears or foliage.

If a mistake is made, the right thing to do is take a moment, accept that this has happened, and that there was no malicious intent. The only option is to call the MNR TIPS line and self-report (1-877-TIPS-MNR). A conservation officer will attend as soon as possible and walk through your hunt with you. That officer will appreciate your concern, shown by having called it in; you will be afforded our respect and courtesy. Might a charge be laid? Possibly. If your decision to harvest was flawed, you may be charged for the wrong animal being harvested. The animal will be seized and donated to local charitable recipients.

Wrong decision

The wrong decision is to walk away from the animal, leaving it to rot. That act, once thoroughly investigated, would likely result in a summons to appear in court, resulting in higher fines, possible loss of hunting privileges and forfeiture of equipment involved.