On Nov. 8, Huronia West OPP, along with Central Ontario ATV club trail wardens conducted several hours of patrol on the Simcoe County Forests trails on behalf of the Simcoe County Forestry Department.
Officers were once again enforcing the trail permit requirements that off-road vehicles display a trail permit to use the designated trails for recreational use.
As a result about 120 off-road vehicles were stopped for inspection resulting in 12 recreational vehicles being charged and fined $215 for not having a trail permit. OPP also charged three ATV operators with having no insurance. Numerous operators were in full compliance with all laws.
The OPP along with their partners at COATV, SCORRA and Simcoe County would like to thank those individuals for following the rules, operating their vehicles in a safe manner and being courteous toward other trail users.
Police would like to remind individuals that under provincials laws a helmet, licence plate, registration, insurance and driver’s licence are required when operating off-road vehicles on public trails, road allowances and Simcoe County Forests. They must be presented to an officer upon demand.
Trail permits can be purchased from OFATV (ofatv.org) and OFTR (oftr.ca).
Anyone with information about suspected unlawful activity is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, visit Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssdm.com or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
OPP respond to hunting complaints
Huronia West OPP are responding daily to hunting related calls for service.
Police officers will often receive calls for people hunting on private property. When investigated, some hunters actually have the expressed permission of the landowner, but there are some who will enter upon a property without permission causing a property owner to call police. The end result could be charges being laid under the Trespass to Property Act or removal from the property with a caution issued for the individual or individuals not to return.
Anyone who discharges a firearm is responsible for any projectile coming from their weapon and they must be sure of their target. Therefore, hunting near homes or roads are located is strongly discouraged. When hunting, firearms must always be pointed in a safe direction and hunters should be wearing bright orange clothing that readily identifies themselves to others that might be hunting in the same area. It is also strongly recommended that anyone who may be in an area where hunting is permitted to also wear orange coloured clothing so that they too can be seen.