Chatham-Kent's police chief says they'll continue to work with local landowners if trespassing hunters invade their property.
Following appeals from area farmers like Malcolm MacAlpine, Chatham-Kent council has vowed to crack down on the issue. They voted to reach out to higher levels of government, local hunting clubs, and police to deter trespassers.
With MacAlpine finding ATV riders and dead deer on his tree farm, Police Chief Gary Conn says they've already been working with the landowner, and will continue to do so.
"We have been working quite extensively with Mr. MacAlpine, and he acknowledges the assistance from Chatham-Kent police, and particularly Sergeant Jim Lynds, who's kind of been acting as the liaison," says Conn.
The chief says hunters operating on Crown land presents the biggest issue, as those lands fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Natural Resources. But, he adds, they're ready to respond if trespassers come onto private property.
"Even if the person leaves, try and obtain a licence plate and we'll follow up with the investigation," says Conn. "The more calls we attend and the more people we talk to, they in turn talk to others, and that information is disseminated."
MacAlpine claims he has heard bullets fly through trees near his home, and had ATV riders drive through his property since 2013.