In each “Behind the Scenes” segment, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our local journalists to talk about the story behind the story.
These interviews are designed to help you better understand how our community-based reporters gather the information that lands in your local news feed. You can find more Behind the Scenes from reporter across Ontario here.
Today's spotlight is on BayToday's Chris Dawson, whose story 'Illegally snared deer case settled thanks to BayToday story' was published on Feb. 13.
Below is the full story, in case you missed it.
A local hunter who has been frustrated trying to find a solution for an illegal deer snaring problem feels the problem may have been resolved.
Roch Leduc says he has been hunting for 40 years including the past 20 in the North Bay area but he has never seen what he has been finding in the woods near Redbridge the past few months.
The North Bay native who frequents one area of crown land, says he has found at least three dead deer that have been illegally snared and killed.
Leduc supplied BayToday with some photos of the disturbing scene.
See related: Local hunter finds multiple illegally snared deer
Leduc says he informed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry a few months back and even wrote a letter to address the concerns.
BayToday reached out to the MNRF only to be told "The MNRF is aware of this matter and is currently investigating. As there is an active investigation underway it would be inappropriate to provide any further comment at this time."
However, according to Leduc, the area he called an "animal cemetery" has now been completely cleaned up.
"On February 12, I went back to check on the deer snares, and to my amazement, they were all gone, along with all the marten traps," Leduc told BayToday.
"The last time I was there was February 8 and everything was still there."
Leduc says this has taken three months to come to an end.
"The last time I spoke to the MNRF was February 5, and the officer assured me he would get back to me with some news on the ongoing situation, but I never got a response.
"Just like the time I sent an email to them late last year and no response was ever sent to me."
Leduc believes we will likely never hear what the outcome was.
However, he believes the BayToday story helped make a difference.
"All I can say is thank you and BayToday for listening, and so does the deer population," Leduc said.
"I am forever grateful."
BayToday also reached out on Monday afternoon for an update from the MNRF on the investigation but did not get a reply by our publication deadline.
