Court documents have revealed Colonel Leif Dahl was allegedly carrying a .22 rifle and a revolver aboard a boat when police say he fired at protected wildlife on the Murray Canal in Quinte West.

Dahl, 45 had his first court date at the Quinte Consolidated Courthouse in Belleville on Thursday in connection with several weapons-related charges.  Counsel B. Kilby appeared briefly on Dahl’s behalf by video.  Brandon Crawford from their Ottawa office has been retained as legal counsel.  Following the proceedings Crawford said they are waiting for disclosure from the Crown and respectfully declined to comment at this time.  Hastings County Assistant Crown Attorney Mike Lunski has been assigned the case.  Dahl's next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 26 at 9 a.m.

Dahl was initially charged following an incident on the Murray Canal in Trenton on August 25 and police laid further charges following a search of his residence in Belleville three days later.

Quinte West OPP responded to the Murray Canal after it was reported a firearm was being discharged from a boat and protected wildlife was the target.  Two firearms were later recovered from the water, police said.

The court documents detail the eight charges against Dahl including careless use of a firearm (.22 rifle); obstructing a police officer, use firearm carelessly to hunt - Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, hunting bird without a licence and unlawfully having a loaded firearm in conveyance - FWCA.

More charges were laid against Dahl on August 28 when police said they found three long guns at his home, the documents revealed.  He was further charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, careless storage of a firearm and transporting a firearm or restricted weapon.

Dahl was temporarily removed as base commander of 8-Wing CFB Trenton and Major-General Huddleston appointed Lieutenant-Colonel Matt Lederle as Acting Wing Commander.