Released on July 26, 2018
A two-year investigation into unlawful hunting of wildlife has resulted in $14,400 in fines and hunting suspensions for four Saskatchewan residents.
In 2015, Ministry of Environment conservation officers in Rowan’s Ravine began an investigation after receiving information from a call to the Turn In Poachers line regarding unlawful hunting in the Raymore area. Officers investigated the call and gathered evidence.In 2016, conservation officers began a second investigation after observing a moose hanging in a farm yard. Evidence gathered during these investigations showed that a number of individuals were involved in unlawful hunting and unlawful possession of moose.
Ronald Coleman, age 67, of Quinton, was found guilty on three charges of unlawfully hunting and possessing moose and was fined a total of $6,000. He also received a two-year hunting suspension.
Horace Reid, age 45, of Lanigan, was found guilty on one charge of unlawful possession of moose and fined $2,800 and received a one-year hunting suspension.
The two men appeared in Wynyard provincial court on June 25, 2018.
In October 2017, La Ronge resident Jackson Bell, age 42, was also found guilty in Wynyard provincial court of unlawfully hunting moose and fined $2,800. In addition, he received a one-year hunting suspension.
In September 2017, Kawacatoose First Nation resident Mervin Poorman, age 28, was found guilty in default in Punnichy provincial court. He was fined $2,800 for unlawfully hunting moose and given a one-year hunting suspension.
Information from the public led conservation officers to investigate these offences. Investigations can take considerable time, but – as in these cases – those held responsible were given significant fines and hunting suspensions for their actions.
The public’s assistance is invaluable in solving these types of cases.
If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call your local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers line at 1-800-667-7561, call #5555 for SaskTel cellular subscribers, or report a violation online at www.saskatchewan.ca/tip. You may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program.
-30-For more information, contact:
Jamie Gibson
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3900
Email: jamie.gibson@gov.sk.ca