Released on November 30, 2018
Five men from Quebec pleaded guilty to multiple federal and provincial illegal hunting charges in Moose Jaw provincial on November 29, 2018. They were fined a combined $47,670 after a two-year investigation by Ministry of Environment conservation officers.In 2016, conservation officers became aware of illegal hunting activities near Moose Jaw. The investigation led to a two-week surveillance operation in October 2017, which involved two separate groups of hunters. The illegal hunting was primarily conducted in the Moose Jaw and Parkbeg areas.
Officers collected evidence showing the hunting parties were wasting migratory birds. The investigation resulted in the search of a vehicle and trailer belonging to one of the Quebec residents, which showed they were also illegally hunting big game animals and shooting protected species.
A total of 65 federal and provincial charges were laid against the five men. Federal charges were laid under The Migratory Bird Convention Act (MBCA) and The Wild Animal and Plant Protection Act and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.
This included unlawfully transporting migratory birds without one fully feathered wing, hunting a migratory bird species with no season and transporting animal/plants taken in contravention of provincial legislation. Criminal Code charges were laid for causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or bird.
Provincial charges under The Wildlife Act and Regulations included wasting game, hunting without a valid licence, transporting game birds not readily identifiable, unlawful hunting and unlawful possession.
Patrick Leboeuf of Beauharnois, Quebec, 41, pleaded guilty to six counts and was fined $18,310. Stephane Dubuc of Beauharnois, Quebec, 39, pleaded guilty to six counts and was fined $11,770. Christian Leduc of Beauharnois, Quebec, 55, pleaded guilty to four counts and was fined $6,790. Martin Gendron of Chateauguay, Quebec, 43, pleaded guilty to three counts and was fined $5,400. Jean-Philippe Quesnel of Salaberry-De-Valleyfield, Quebec, 32, pleaded guilty to three counts and was fined $5,400.
In addition to the fines, all five individuals received five-year provincial hunting suspensions and one-year federal hunting suspensions. Hunting equipment and firearms seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown.
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 (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.
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For more information, contact:
Paul Spasoff
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0143
Email: paul.spasoff@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-1603