Released on December 3, 2015
Two Alberta men pleaded guilty in Saskatoon provincial court on November 16 for wildlife violations, including the illegal sale of coyote fur.In January 2015, conservation officers with the Ministry of Environment began an investigation regarding the illegal sale of coyote pelts harvested in Saskatchewan. Officers were alerted by a member of the public regarding suspicious social media ads. The investigation resulted in two Leslieville, Alberta men being charged with three counts under The Wildlife Act and Regulations.
“Licences and permits are issued to manage and protect Saskatchewan’s wildlife resources,” Ministry of Environment Enforcement and Investigations Director Ken Aube said. “Unlicensed individuals involved in the illegal sale of fur can negatively impact the livelihood of provincially licenced trappers.”
Justin Wagner was charged with selling fur animals without a licence and using another person’s licence and received a fine of $3,750. Kyle Evans was charged with selling fur animals without a licence and was fined $1,400.
Both men also received a one-year suspension under The Wildlife Act, prohibiting them from buying or holding any fur, bird or game licences in Saskatchewan.
All coyote pelts seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown.
“There are many of these online buy-and-sell sites in the province,” Aube said. “We are keeping tabs on what is going on and we do appreciate the public’s assistance in alerting us about these types of posts.”
If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call your local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s toll free Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at-1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for SaskTel cell phone subscribers, or report a violation online at www.saskatchewan.ca/conservation. Callers may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program.
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For more information, contact:
Jamie Gibson
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3900
Email: jamie.gibson@gov.sk.ca