Game antlers. (submitted photo/ Ministry of Environment)
Wildlife Trafficking

Local man charged in wildlife trafficking

Nov 21, 2019 | 12:08 PM

A Loon Lake man is facing hefty fines and charges after pleading guilty to two counts of trafficking under The Wildlife Act.

Kevin Harrison, a Ministry of Environment conservation officer, said a tip came in spring of 2017 about someone offering moose meat for sale on Facebook.

“The individual was given a written warning and received an explanation of why it was illegal and why he couldn’t be doing that,” Harris said. “In a separate incident, the same man was trying to sell moose, elk and deer antlers on his Facebook account.”

Harrison said the ministry became involved and bought five sets of moose antlers and four sets of white-tailed deer antlers from the man in later that year.

In another incident, 10 sets of white-tailed deer antlers and two sets of elk antlers were purchased in October 2018 from the same individual. The investigation came to an end in September.

Richard Weeseekase, 36, faces a total of $6,300 in fines and a five-year hunting suspension for trafficking in wildlife.

“In Saskatchewan, it is illegal to sell, advertise for sale, barter or trade any fish or wild game meat that was taken under a sport licence, Treaty Right or Aboriginal Right,” Harrison said. “This is considered trafficking in fish or wildlife, and is prohibited under Saskatchewan laws.”

Shed antlers can be sold without a permit. (submitted photo/ Ministry of Environment)

According to Harrison, a Sale of Wildlife Permit is required to sell most animal parts.

Big game antlers that have been separated from the skull can be sold without a permit, but only if the animal was taken with a valid hunting licence and the tag accompanies the antlers.

Shed antlers can be sold without a permit.

If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, you are urged to call your local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for SaskTel cellular subscribers. Violations can also be reported online at www.saskatchewan.ca/tipp.

nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

@nicolereis7722

View Comments