Moose hunters in Saskatchewan were fined $6,220 after video posted to social media caught the eyes of several wildlife offences.
Recorded in Melfort Provincial Park on May 13.
David Ostapiw of Prince Albert pleaded guilty to unlawfully hunting, unlawfully possessing antlers without a seal attached, failing to wear hunting colours, using another person’s game seal, and providing false information to an officer. He was fined $4,570.
Steven Ostapiw of Saskatoon pleaded guilty to allowing his game seal to be used by another person and providing false information to an officer. He was fined $1,650.
Both men received one-year hunting suspensions.
In January 2023, a Greenwater conservation officer watched a YouTube video of a moose hunting trip that had taken place in the Hudson Bay area in November 2022.
The initial investigation convinced officers a large bull moose was harvested during the trip without a valid license and subsequently tagged using another person’s game seal.
Further investigation led officers to a residence near Prince Albert. On March 9, 2023, officers executed a search warrant, collecting evidence that included a firearm, electronic media devices, moose meat and antlers.
A forensic analysis of the electronic devices led officers to the kill site. In May 2023, nearly six months after the moose was harvested, officers conducted an extensive search of the area and managed to locate expended rifle cartridge casings. The casings were a forensic match for the firearm used in the offence.
Saskatchewan’s wildlife laws are in place to support conservation and to ensure that animals are taken responsibly and ethically. Conservation officers can use many different tools – including social media to advance an investigation and hold violators accountable.
If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or report violations online at www.saskatchewan.ca/tipp. You may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTIP Reward Program, and you don’t have to give your name.
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