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The populations of moose and deer are on a decline, according to Todd Smith, executive director, Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF).
This is especially concerning for Smith, following an illegal outfitting scheme on a game farm near Briercrest.
In this case, a moose and a mule deer were unlawfully killed.
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Smith is against game farms, saying the commercialization of wildlife is always a concern to the SWF.
“They’ve essentially stolen a chance from a resident hunter to be able to pursue one of those animals,” he explained. “When we take a public resource like wildlife, and there’s incentive there to monetize it, it can lead to poor decision-making.”
He said game farms are “the equivalent, essentially, of shooting livestock.”
While there are laws in place regarding wildlife management and game farming, he said there is always more work that can be done.
Smith suggests more diligent follow-ups and stricter reporting practices.
The owner of Hartland Whitetails Ltd. is facing a total of $35,450 in fines for unlawfully acting as an outfitter (for both the moose and mule deer harvesting), allowing his licence to be used by another person and the unlawful possession of six wild mule deer.
His hunting license has also been suspended for five years.
According to the government, in September 2023, three European clients visited the Hartland Whitetails Ltd. game farm, where one of them was outfitted without a licence, leading to the unlawful harvest of a wild moose. (Ministry of Community Safety)
Smith hopes the fine and suspension send a message to other game farmers.
“It’s good to see the justice system in Saskatchewan starting to take wildlife crimes more seriously,” he said.
Cases like this can give ethical hunters a bad rep, according to Smith, making the use of proper language especially important.
“The minute you step outside of the law, you’re no longer a hunter, you’re a poacher,” he said.
“Hunters act ethically. They do things according to regulation and follow the laws, poachers don’t.”
To report wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, contact Saskatchewan’s Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or report it online.
Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward through the SaskTIP Reward Program.
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