A photo of a deer posted on social media triggered an investigation that resulted in three hunters from the Moose Jaw and Marquis area being convicted on several offences under The Wildlife Act.
In November 2023, Moose Jaw conservation officers found a social media post that included several photos of a woman posing with an untagged white-tailed deer buck. The investigation uncovered another social media account with more photos of the same person with other wildlife, including an untagged white-tailed deer doe.
Officers interviewed Lindsey Erbach of Marquis and Lynne Dunbar of Moose Jaw about wildlife in their possession, some of which were improperly tagged or untagged.
Moose Jaw and Regina conservation officers executed a warrant at Erbach’s rural residence and seized firearms, animal trophies, wild game meat, and hunting seals.
In Moose Jaw Provincial Court recently, Erbach was convicted of four counts of unlawful hunting and one count of providing false information to an officer. Erbach was fined $13,020 and received a three-year licence suspension.
Lynne Dunbar was convicted of unlawful possession of wildlife and providing false information to an officer, resulting in a $3,220 fine and a two-year licence suspension.
Blair Dunbar of Marquis was also convicted of four counts of failing to tag game and received a $1,000 fine and a one-year licence suspension.
Items seized, including firearms, ammunition, wildlife trophies, and wild game meat, were forfeited to the Crown.
Residents are reminded that if they suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry, or environmental violations, they should call Saskatchewan’s Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or report violations online at www.saskatchewan.ca/tipp. TIPP is anonymous, and you may be eligible for cash rewards through the SaskTIP Reward Program.