A group of hunters have been hit with hefty punishments following an investigation that began in May 2021. A grand total of $15,810 of fines were handed out, and a combined total of 22 years of hunting suspensions for the involved individuals. 

Public information began the process, as the TIPP (Turn in Poachers and Polluters) line was notified of suspected wildlife trafficking. A team of conservation officers joined the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety to begin an investigation, that according to police concluded back on March 7, 2023 with a search of a Meskanaw-area residence, located about 150 KM northeast of Saskatoon.

Five Saskatchewan residents are pleading guilty to a variety of offences, including wildlife trafficking, hunting without a licence and hunting at night. The following information is from the Government of Saskatchewan release back on December 4:

  • On November 6, 2023, Christina Duh of Meskanaw pleaded guilty in Melfort Provincial Court to trafficking in wildlife (white-tailed deer) and was fined $2,800 and given a five-year hunting suspension;
  • Donald Duh, also of Meskanaw, pleaded guilty to hunting at night, hunting without a licence and obtaining a licence while having unpaid fines, and was fined $1,410 and suspended from hunting for two years;
  • On October 16, 2023, in Melfort Provincial Court, Benjamin Tschetter of Star City pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in wildlife, involving white-tailed deer and elk meat and was fined $6,000;
  • Keith Tschetter, also of Star City, pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in elk meat and was fined $2,800.  Both men were given five-year hunting suspensions;
  • On July 20, 2023, in Saskatoon Traffic Safety Court, Kenneth Tschetter of Saskatoon pleaded guilty to trafficking in wildlife (white-tailed deer) and was fined $2,800 and suspended from hunting for five years. 

The TIPP line is an excellent resource to share any suspected wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations. It can be reached at 1-800-667-7561, and violations can also be reported online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp.

"Trafficking in wildlife shows disrespect for public resources and steals opportunities from lawful hunters. Left unchecked, such illegal activities can negatively affect wildlife populations and overall ecosystem health." stated the release.

With the SaskTIP Reward Program, lucky individuals performing the good deed could be eligible for cash rewards, and it is noted you do not need to provide a name. Find more from Saskatchewan conservation officers in the related articles below.

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