By Brent Bosker

Poaching remains an issue in Saskatchewan

Apr 27, 2012 | 1:40 PM

Poaching remains a problem in Saskatchewan and new statistics from the province show the problem isn’t going away.

“We had an unusually high number of big game animals that were shot and left, especially moose in the fall of last year,” said Gary Provencher, conservation officer with the ministry of environment in Prince Albert.

The ministry counted a total of 42 moose that were shot in various areas of the province and left to waste — double the cases they normally get in a given year.

“We’re not exactly sure why, but our moose population in southern Saskatchewan has been on the increase for a few years so the moose are likely more accessible to hunters.”

The troublesome statistic is something the province doesn’t want to see become a trend, Provencher said.

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The ministry is encouraging anyone who suspects environmental violations to wildlife, fisheries or forestry to contact conservation officers.

“We’ve had our TIPS program, Turn In Poacher program since 1986 and annually we receive about 1,000 calls.”

“Any calls that we do receive are checked out and charges are laid if necessary.”

It was a call to the TIPS program in January that sparked an investigation and resulted in charges against three men from the Kinistino area.

Conservation Officers determined that a moose and her two calves had been shot out of season and that the cow moose was left to waste.

On Tuesday, Jade Marion was fined $2,360 under The Wildlife Act for unlawful hunting and wasting game.

Michael Gardipy and Robin Moostoos were each fined $280.

While only about five per cent of tips result in charges, Provencher said the recent convictions show the value of the program.

bbosker@panow.com