Three fined $17,240 after social posts prompt illegal hunting investigation

Three Saskatchewan residents were handed hunting licence suspensions and fined a total of $17,240 after an investigation into posts on social media.

According to Saskatchewan’s environment ministry, Moose Jaw conservation officers began the investigation in 2023 after seeing a social media post that showed a woman posing with an untagged white-tailed deer buck at a home. Another account also shared photos of the same person posing with other wildlife, including an untagged white-tailed deer doe.

Read More:

• New hunting program aims to help farmers suffering wildlife damage
• Elk population in good standing heading into Sask. hunting season
• Funding woes threaten future of Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation

In early December of 2023, the officers executed a search warrant at a rural home, seizing firearms, animal trophies, game meat and hunting seals in the process.

The investigation led to three convictions in Moose Jaw Provincial Court in October of 2024.

Lindsey Erbach, a resident of Marquis, was convicted of four counts of unlawful hunting and a single count of providing false information to an officer, leading to a $13,020 fine and a three-year licence suspension.

Lynne P. Dunbar, a Moose Jaw resident, was convicted of unlawful possession of wildlife and providing false information to an officer, leading to a $3,220 fine and a two-year suspension.

Blair A. Dunbar, also a resident of Marquis, was convicted of failing to tag game, which resulted in a $1,000 fine and a one-year suspension.

“Various items, including firearms, ammunition, wildlife trophies and wild game meat, were forfeited to the Crown,” the ministry noted.

“Saskatchewan laws regulating the harvest of wildlife are in place to support healthy and sustainable wildlife populations and to ensure that animals are taken responsibly and ethically.”

Anyone who suspects wildlife or environmental violations was encouraged to contact Saskatchewan’s Turn in Poachers and Polluters line, and the ministry noted that those providing tips may be eligible for cash rewards.