Taxidermist fined for operating without licence, illegally possessing wildlife

A Mossbank taxidermist is facing thousands of dollars in fines after pleading guilty to operating a taxidermy business without a licence and illegally possessing wildlife.

According to the Government of Saskatchewan, the case began in February of 2023 when conservation officers visited Northern Reflections Taxidermy for what should have been a routine inspection.

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“The amount of wildlife in the shop was overwhelming – exhibits filled the walls and floor, with a few paths to walk through, and antlers hung from the rafters,” the provincial government explained in a statement.

“As officers began the daunting job of checking each animal, issues soon surfaced. Tags were missing or not properly notched as is required when taxidermists receive wildlife. An inspection of the business’s records revealed missing and out of date information.”

The operator of the business, Brandon McCrea of Mossbank, was unable to provide a taxidermy permit, the government noted, and more untagged wildlife and incomplete or missing records were discovered during two follow-up visits.

During the investigation, the conservation officers seized 144 wildlife exhibits, along with record books and a laptop.

McCrea pleaded guilty to the two charges under the Wildlife Act in a Moose Jaw courtroom in September, the government said, resulting in a fine of $7,250 plus surcharges, and the forfeiture of all 144 wildlife exhibits.

“Saskatchewan laws regulating possession and handling of wildlife are in place to support conservation and to make sure that animals are taken legally and ethically,” the provincial government explained.

“It’s important to respect requirements to ensure wildlife is properly accounted for at every stage of harvest, including when a taxidermist is hired to preserve an animal.”

Anyone who suspects wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations was encouraged to contact Saskatchewan’s Turn in Poachers and Polluters tip line or make a report online. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and may be eligible for cash rewards.