More fines and charges in regards to wildlife but this time involving a taxidermist

The Saskatchewan government says what should have been a straightforward inspection of a Saskatchewan taxidermy business became a complex investigation which resulted in an arrest, fines and seizure of wildlife exhibits.

A news release says a routine inspection of Northern Reflections Taxidermy in Mossbank by conservation officers in February 2023 led to the discovery of an overwhelming amount of wildlife in the shop, “Exhibits filled the walls and floor, with a few paths to walk through, and antlers hung from the rafters.”

The government says as officers began checking the exhibits they learned that 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 An inspection of the business’s records revealed missing and out of date information.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 business owner was also unable to provide a current taxidermy permit.

There were two follow up inspections one of which involved a search warrant where officers found more untagged wildlife, some in outbuildings and freezers, and more incomplete or missing records. Officers seized 144 wildlife exhibits, a laptop computer and record books.

On September 23 last year, Brandon McCrea of Mossbank pleaded guilty to offences under The Wildlife Act in Moose Jaw Provincial Court, including operating a taxidermy business without a licence and possessing wildlife illegally. McCrea was fined a total of $7,250 plus surcharges and 144 wildlife exhibits were forfeited to the Crown.

In the news release, the Ministry of Environment points out, “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.”