Sask. taxidermy business fined more than $7,000, 144 'wildlife exhibits' seized

What began as a "straightforward" inspection of a Saskatchewan taxidermy business quickly became a complex investigation – ultimately leading to more than $7,000 in fines.

On Sept. 23, 2024, a Mossbank, Sask. man plead guilty to offences under The Wildlife Act in Moose Jaw Provincial Court.

The charges included operating a taxidermy business without a licence and possessing wildlife illegally.

The accused was fined a total of $7,250 plus surcharges and forfeited 144 wildlife exhibits to the Crown.

In Feb. 2023, Assiniboia, Sask. conservation officers visited Northern Reflections Taxidermy in Mossbank for a routine inspection.

"But what they found was anything but," the province said in its release Thursday.

"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."

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

Officers began checking each animal and issues surfaced – as tags were missing or not properly notched as is required when taxidermists receive wildlife, according to the province.

Officers inspected the businesses records -which revealed missing and out of date information.

The business owner was unable to produce a current taxidermy permit.

Conservation officers conducted two follow-up inspections, including one with a search warrant.

They continued to find more untagged wildlife, some in outbuildings and freezers and more incomplete or missing records. In addition to the exhibits, officers seized a laptop and record books.

"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 release read.

"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."

If anyone suspects wildlife, fisheries, forestry, or environmental violations, they are encouraged to call the Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line or report violations online.