Investigation into Duck Killings in Saskatchewan leads to $16,000 in fines and hunting suspensions

August 11, 2009

Three individuals who posted a video of their illegal hunting activities on YouTube in July 2009 appeared in a Saskatoon provincial court on August 10, 2009 and pleaded guilty to breaking several federal and provincial wildlife laws.

On August 10, 2009, Jeremy Rowlands, David Fraser and James Fraser of Cudworth, Saskatchewan pleaded guilty to two counts under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, as well as two counts under the Saskatchewan Wildlife Act, 1998. Mr. Rowlands also pleaded guilty to an additional count under the Saskatchewan Wildlife Act, 1998.

Jeremy Rowlands received a fine of $6,000 and was required to forfeit the rifles used in the incident. David Fraser and James Fraser both received fines of $5,000. David Fraser was also required to forfeit the camcorder used to record the incident. All individuals received a one year hunting suspension under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and a three year hunting suspension under the Saskatchewan Wildlife Act, 1998.

A number of public complaints and tips assisted both provincial and federal environmental enforcement officers in their joint investigation of this case. The fines imposed by the court were allocated to the Environmental Damages Fund. This fund, administered by Environment Canada, provides courts with a way to ensure that financial penalties are directed to address environmental damages.