Sask. man fined $3,380 for trafficking wild meat on Facebook

A Saskatoon man has been fined for trying to buy wild meat through a SaskatoonBuy and Sell page on Facebook.

It is illegal to buy, trade, barter or sell wild meat in Saskatchewan.

In April 2017, the Ministry of Environment became aware of a Facebook post from a man wanting to buy wild game meat, according to a news release by the provincial government.

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Conservation officers warned the man several time it was illegal to buy wild game meat in Saskatchewan, but the government said he did not comply with the warnings.

As a result, 41-year-old Danial Mitchellwas charged under the Wildlife Act and plead guilty to trafficking in wildlife and unlawful possession of wildlife.

He was fined $3,380 and received a five-year suspension from buying a hunting license.

The government said conservation officers continue to receive complaints from the public about selling wild meat unlawfully, as social media has become a tool for people trying to traffic in wildlife and fish.

For those wanting to report environmental violations, people are urged to contact their local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan's toll-free Turn In Poachers line or the provincial government's website.