Saskatchewan Wildlife Scandal: 142 Migratory Birds Found Dumped Near Patience Lake

Saskatchewan Wildlife Scandal: 142 Migratory Birds Found Dumped Near Patience Lake Conservation officers in Saskatchewan are investigating the illegal dumping of 142 migratory birds near Patience Lake. Most were snow geese. Hunters and wildlife groups condemn the act, calling for accountability and stricter regulations. 📍 Shocking Discovery Near Saskatoon Sparks Outrage The bodies of 142 migratory birds—primarily snow geese—were discovered earlier this month on private land approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Saskatoon, near Patience Lake. The incident, reported on October 16, has ignited widespread condemnation from hunters, conservationists, and wildlife organizations across Saskatchewan. Conservation officers released a photo of a truck believed to be connected to the case and are urging the public to help identify the individuals responsible. SaskTips, an independent tip line, is offering a $2,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest. 🦢 Majority of Dumped Birds Were Snow Geese Of the 142 carcasses found, 129 were snow geese. The remaining birds included various duck species and a single Canada goose. Snow geese and Ross’s geese are classified as “overabundant” by the Canadian government, which explains the lack of possession limits for hunters. While daily bag limits cap at 20 snow geese per hunter, there’s no restriction on total possession. In contrast, other waterfowl species such as mallards, pintails, and Canada geese are subject to stricter regulations—eight birds per day and a maximum possession limit of 24. 💸 Potential Fines Could Exceed $20,000 Chris Maier, inspector with the Conservation Officer Service, stated that the perpetrators could face fines exceeding $20,000. This estimate includes penalties for trespassing, littering, and failing to harvest animals properly, multiplied by the number of birds and applicable surcharges. Maier emphasized that such irresponsible behavior is unfortunately not uncommon. “It just comes down to some hunters that aren’t being responsible, and then they end up wasting the animals afterwards because they don’t want to deal with them,” he said. 🎯 Ethical Hunters Condemn the Act Jordan Rowswell, owner of 12 Gauge Outfitting in Battleford and board member of the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters, called the dumping “disgusting” and “an absolute waste of not just meat, but a resource.” He stressed that licensed outfitters operate under strict standards and would not risk their credentials by engaging in illegal dumping. Rowswell noted that ethical hunters have several options for handling unused meat, including freezing it for future use or donating it to family members and local food banks. 🌍 Surge in Freelance and Non-Resident Hunters Raises Concerns Daryl Crabbe, executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, expressed concern over the growing presence of freelance hunters, particularly from the United States. He attributed this influx to stricter term limits in neighboring provinces—Alberta allows non-resident hunters only six consecutive days, while Manitoba permits seven. Saskatchewan, however, imposes no such limits. Crabbe warned that this regulatory gap enables foreign hunters to remain in the province for extended periods, accumulating large numbers of bird carcasses they may struggle to dispose of legally. 🚔 Investigation Ongoing: Who’s Responsible? While speculation swirls around the identity of the perpetrators, Maier cautioned against jumping to conclusions. “It could be an outfitter. It could be a guide working for an outfitter. It could be a friend of a Saskatchewan resident who came up or it could be a freelancer or it could be a Saskatchewan resident who has a U.S. plated vehicle,” he said. Conservation officers continue to seek public assistance in identifying the truck seen near the dumping site. The investigation remains active, and authorities are determined to hold those responsible accountable. 📢 Call to Action: Help Protect Saskatchewan’s Wildlife The dumping of 142 migratory birds near Patience Lake is more than a violation of hunting ethics—it’s a threat to Saskatchewan’s reputation as a responsible hunting destination. Conservation officers, outfitters, and wildlife advocates urge residents to report any suspicious activity and help preserve the province’s natural heritage.