In 2025, Fish and Wildlife officers were able to solve several cases with help from the public. Here is one of those cases.
On April 20, 2024, Alberta Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Services received a complaint through the Report A Poacher line. The caller alleged having evidence of individuals chasing and killing deer with a vehicle, as well as other illegal hunting activities from the previous year.
Over the course of the investigation—spanning over 10 months—officers worked diligently to secure evidence through suspect statements, forensic analysis of cellular phones through search warrants, and the seizure of unlawfully possessed wildlife. After analysis of all available information and evidence, officers determined that between September 1, 2023 and April 20, 2024, no fewer than six suspects were involved in multiple unlawful hunting activities:
- hunting without a licence
- using a vehicle to hunt/kill wildlife
- hunting during a closed season
- unlawfully possessing wildlife
- allowing another person to use their hunting licence/tag
- using another person's hunting licence/tag
- failing to affix hunting tag to harvested wildlife
- discharging a firearm from a roadway
- wasting harvestable wildlife
Officers laid 29 charges against six individuals from northwestern Alberta. On April 22, 2025, the last of the six offenders were convicted of their charges. Global penalties amongst all six individuals resulted in $19,980 in fines and 10 years in recreational hunting licence suspensions. Officers seized six unlawfully killed deer from the individuals, all of which were forfeited upon conviction.
Anyone with information of suspected poaching is encouraged to contact Report A Poacher by phone at 1-800-642-3800 or online at alberta.ca/report-poacher.aspx. All reporters can remain anonymous, as well as be eligible for a reward.
REPORT A POACHER NOW! CALL TOLL-FREE OR REPORT ONLINE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK.
All calls are kept strictly confidential, and the information you provide can lead to an arrest, fines, and jail time. The Report A Poacher program is delivered in joint partnership between Alberta Justice and Alberta Conservation Association.
