On May 8th, 2020, Saskatoon Conservation Officers received a complaint regarding an illegally shot merlin. On May 7th, a dead merlin was discovered on the roof of a garage in the North end of Hague, SK, on Smith Crescent. The bird was inspected and appeared that it may have been shot by a small caliber rifle. A necropsy confirmed the merlin had died from injuries sustained from a small caliber round, such as a .22 or pellet gun. Merlins are a small species of falcon that are swift fliers and skilled hunters, feeding primarily on small birds. They have also been regarded as falconry birds for centuries. Merlins are protected under The Wildlife Act, 1998.
If you have any information, call the toll-free Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment Turn In Poachers & Polluters Line 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 from a Sasktel cellphone (phone calls only, no text messages). You can also report online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp. Remember, you can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to a conviction.
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