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With hunting season upon us, the province is taking aim at poachers
EDMONTON — With hunting season upon us, the province is taking aim at poachers. Five people face charges in Alberta after an investigation into illegal wildlife trafficking and hunting.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services says the accused face a combined 34 charges under the Wildlife Act and nine Criminal Code offences. Among those charged is Simon Paul, a fugitive from Montana who was wanted in the United States on multiple charges related to the killing and trafficking of birds of prey.
Paul was arrested along with Teresa Snow and Eli Snow of Morley, as well as James Brittain and Sophia Soriano of Calgary. Investigators allege the group killed eagles and hawks and trafficked items including a bald eagle feather headdress, bear claw necklaces and a raptor talon dance stick.
The arrests followed two undercover investigations that began after tips to the Report A Poacher line in 2024 and 2025. Officers executed search warrants earlier this year that turned up eagle parts, feathers and unsecured firearms.
Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis praised the work of Fish and Wildlife officers and their law enforcement partners, saying poaching robs Alberta of wildlife that is vital to the lives and livelihoods of many Albertans.
Officials note Indigenous people with treaty or Métis harvesting rights may harvest wildlife for their families, but the law prohibits transferring, trading or selling those animals or parts.
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