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Outfitters and American hunters fined more than $22,000

Elliott Meechance had two previous convictions related to unlawful outfitting activities in the past 15 months.
hunter

A Ministry of Environment investigation near Biggar resulted in a total of $22,320 in fines for unlawful outfitting and illegal hunting infractions for four individuals, according to a press release from the ministry.

Dec. 7, two North Battleford area men appeared in Biggar Provincial Court.

Elliot Meechance, age 34, of North Battleford was fined a total of $10,000 for guiding without a licence and aiding and abetting unlawful hunting. Meechance also received a $1,560 fine for operating a motor vehicle while disqualified.

Tyson Adams, age 25 of the Sweetgrass First Nation, was fined a total of $7,000 for guiding without a licence and aiding and abetting unlawful hunting.

Both Meechance and Adams pleaded guilty to the offences. Meechance had two previous convictions related to unlawful outfitting activities in the past 15 months.

The two American hunters, Jack Strange and Dave Nelson, both of Pleasanton, Texas, were fined $1,880 each for unlawful hunting and carrying loaded firearms in a vehicle. The rifles and hunting equipment were returned upon payment of fines.

Ministry officials report that on Nov. 8, conservation officers stopped a truck in the Biggar area, approximately 66 kilometres south of Red Pheasant First Nation.

When conservation officers activated emergency lights, the vehicle did not immediately pull over, the release states. The ministry says that once stopped, officers found four individuals in the truck, including two American hunters in the back seat. The officers found two rifles in the vehicle, one of which was loaded. There were also loose shells strewn on the floor and on the back seat.

All four were arrested and transported to the Biggar RCMP detachment.

The truck used in the offence was towed and impounded and the rifles, ammunition and other hunting equipment were seized. All four gave sworn statements to officers. Both American hunters stated they were actively hunting with their guides at the time they were stopped. They also admitted their firearms were loaded.

Outfitting and guiding in unauthorized areas is a serious issue and this type of illegal activity hinders other outfitters who follow the rules, ministry officials say. Laws to manage outfitting, outfitter allocations and areas are designed to provide management of wildlife populations to ensure hunting opportunities are available now and into the future, they say.

Anyone who suspects fisheries, wildlife, forestry or environmental violations, is urged to call their local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn in Poachers line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for SaskTel cellular subscribers, or report a violation online at www.saskatchewan.ca/tip. Those providing information could be eligible for cash rewards from SaskTip Reward Program.