Six individuals have been fined $55,200 for unlawful outfitting that took place in the vicinity of North Battleford.
According to the province, the following individuals were fined:
Lawrence Lee Meechance, 39, was fined $17,900 for outfitting without a licence, aiding and abetting unlawful hunting near North Battleford, falsifying an export permit application and driving without a driver’s licence.
Robin D. Wuttunee, 38, was fined $12,510 for unlawful hunting near Landis, use of a search light for hunting, unlawful hunting and hunting on posted land near Kindersley, guiding without a licence and driving without a licence.
Tyrone Adam Cuthand, 32, was fined $10,470 for guiding without a licence near Battleford, unlawful hunting near Sonningdale, using a search light for hunting near Maymont, driving without a licence and falsifying an export permit application.
Dennis Kennedy, 27, was fined $3,150 for aiding and abetting, carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, guiding without a licence near Battleford, hunting on posted land near Landis, unlawful hunting near Ruthilda and driving without a licence.
Stephen A.D. Armstrong, 28, was fined $10,000 for unlawfully hunting and hunting on posted land near Kindersley, unlawful hunting near Golden Prairie, using a search light for hunting near Gull Lake and guiding without a licence near Battleford.
Gregg John Shawn Meechance, 28, was fined $1,120 for falsifying an export permit application.
Court orders were also issued pursuant to The Wildlife Act to restrict them from any aspect of hunting other than on the land of their respective First Nation and only for subsistence hunting.
They must also provide details and information on all animals killed while outfitting, ensure all clients attend the Ministry of Environment office, appear in person to swear an affidavit that all the information and details of the hunt are true, and sign export permits required by their clients.
The fines came down after an investigation by the provincial ministry of environment, who say they were made aware of an increase in illegal outfitting and hunting practices in the area.
A covert investigation began in the fall of 2015 with undercover officers from the United States booking hunts with outfitting business Rezz Raxx, based on Red Pheasant First Nation.
According to the ministry, officers witnessed several illegal outfitting and hunting activities.
Outfitting and guiding in unauthorized areas is a serious issue, according to the ministry. The laws are meant to provide effective management of wildlife populations to ensure hunting opportunities are available.
Anyone suspecting fisheries, wildlife, forestry or environmental violations should call a 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. Callers may be eligible for cash rewards from SaskTip Reward Program.
