Released on December 21, 2016
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.On November 8, 2016, 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. 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. Carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle is unsafe and illegal. All four were arrested and transported to the Biggar RCMP detachment.
The truck used in the offense 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 that they were actively hunting with their guides at the time that they were stopped. They also admitted that their firearms were loaded.
On December 7, 2016, the 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.
Outfitting and guiding in unauthorized areas is a serious issue and this type of illegal activity hinders other outfitters who follow the rules. Laws to manage outfitting, outfitter allocations and areas are designed to provide effective management of wildlife populations to ensure hunting opportunities are available now and into the future.
If you suspect fisheries, wildlife, forestry or environmental violations, please call your 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. You may be eligible for cash rewards from SaskTip Reward Program.
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For more information, contact:
Ron Podbielski
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6595
Email: ron.podbielski@gov.sk.ca