Released on March 14, 2017
A multi-agency investigation led by Ministry of Environment conservation officers has resulted in two men pleading guilty to several charges and fined a total of $5,790.A September 2016 investigation into suspected illegal outfitting activities in the Pinehouse Lake area resulted in an arrest and charges against an outfitter and guide, who were working with five American clients.
Ministry conservation officers, with the assistance of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, collected statements and evidence from previous clients, leading to additional charges being laid under The Wildlife Act, The Fisheries Act, and The Outfitter and Guide Regulations.
The accused appeared in North Battleford provincial court on February 1, 2017.
Outfitter Brett Mitchell, age 49, of Battleford, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a client to hunt without a licence, aiding and abetting a client to hunt big game with a projectile of .23 calibre or less, contravening the terms and conditions of an outfitter licence by providing game bird hunting, and providing false or misleading information. Mitchell was fined $4,110 and received a one year hunting suspension.
Guide Kelly Natomagan, age 46, of Pinehouse, pleaded guilty to unlawfully providing a guiding service for game bird hunting, aiding and abetting a client to fish with a Treaty Indian fishing for food, and obstructing a Peace Officer. Natomagan was fined a total of $1,680.
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 the SaskTip Reward Program.
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For more information, contact:
Jamie Gibson
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3900
Email: jamie.gibson@gov.sk.ca