Released on August 27, 2025
A recent investigation by the Saskatchewan Conservation Officer Service has resulted in the successful conviction and significant penalties for one individual.
On October 11, 2024, North Battleford Conservation Officers were investigating complaints of unlawful outfitting in the Wilkie area when they encountered a vehicle believed to be involved in hunting. When officers activated emergency lights to conduct a compliance check, the vehicle fled. A second conservation officer encountered the vehicle a short while later and attempted another stop, but the vehicle once again evaded officers. RCMP were contacted to assist, and despite efforts to stop the vehicle, including tire deflation devices, the vehicle continued to flee before being tracked to a residence on the Red Pheasant Cree Nation.
Further investigation led to Elliot Meechance of Red Pheasant Cree Nation being charged with unlawful hunting and several other offences.
On July 31, 2025, in North Battleford Provincial Court, Meechance pleaded guilty to:
- driving while prohibited;
- failing to stop for a peace officer; and
- outfitting without a license.
He was sentenced to 379 days in custody followed by two years probation, a one-year driving prohibition and three-year hunting suspension.
In addition, an American resident, unlawfully guided by Meechance, was also fined $1,400 for engaging in unlawfully hunting.
If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call Saskatchewan's Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or report online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward from the SaskTIP Reward Program.
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