An investigation by the Ministry of Environment in west central Saskatchewan has resulted in six individuals being fined a total of $55,200 for unlawful outfitting. 

Over the past few years, the ministry has become aware of an increase in illegal outfitting and hunting practices occurring in the North Battleford area.

In the fall of 2015, a covert investigation began with undercover officers from the United States booking hunts with an outfitting business Rezz Raxx, based on the Red Pheasant First Nation.  The undercover officers witnessed a number of illegal outfitting and hunting activities, which resulted in numerous charges being laid.

Lawrence Lee Meechance, age 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, age 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 driver’s licence. 

Tyrone Adam Cuthand, age 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 driver’s licence and falsifying an export permit application.

Dennis Kennedy, age 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 driver’s licence.

Stephen A.D. Armstrong, age 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, age 28, was fined $1,120 for falsifying an export permit application.

Court orders were also issued pursuant to The Wildlife Act to restrict the guilty parties from any aspect of hunting, other than on the land of their respective First Nation and only for subsistence hunting.  The individuals must also provide details and information on all animals killed while outfitting; ensure all clients attend the Ministry of Environment office; and, 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.

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.