REGINA – The Saskatchewan government is getting tougher on illegal hunters in the province with increased fines and penalties.
Legislation introduced Tuesday will make penalties in the province equal to or greater than comparable fines in other jurisdictions.
Under the amendments, the most severe conservation offences will carry an automatic two-year suspension and those convicted for wildlife offences on three separate occasions will receive a lifetime ban on purchasing hunting licences.
Other changes include prohibiting people suspended from hunting in another jurisdiction from buying a licence in Saskatchewan and banning people with unpaid fines from buying a licence until the fines are paid.
Saskatchewan Environment Minister Scott Moe says the changes will help better protect the province’s wildlife resources.
“This sends a strong message to poachers that there are serious consequences associated with breaking wildlife laws in Saskatchewan,” said Moe in a release.
The amendment would also increase the length of time to bring charges forward, from two years to three years.
Officials explained the increase in time is needed as violations are challenging to investigate as they often occur in unpopulated areas and poachers are becoming more sophisticated and difficult to catch.
Another change is denying those with maintenance payments arrears from purchasing a hunting or fishing licence.
Earlier this year, the province changed fines for unlawful hunting and fishing, doubling the penalties for the most serious offences.
Comments