Illegal outfitting sting operation results in $55K in fines for 6 Sask. men

Six Saskatchewan men have been fined over $55,000 for illegal outfitting following a sting operation that involved U.S. undercover officers.

Ministry of Environment officials said they launched a covert operation in the fall of 2015 to look into an increase in illegal outfitting and hunting in the North Battleford area.

The sting involved U.S. undercover officers booking hunts with Rezz Raxx, which is based on the Red Pheasant First Nation.

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Officials said the undercover officers witnessed a number of illegal outfitting and hunting activities.

The sting resulted in numerous charges being laid against six men.

Lawrence Lee Meechance, 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, 38, was fined $12,510 for unlawful hunting near Landis, use of a searchlight 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, 32, was fined $10,470 for guiding without a licence near Battleford, unlawful hunting near Sonningdale, using a searchlight for hunting near Maymont, driving without a driver’s licence and falsifying an export permit application.

Dennis Kennedy, 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, 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.

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Court orders were also issued under The Wildlife Act restricting the six men from hunting, other than on their respective First Nations land, and only for subsistence hunting.

They must also provide details and information on all animals killed while outfitting and ensure their clients go to a Ministry of Environment office to swear affidavits that all details of the hunt are true.

Officials said outfitting and guiding in unauthorized areas is a serious issue and hinders outfitters who follow the rules.

They also said the laws governing outfitters are designed to provide effective wildlife population management and ensure hunting opportunities now and into the future.