REGINA – Calling the change “significant,” the provincial government is increasing fines for hunting and fishing infractions in Saskatchewan.
The changes, that will see many fines double, came about from a 2012 survey of hunters and anglers, and a recommendation from the red tape reduction committee.
It will also bring Saskatchewan’s fine structure in line or ahead of other provinces.
“These changes send a clear message that these resources are valued and will be protected,” said Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff in a news release.
“In some instances fines for serious resource infractions have been doubled. We hope these increased penalties will serve as a deterrent to those who consider abusing our resources in the future.”
Fines for unlawful hunting or possession double to $1,000 plus an animal or bird fee ranging from $100 to $1,000.
Fishing out of season fines increase to $400 plus $50/fish to a maximum of $2,000. See below for a complete list of the new fines.
“Hunters and anglers contribute a great deal of time, money, and effort to conserve our natural resources,” added Cheveldayoff.
“Our hunting and angling laws are designed to achieve management objectives and to ensure the ethical harvest of our fish and wildlife.”
The previous fine structure for unlawful hunting dated back to 2000 while fishing infraction fines date back to the mid-1990’s.
Hunting infraction fines:
- Unlawful hunting has increased from $500, to $1,000, plus animal or bird fee.
- Unlawful possession has increased from $500, to $1,000, plus animal or bird fee.
- Exceeding wildlife limit has increased from $200, to $400 plus animal or bird fee.
- Unlawful use of a vehicle for hunting has increased from $500, to $1,000, plus animal or bird fee.
- Loaded firearm in a vehicle has increased from $200 to $400.
- Leaving edible game in the field increased from $100, plus animal or bird fee to $200, plus animal or bird fee.
Fishing infraction fines:
- Angling during closed times has increased from $200, plus $25/fish to a maximum of $1,000 to $400, plus $50/fish to a maximum of $2,000.
- Exceeding angling limits has increased from $100, plus $25/fish to a maximum of $1,000 to $200, plus $50/fish to a maximum of $2,000.
- Selling fish taken by angling has increased from $250, plus $25/fish to a maximum of $1,000 to $500, plus $50/fish to a maximum of $2,000.
- Wasting fish has increased from $100, plus $25/fish to a maximum $1,000 to $200, plus $50/fish to a maximum $2,000.
- Possessing or using live fish for bait has increased from $200 to $400.
- Use of prohibited methods for fishing has increased from $150, plus $25/fish to a maximum $1,000 to $300, plus $50/fish to a maximum $2,000.
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