Outlook Man Fined $1,860 for Illegal Hunting

Released on April 16, 2014

An Outlook man was recently fined $1,860 in Saskatoon Traffic Safety Court for violations under the Wildlife Act Regulations.

Jesse Dechaine pleaded guilty to hunting with the use of lights and unlawfully discharging a firearm within 500 metres of occupied buildings.

The charges were laid as a result of a call to the provincial Turn In Poachers (TIP) line in January of this year to report that somebody was using lights to spot a coyote and shooting at it with a high-powered rifle within 500 metres of occupied buildings near Hanley.

The use of lights at night is an unethical method of killing wildlife and there is the potential for serious consequences of injury or death when shooting firearms near occupied buildings.

“Hunting after daylight hours is dangerous because you can’t be sure of your target and beyond,” Ministry of Environment Director of Compliance and Enforcement Ken Aube said.  “The danger increases when you add occupied buildings.  It is taken very seriously; the public has a right to be safe.”

If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, environmental or forestry violations, call your local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for SaskTel cell phone subscribers, or report a violation online at www.saskatchewan.ca/conservation.  You may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program.

The Ministry of Environment provides science-based solutions, compliance and mitigation measures aimed at protecting the environment, safeguarding communities and helping to ensure a better quality for life for all Saskatchewan residents.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Jamie Gibson
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3900