Saskatchewan Man Fined for Hunting Infractions

Released on August 17, 2016

An Indian Head man was recently fined $5,360 in Carlyle provincial court for unlawfully hunting elk in the Kipling area.

In December 2015, conservation officers with the Ministry of Environment investigated an incident that occurred southeast of Kipling, where a herd of elk had been shot at.  Officers found that a cow elk had been killed and field dressed, while a young bull elk was left to waste.  An injured elk calf was also found at the scene and had to be euthanized.

Information on the crime and the suspect’s vehicles was circulated through SaskTip, which assisted in solving this crime.

Lex W. Bartsch, age 43, pleaded guilty to three charges under the Saskatchewan Wildlife Act and Regulations for waste of game, hunting within 500 metres of occupied buildings and unlawful possession of wildlife.  Bartsch was also suspended from hunting for one year.

“Respect for Saskatchewan’s hunting laws is an important component of effective wildlife management,” Ministry of Environment Chief of Enforcement and Investigation Ken Aube said.  “In cases like this, the public’s assistance can be invaluable as we work to protect and preserve Saskatchewan’s natural resources.”

This is an example of how the public can assist in solving crimes through the Turn In Poachers (TIP) program, which is strongly supported by the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF).

“Our province’s wildlife laws exist to protect and preserve healthy game populations,” SWF Executive Director Darrell Crabbe said.  “People who choose to ignore these rules are stealing opportunities away from legitimate hunters and can also jeopardize future wildlife populations.”

If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, 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/conservation.  You may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program.

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For more information, contact:

Ron Podbielski
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6595
Email: ron.podbielski@gov.sk.ca