3-year Sask. illegal outfitting investigation concludes, netting $71K in fines

Four Saskatchewan men have been fined$71,460 over the last three years, the province announced Monday as a three-year illegal outfitting investigation concluded.

Charles Meechance, Gerald Meechance, Neal Meechance and Steven Pritchard were under investigation based on an October 2014 incident where the men were guiding two Americans and had illegally hunted a mule buck.

The four men are from the North Battleford, Sask., area.

Charles Meechance pleaded guilty to illegal outfitting, illegal hunting and providing false information in November 2016. He was fined $10,920.

Last month, Gerald Meechance, Neal Meechance and Steven Pritchard were found guilty of illegal outfitting, aiding and abetting, and providing false information.

Gerald Meechancewas also found guilty ofunlawfully falsifying and applying for an export permit. He was fined $33,800.

Neal Meechance was fined$15,820 and Steven Pritchard was fined$10,920.

After court proceedings, the four men had the following conditions placed on them for five years by the province:

• Not be in the company of anyone involved in any aspect of hunting other than on the lands of a First Nation in Saskatchewan or in the company of another treaty person hunting for subsistence.
• Provide any details or other information as requested by the Ministry of Environment on all animals killed while outfitting.
• Ensure all clients attend a Ministry of Environment office in person and swear an affidavit that all information and details of the hunt are true.
• Obtain an export permit for every animal harvested by his or her client.

Gerald Meechance, Neal Meechance and Steven Pritchardalso have the condition:

• Not be in any vehicle in which there is an un-encased firearm except on the lands of a First Nation in Saskatchewan or in the company of another treaty person hunting for subsistence.