North Battleford outfitters fined for not being licensed

More than $22,000 in fines has been handed out after an illegal outfitting bust in Saskatchewan last month.

On Nov. 8, conservation officers tried to stop a truck in the Biggar, Sask., area, about 60 kilometres south of the Red Pheasant First Nation.

Although officers turned their lights on, the vehicle didn't pull over. When officers eventually stopped the truck, they found two rifles in the cab, one of which was loaded. There were also loose shells on the floor and the back seat.

Officers found that two people in the truck were posing as official outfitters and weren't licensed with the province.

Conservation officers said licensing outfitters is important, as it lets hunters know the people involved are qualified, follow provincial rules and aren't undercut by people who don't have a licence.

As well, two hunters from Texas in the truck were charged with illegal hunting.

Earlier this month, the four men pleaded guilty in Biggar provincial court.

Elliot Meechance, 34, was fined $10,000 for guiding without a licence and aiding and abetting unlawful hunting. He was also fined more than $1,500 for operating a motor vehicle while disqualified. He had two previous convictions related to illegal outfitting in the past 15 months.

As well, 25-year-old Tyson Adams was fined $7,000 for guiding without a licence and aiding and abetting unlawful hunting.

Both of the Texan hunters were fined $1,880 for unlawful hunting and carrying loaded firearms in a vehicle.

Anyone who sees illegal hunting is asked to call the province's toll-free Turn In Poachers line at 1-800-667-7561.