Conviction on wildlife charge

RJM Guiding and Outfitting Inc. of Prince Albert has been convicted in Saskatoon Provincial Court of wasting game and was fined a total of $3,500 under The Wildlife Act Regulations. In addition to the fine, the company was ordered to make a donation of $1,000 to the SASKTIP Reward Program.

The charges were laid following a Ministry of Environment investigation initiated by a September 2011 call to the Turn In Poachers line. Conservation officers discovered almost three dozen complete carcasses of various ducks and Canada geese in a bushy area north of Saskatoon. The investigation led to RJM Guiding and Outfitting Inc., a licensed outfitting company.

"Wasting game shows disrespect for the natural resources that are an important part of our Saskatchewan heritage and the provincial government is committed to ensuring those who abuse these resources are held accountable," Ministry of Environment Compliance and Enforcement Director Ken Aube said. "The courts have recognized the negative impacts of these activities and imposed this significant penalty. I am confident it sends the message that Saskatchewan's fish and wildlife resources are valued and will be protected."

Anyone who is aware of or suspects wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations is encouraged to report them to the nearest Ministry of Environment office or to call the province's toll-free Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for SaskTel cell phone subscribers. Callers may be eligible for cash rewards through the SASKTIP Reward Program.