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Hunters and anglers contribute to management, conservation

The Assiniboia Field Area is one of the largest in Saskatchewan, according to Matthew Richardson, Conservation Officer.

ASSINIBOIA - “Avid hunters and anglers are our greatest contributors to the management and conservation of our natural resources,” said Matthew Richardson, Conservation Officer in the Assiniboia Field Area. It may be a myth that hunters and anglers decimate the populations of our natural resources, but the opposite is true. Richardson said that by following the resource regulations, hunters and anglers actually help to conserve and manage the game and fish species in Saskatchewan by keeping the populations in balance.

As a Conservation Officer, Richardson works with the new Provincial Protective Services branch under the Ministry of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety. Richardson moved to Assiniboia in December, 2021, and was born and raised in Humboldt. He has a Diploma in Resource and Environmental Law, followed by working three years as a seasonal Conservation Officer in Saskatoon covering Blackstrap and Pike Lake provincial parks.

“Following this,” added Matthew, “I got accepted into the Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy where I was sent to training, prior to my posting in Assiniboia.”

Assiniboia Field Area:  “Assiniboia is a very nice, friendly town and is located in some of the most beautiful country that Saskatchewan has to offer.

The Assiniboia Field Area is one of the largest in Saskatchewan. It extends North to the Ardill area, East to the Bengough area, South to the U.S. border, and West to the Mankota area. This is complemented by an abundance of wildlife, especially a high population of Hungarian partridge, ring-necked pheasant, pronghorn antelope, mule deer and elk.”

Compliance: “The Assiniboia Field Area will be fully staffed by the end of June and the Assiniboia area will see an increase of Conservation Officer presence. Conservation Officers will be providing education on conservation and focusing on compliance and enforcement of hunting, fishing and environmental activities.”

TIPP Line: The public can help with conservation in many different ways, such as familiarizing themselves with and following the Acts and Regulations related to resource activities, being the eyes and ears for Conservation Officers and reporting resource violations to our Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line. The TIPP line number is 1-800-667-7561or #5555 from a SaskTel cell phone.

New - Trespass to Property Act: Richardson has relevant advice for anyone wanting to partake in resource and recreational activity. “Receive permission to access private land prior to commencing in any resource or recreational activity.” The amended Trespass to Property Act came into effect January 1, 2022, and under the new legislation, those wishing to access a rural landowner’s property for recreational purposes will need to gain consent from the owner. Consent can be provided in writing, electronically online, orally, or through signage.   

IHunter App: “This is not a legal document, so you must follow the Saskatchewan Anglers Guide and the Saskatchewan Hunters and Trappers Guide.”

Success: Hunting and fishing are not all about “trophy animals.”

Also, Richardson added that you don’t need to grow up hunting or fishing to be successful and you also don’t need expensive hunting or fishing gear.

Hunter Safety Course: “This is a great course for anyone who is interested in hunting. It is a great learning base and may save the life of yourself or others. Anyone born after January 1, 1971, and who is at least 11 years of age must complete the Hunter Safety Course to obtain a hunting licence in Saskatchewan legally.”