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By Nigel Maxwell

Illegal hunting

Discovery of dead deer raises questions about public safety

Nov 15, 2019 | 8:19 AM

The Ministry of Environment has confirmed they are investigating a report of illegal hunting in the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Garden River.

On Nov. 11, a deer was shot and left for waste on a property where a ‘No Trespassing’ sign had clearly been posted. John Burwood found the deer the morning after and told paNOW he was quite concerned, given how many people live in the area.

“”If somebody is coming that is not familiar with the area, it’s pretty easy to be shooting too close to a house,” he said.

Burwood, who believes the animal was shot the night before, explained when he inspected his property there were human tracks up and down the fence line, and then back towards the highway.

“My thinking is they ran to get it and then thought ‘oh it got away’ because they would have been looking into the bush in the dark,” he said.

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Burwood said there are seven houses within a 500 metre radius of where the deer was shot. (Facebook)

Burwood contacted conservation officers shortly after making the discovery, and said he was told they were able to gather some evidence. The province’s new trespassing legislation makes it mandatory for hunters to get consent before going on private land but Burwood said he is concerned how these new laws can be enforced.

“You know if they are pulling every hunter over to check for their permission slips, it’s going to take a lot of resources,” he said.

The Ministry announced after the legislation passed that it would come into force after the necessary regulations were developed and a technological solution was found. That process is still underway. Last week it announced new digital-based tracking and data software called SaskLander was being tested in the R.M.of Shellbrook. It aims to link property owners and those asking for access in what is hoped will be an easy and efficient way.

Don Erhart, Vice-President for the Prince Albert Chapter of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation told paNOW he was saddened to hear about the incident.

“The majority of us that go out there and enjoy the boundaries of our province, do so in a legal and ethical way so anytime you hear about an incident like this, it’s disappointing for sure,” he said.

Earhart agreed with Burwood regarding questions about how the new legislation will be enforced, but added it will be very common knowledge that a hunter cannot go on any private property unless they get permission first.

“I understand the fines will be quote significant so it would not be something that would pay in dividend if you are caught,” he said

Anyone who suspects wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations is encouraged to call the toll-free Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment Turn In Poachers and Polluters Line 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 from a Sasktel cellphone (phone calls only, no text messages). Tips can also be reported online at saskatchewan.ca/tip.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell