Warning to anglers not to mistakenly violate outfitter laws

Jul 7, 2019 | 2:00 PM

Every year the Ministry of Environment gets up to 30 tips about potentially illegal outfitting, and they’re reminding anglers they should take on the services of licensed operators only.

The wildlife unit is hoping to increase awareness about an activity that if not conducted within the law, threatens not only the environment, but Saskatchewan’s reputation as a world class destination and the important revenues that brings.

“In addition to knowing the rules and regulations licensed outfitters have an allocated opportunity [to do that],” manager with the unit Chuck Lees told paNOW. “Where there’s illegal activity occurring it puts pressure on the limited fishery or wildfire resources and it does have impacts on overall populations.”

Lees explained there are two types of outfitting options available in Saskatchewan: one is a licence that is granted through the province. They are fully-allocated so anyone wanting such a licence would need to buy it from an existing owner. The second option is the outfitting offered by individual First Nations.

He said an outfitter was a person who organizes services for clients in connection with angling or hunting for a fee, and that includes guiding services, equipment and accommodation. It is unlawful to do that without a licence and a conviction can lead to fines and loss of equipment.

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Kevin Rowswell is the owner operator of Wheeler River Lodge, which is 180 miles north of La Ronge. He explained there was a reason why outfitters and guides are licensed.

“We pride ourselves on our professionalism and we are a highly-regulated industry,” he told paNOW. “The tourist is number one, and it provides them with a lot of protection because if they got caught up with an illegal outfitter they can be held accountable as well, even if they don’t realize they’ve stumbled into an illegal operation.”

Rowswell said people who were illegally outfitting were willing to stretch the rules sometimes “because they don’t have much to lose.”

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow

by Glenn Hicks

Warning to anglers not to mistakenly violate outfitter laws

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