Sask. shortens non-resident game bird season to address illegal waterfowl hunting

The government of Saskatchewan has announced plans to reduce the length of non-resident game bird hunting licences to combat illegal guiding. 

The Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters (SCPO) said illegal waterfowl outfitting is harming law-abiding outfitters.

"And the reason it's been a problem for a long time is because there's money at stake," said SCPO board chair and operator of 12 Gauge Outfitting Jordan Roswell. 

Currently game bird hunting licences are available to Saskatchewan residents, Canadian residents and non-residents and valid for up to four months in the fall.

SCPO said the extended length of time for non-residents makes it easy for anyone to act as a guide and accept cash for services.

"It's created an illegal industry doing the same thing that legal outfitters are doing. It's difficult to prove that it happens unless you can prove there's an exchange of money for a service," he said. 

In an effort to reduce illegal outfitting, the government of Saskatchewan announced plans to limit non-resident hunters' licences to three, five day short-term permits. This included one five-day term for snow goose hunting in the spring and two five-day term licences for waterfowl hunting in the fall.

Over the past several seasons, the ministry of Environment has received concerns about non-residents purchasing full season licences and then offering unauthorized outfitting services said the province's Minister of Environment Darlene Rowden.

Alberta, Manitoba and the northern states have enacted similar restrictions and those regulations haven't deterred American bird hunters, she said.

"Our indications are it's not going to have that big of an effect on it, negative effect. But yeah they've looked at data from Manitoba who's had this practice and they've seen very little to no negative impact on their economy by implementing these term licences," said Rowden. 

The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) applauds the shortened terms for non-residents and said the move will help protect waterfowl resources.

"Saskatchewan is known as the mecca of waterfowl hunting," said SWF executive director Todd Smith. "If we want Saskatchewan residents to continue to have a hunting heritage in the province, this definitely a first step in the right direction."

Both SWF and SCPO said the new limits provide conservation officers with another enforcement tool to use when doing field checks. 

The ministry made the announcement on March 20 but said it has to work out the details before deciding when the new regulations will be implemented.