TWO SASKATCHEWAN HUNTERS FINED FOR CHASING WILDLIFE

Two hunters from the Biggar area were fined a total of $7,580 in Rosetown Provincial Court for illegally chasing wildlife and discharging a firearm from a vehicle.

Nick and Bruce Kushner were each convicted on two counts under The Wildlife Act and Regulations. The fines imposed by the court include a $1,000 donation to the SaskTip Reward Program. In addition to the fine, Nick Kushner forfeited his firearm and both men were given three-year hunting suspensions.

The charges were laid as the result of an incident south of Elrose in December 2007. A group of hunters witnessed the two men chasing a deer and shooting at it from their vehicle. Ministry of Environment Conservation Officers investigated and subsequent charges were laid against the pair.

"Most hunters in Saskatchewan respect hunting laws, which are intended to protect and preserve our natural resources," Ministry of Environment's Compliance and Field Services executive director Kevin Callele said. "Unfortunately, there are some who have little respect for our resources or for the environment. These convictions send the message that Saskatchewan's fish and wildlife resources are valued and will be protected."

Anyone who is aware of or suspects wildlife, fisheries 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.

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For more information, contact:

Gary Provencher
Environment
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-933-7928
Cell: 306-270-3860