The Saskatchewan government is tightening the reins on out-of-province hunters in an effort to crack down on illegal outfitting and protect local resources.
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Environment Minister Darlene Rowden announced Friday that non-resident game bird hunting licences, which previously allowed for full-season access, will now be restricted to specific short-term windows.
Under the new regulations, non-resident hunters will be limited to three, five-day licences per year: one for the spring season and two for the fall.
“These changes will help ensure our wildlife remains a shared public resource and that Saskatchewan residents see the greatest benefit,” Rowden said in a statement.
The move follows growing concerns that “under-the-table” outfitters have been exploiting the previous system, which allowed non-residents to hunt for the duration of the season without professional oversight.
Jordan Rowswell, board chair of the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters, said illegal operations cost the province millions of dollars in lost economic activity annually.
“The term licence is an important first step, and will serve as a key tool… to significantly reduce the negative impact this illegal activity has on the economy,” Rowswell said.
The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation also voiced its support, noting that the restrictions should alleviate some of the hunting pressure felt by local residents. Executive director Todd Smith said the change recognizes the challenges faced by resident waterfowl hunters and helps protect the province’s “hunting heritage.”
Government officials noted that while the licences are now time-restricted, the 15 total days available across both seasons still allow law-abiding visitors a similar amount of time in the field as many have used in previous years.
Saskatchewan remains a primary destination for international game bird hunters, a sector that remains a significant contributor to the province’s rural tourism industry.
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