Hunters are being reminded to check with landowners and ask permission prior to entering all land whether it’s posted or not.

Rich Hildebrand with the Ministry of Environment says they stress the importance of respecting property while hunting.

"We recommend that they get permission from landowners. Lots of times, landowners just want to know who's out there because they have cattle or crop. There will be some standing or unharvested crop, we want to ask hunters to respect landowners. Don't go hunting, trapping or driving through the standing crop."

Last month the Province launched an online review of the current trespass legislation and encouraged everyone to participate from hunters to landowners.

The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association has previously called upon the government to do more to tighten trespass legislation.

SCA Chair Rick Toney says it's not uncommon to have hunters and other visitors trespassing on our lands without asking  

“This leads to issues with cut fences, injured or lost animals and biosecurity risks to herds and fields.”

Justice Minister Don Morgan says trespassing is an issue for many rural landowners, farmers, and ranchers who are concerned about theft, invasive weeds and disease issues like clubroot entering their land.

He says they will closely consider the results from the review(which ended October 1st) in determining if changes need to be made to the trespass legislation

Hildebrand says as well as getting permission hunters should ensure they have the proper paperwork, safety courses, and necessary, tags in place.

"All our big game species you require a hunting license and tag for them. There's always a limit for them for each species," Hildebrand said they draw for tags each year based on populations, "Each year it varies, that's all done because of management techniques through determining populations and how populations are doing."

He notes for hunters going out safety should always be a priority.

"Treat every firearm as if it's loaded, be sure of your target and beyond, don't point at anything you don't want to shoot, and do not hunt within 500 metres of occupied buildings."

 

Finally, he notes that everyone should be on the lookout, all year round, for suspicious hunter activity.

"If you suspect any wildlife, fisheries or forestry violations, you are encouraged to report that. We require the public to help us out."

Violations can be reported at your local ministry office or the Turn in Poacher Line at 1-800-667-7561 or (SaskTel Lines) #5555.