It is springtime, which means spring hunting season is coming soon. It is time to discuss regulations versus tradition.
The regulations are very strict on how to hunt and where to hunt. Yet, traditional hunting on the prairies has been slightly different for the majority of our hunters. In our rural area of Saskatchewan, the farmers and small-town residents make up the majority of active hunters. Hunters know the farmers in the area, they know whose land they can hunt on and which land cannot be used.
Years ago, nine times out of ten, hunters had permission to use certain lands. Some may assume that permission carries on as these traditional hunting areas are hunted year-after-year and have been passed on through generations.
Many hunters tell stories about how they “grabbed the old deer rifle”, jumped into the truck and started driving down the road. If a deer was spotted, they may have even driven into a field to shoot that nice big buck or doe with the understanding it is feeding on farmers’ crops. The hunter may be attempting to harvest some “jumper” meat and help not only maintain the population of deer, but also lessen wildlife damage to farmers’ crops.
For the most part, there is not much concern during hunting season; yet, every now-and-then a “bad apple” isn’t as respectful to the farmers’ crops or livestock. We have reports yearly of crop damage, and domestic animal disturbances, but for the most part, our traditional hunting season goes off without a hitch.
Speaking as a hunter, we are only visiting someone else’s property where we are merely guests of the landowner. Not many people would be impressed if someone drove across our lawn or through our garden in town, yet some bad apples feel it is ok to drive across a planted field or a hayfield. This can cause hundreds to thousands of dollars in damage thus taking away from the farm’s income. Unfortunately, this is not what the regulations state, especially now with the new trespassing laws.
With the new trespassing laws, we need to find out who’s land it is and get actual stated permission each time we enter a property; better yet, getting permission for the year to enter that property. Some general hunting regulations that are different then traditional hunting practices state things like: It is unlawful to shoot across, along or from a provincial highway, provincial road or municipal road. Or, it is unlawful to hunt on posted land without the consent of the owner or occupant.
The new “Trespass to Property Act” takes it one step further stating, “If a contravention of this Act is committed by means of a motor vehicle the driver of the motor vehicle is liable to a fine provided pursuant to this act”, contravention of this Act will cost up to $2000.00 if convicted.
The good thing about hunting as a rural resident is the knowledge of the area and landowners. It is far easier for local residents to seek and receive permission knowing who owns what quarter and where most farms are located. It is always suggested to obtain R.M. maps available at all R.M. offices at a far less cost than a possible fine.
As hunters, we all need to respect nature, the law and our rural neighbours. It is not impossible to get permission to hunt on a farmers’ land. Often, farmers will welcome a respectful hunter.
By Gary Horseman (Local Journalism Initiative Reporter)
garyfourtownjournal@gmail.com