In an attempt to address illegal outfitting, the Government of Saskatchewan is making changes to non-resident game bird hunting licences which are currently available to Saskatchewan residents, Canadian residents and non-residents, with all licences being valid for the full season.

In an effort to reduce opportunities for illegal outfitting activity, these changes will limit non-resident hunter’s term licenses to three, five-day short-term licences. There will be one 5-day term licence in the spring and two opportunities in the fall.

The government says Saskatchewan is a premier game bird hunting destination, drawing hunters from across Canada and internationally while contributing to rural communities through tourism and outfitting activities.

In addition, the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters (SCPO) and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) have both expressed support for restricting non-resident hunters.

In a news release, Board Chair with the Outfitters, Jordan Rowswell said. “The term licence is an important first step and will serve as a key tool within a broader set of tools needed to significantly reduce the negative impact this illegal activity has on the economy, and the interests of law-abiding waterfowl hunters and Saskatchewan’s licensed outfitters.”