A man with a history of illegal outfitting convictions has been sentenced to more than a year in custody following another investigation into unlawful hunting in west-central Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Conservation Officer Service says officers attempted to stop a vehicle suspected of being involved in illegal hunting near Wilkie on Oct. 11, 2024. The driver fled twice before being tracked to a residence on Red Pheasant Cree Nation with help from RCMP.
Further investigation led to charges against Elliot Meechance of Red Pheasant Cree Nation. In North Battleford provincial court on July 31, 2025, Meechance pleaded guilty to driving while prohibited, failing to stop for a peace officer and outfitting without a licence.
He was sentenced to 379 days in custody, two years of probation, a one-year driving prohibition and a three-year hunting suspension. An American hunter unlawfully guided by Meechance was also fined $1,400.
Meechance has a history of similar offences. In 2016, he was fined more than $11,500 as part of an illegal outfitting case near Biggar, where he and another man posed as outfitters while guiding two hunters from Texas. That case resulted in more than $22,000 in fines being issued to four individuals.
Conservation officers say outfitter licensing is intended to ensure guides are qualified, follow provincial rules and don’t undercut law-abiding operators.
The public is reminded that suspected wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations can be reported anonymously through Saskatchewan’s Turn In Poachers and Polluters line at 1-800-667-7561 or online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp.