(Last Updated On: November 21, 2017)Provincial Wildlife Lands
Written by Ministry of Environment conservation officer Lindsey Leko
I have to admit that I am really enjoying writing these columns. As I travel around with my son for hockey and people actually recognize me from my mug shot in the local papers. I am happy to talk about what conservation officers do for a living and some of the rules we enforce.
So, that was some wind we got several weeks back. If there were any geese in flight, they would be enjoying South Carolina right now!
Some people wonder how wildlife would handle these types of weather events. Most large game would just hunker down in low spots in hopes of getting out of the wind. Some would find protection in the bush or other areas protected by trees. It is likely that Mother Nature and her wrath would have an impact on wildlife in some manner. Falling trees or blowing debris could have had some toll on our wildlife populations. But those would be isolated incidents.
Recently, I checked a couple of hunters who were in a yard site with a rather unique wildlife sign in it. They had never seen it before and asked what it meant. This automatically triggered a feature topic as there are many signs out there for all sportspeople to be aware of. I hope to cover off some of these signs and their meaning and purpose. For some reason, I am always able to date myself with music selections, so here I go again with the Five Man Electrical Band’s song Signs (Sign, Sign, Everywhere a sign).
BIRD SANCTUARY SIGNS These signs represent large tracks of land set aside by the federal government for migratory birds to stop and have a rest while on their migration routes. These lands also provide excellent staging and breeding grounds for waterfowl. There are 15 of these sanctuaries in the province and no hunting is allowed on these parcels of land.
NATIONAL WILDLIFE AREA SIGNS These parcels of land in Saskatchewan are also managed by the federal government and are set aside for protecting wildlife habitat. In most cases, hunting is allowed on these lands but vehicle use is prohibited beyond roads or designated trails. The one exception is that the hunting of sandhill cranes is not allowed within the Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area.
WILDLIFE AREA SIGNS These organizations have set aside this land for wildlife habitat and hunting purposes. Hunting is allowed on foot only. There are other signs that are similar to this for Ducks Unlimited lands. These lands are also set aside for hunting, but there are no vehicles allowed and hunting must be done on foot only.
ROAD CORRIDOR GAME PRESERVE SIGNS Road Corridor Game Preserves have been established along select major roads in the northern forested areas of the province. Hunting is not allowed within 400 metres of each side of the road. While travelling through these areas, all firearms must be encased. Licensed hunters travelling on foot within 400 metres of the road must ensure their firearm is unloaded until they leave the corridor.
LANDOWNER SIGNS Signs stating “no hunting” or “no trespassing” are pretty self-explanatory. Producers who have their land posted like this do not want any hunting on their property. Some feel that this signage means that no one can hunt on these lands including the landowner. This is not the case; the landowner can hunt on any land that they own, and can give permission to anyone to hunt on that land regardless of how it is posted.You will find these signs prominently posted along the perimeter of the land in question including corners and access points.
PROVINCIAL WILDLIFE LANDS These are great signs to see as a hunter, because they are dedicated for lawful hunting purposes. They are open to hunting on foot only. No person can drive on wildlife lands or be a passenger in a vehicle for any purpose except to retrieve legally harvested big game animals via the shortest route. While retrieving the big game animal, your firearm must be unloaded and encased.No baiting or use of a permanent tree stand is allowed. Camping is allowed on these parcels but you must walk in from your vehicle.Permits may be issued to those who have grazing or haying operations on these parcels of land.
CO Lindsey Leko – Photo credit Ministry of Environment.
Well, that should do it for another week. Until next column…remember to keep your finger off the trigger until you are committed to the shot.
Ministry of Environment conservation officer Lindsey Leko has spent more than 25 years as a conservation officer in Saskatchewan.
For many years, Officer Leko contributed a column to local papers on a variety of issues related to hunting, fishing, and other resource-related issues.
If you have questions, please contact lindsey.leko@gov.sk.ca.
