As various hunting seasons start to open across the province, hunters need to be aware of the rules.

"The game bird season opened up on the 15th of September," Lindsey Leko, a conservation officer with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, "but then we've got pheasants opening up on October 1 along with whitetail with the use of a muzzleloader. November 1 we'll be looking at the opening of the draw mule deer season and then November 20th, regular whitetail season opens. What's ongoing now is waterfowl and ducks and geese, that's bee open since September 1st."

If you do kill an animal out of season, be prepared to face the consequences. For a hunter to take a deer out of season, you could face an unlawful hunting charge as well as an unlawful possession charge. 

"And depending on whether you shot a buck or a doe, you're looking at a minimum fine of about $2,800 per count."

He added that multiple violations can result in the loss of your hunting licence for one year. However, he notes that the majority of calls they receive are related to issues with landowners.

"Guys hunting on posted land, driving offroad. Loaded firearms is still a very common one that we see."

As well, hunting within 500 meters of a dwelling is also a common violation they deal with. 

"Sometimes guys get a little crazy when they see the animal they want and they don't take care and notice what's all around them."

"Land access is getting to be a big (topic) with government and I know they're reviewing it right now so I would urge everyone to make sure that you get permission from the landowner. It's an offence to drive anywhere you want on these fields without permission from the landowner. make sure you read the regulations and then you won't end up with a visit from me or my partner giving you some bad news."