Closing Arguments Wrap Up At Outfitter Trial

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 15:00

 

 

The defence focused on the exact wording of charges against a northern outfitter in closing arguments at a trial in La Ronge yesterday.

 

Prosecutors allege Sportsman’s Lodge knowingly exceeded its angler day use allocation on Trout Lake and provided false or misleading records to Saskatchewan Environment officials last year.

 

However, the defence argued the Crown is right in saying that camp manager Ruffo Schindler did not “provide” information or documents to Saskatchewan Environment — all records were seized through a search warrant executed by conservation officers last July.

 

The defence also noted the fishing camp’s guides admitted in court that they continued to angle on Trout Lake with clients against the repeated instructions of management.

 

The Crown maintains Schindler did not take the appropriate actions to ensure that his guides were following orders.

 

Sportsman’s Lodge faced similar charges back in May 2001, and was fined a total of $20,000 and prohibited from using Trout Lake for three years.

 

A judge’s ruling on the new charges is expected on June 12th.