For many in southeastern Saskatchewan and all across the province, it's a wonderful time of year. Hunting season has officially begun in Saskatchewan, which attracts hundreds of people from across North America every year. 

Game bird hunting season opened up on September 15 and Pheasant season gets underway on October 1. Also on October 1 is the beginning of Whitetail Deer hunting with a muzzleloader, before the regular Whitetail season starts on November 20. November 1 marks the start of Draw Mule hunting season. 

Conservation officer Lindsey Leko says hunting is quite popular in Saskatchewan, with many people coming up from the States to take part. 

"Whitetail is the big one, that's what most are hunting. There's the moose, we have some Draw Moose seasons coming up pretty quickly," Leko said. "South of Weyburn right to the border is prime pheasant country. Good upland hunting and lots of people participate in that."

Obviously, hunter safety is the number one priority, but there are loads of rules and regulations that need to be followed. Apart from licensing and bag limits to follow, the issue of where you're hunting is a big concern. 

"I would urge all hunters just to make sure you have permission from the landowners. It's an offence to drive anywhere you want on these fields without permission from the landowners. Make sure you read the regulations and you won't end up with a visit from me or my partner giving you some bad news," Leko explained. "Some guys just get a little bit crazy when they see the animal they want, and they don't take or notice what's all around them."

Fines for trespassing or any other infraction can add up quickly. Leko warns to take the added time and understand the laws before heading out.

"For somebody who just decided, 'Hey I'm going to go whack a deer.' They had no license or anything like that, you'd be looking at an unlawful hunting charge and probably an unlawful possession charge," he said. "Depending on whether you shot a buck or a doe, you'd be looking at a $2800 dollar fine per count."

All information regarding the Hunting laws can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan's website.