As opening dates approach, many hunters across the world are preparing to make their way to Saskatchewan.

The opening dates stagger throughout the season, and vary depending on the method of hunting.

Sgt. Daryl Minter with the conservation service of the Ministry of Environment, on general season starts.

"Some of the dates in general for all water fowl would open up on September 1st, most of the upland game birds season opens up on September 15th, pheasant season opens in the south on October 1st, and to hunt white tail deer the regular season opens on November 20th. But as I mentioned there are a number of primitive weapon seasons that open earlier."

There are a variety of dates for hunters which indicate the opening day, depending on what they are hunting and what type of gear they are using to hunt. Whether it's big game with a rifle, a primitive weapon like a muzzle loader or a bow, or they may be after migratory birds or upland game birds. Each of the species and the method that they're using dictate when the starting date is.

The Hunters and Trappers guide has information that anyone taking part in the season needs to follow and be aware of.

"One of the best pieces of advice that I would suggest would be, a hunter that wants to go out and hunt big game or migratory birds, or to go trapping, you should check the hunter and trappers guide that's available online. There is a lot of information, and it's in sections. Depending on what they want to hunt, they can read in detail that area. It usually answers most of the questions that we would ever get."

One important thing to remember, for safety during the rifle seasons, is that hunters or anyone that's actually accompanying a rifle hunter is required to wear high visibility clothing as specified in the regulations when they're hunting the big game. Sometimes people head out with the people that are hunting that aren't dressed appropriately, but they are legally required to.

"We are encouraging for hunters to respect the property of land owners and ask for permission before going on private land."

Another regulation that should be kept in mind is that hunting licenses, including any required tags, must be carried with you at all times when you're hunting. It's required to tag a big game animal immediately after it's been taken, and you must be able to provide that to an officer when they are doing their check.

With hunting, comes poaching, and Minter said they rely on hunters to be their eyes and ears out in the field.

"If they witness or suspect any wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violation, we encourage them to report them to the nearest ministry environment office or to call the provincial toll free turn in poachers line at 1-800-667-7561. Or if they're a Sasktel subscriber, they can dial #55 55."

There are limits, dates, and regulations that all hunters should know and be aware of, and that information is online here.