Members of the Kamsack branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, who were successful in hunting and fishing during the past year, were recognized on March 2 during the group鈥檚 annual awards banquet.
Held in the Ukrainian Catholic Hall, the event began with Riley Barrowman, branch president, and emcee for the evening, welcoming everyone to the banquet. There were approximately 160 persons in attendance, including around 40 youngsters.
After a moment鈥檚 silence in honour of members who died during the past year, Barrowman encouraged members and guests to look over the items for the silent auction, which featured prizes that had been donated.
The banquet tables were stocked with salads, perogies, cabbage rolls, fried chicken, meatballs, potatoes and gravy and dessert for those in attendance, and Barrowman thanked the Ukrainian Catholic women for the 鈥渆xcellent meal.鈥�
Tyson Leis, Kamsack branch vice-president, also thanked the crowd for coming out on such a cold evening to support the Kamsack SWF. Saying that this winter broke records for cold weather, he said that may have hurt the deer population, but the coyote population is up.
He mentioned that during the past year the Kamsack SWF had made a donation to the NASP (National Archery in the Schools) program and had sponsored a kids fishing derby at Jack Fish Lake which drew 44 participants. He also made note that efforts by Walter Lesiuk were successful in getting 800,000 walleye fry for Madge Lake that will be in place for 2019.
Scott Green, RVAC (River Valley Archery Club) president, was called onstage and gave an update of the first year鈥檚 activities of the Club, including shoots and fundraisers held. He said the Club has both adult and youth bows available for use at Club shoots by those interested in trying them before investing in their own equipment.
In the awards portion of the Kamsack SWF branch evening, Jeff Leis received the award for having taken the best non-typical mule deer at 174 4/8 points. Kelly Slusarchuk received the award for best typical mule deer with 166 5/8 points, and Jody Koroluk was presented with the award for having taken the best non-typical white-tailed deer at 160 2/8 points in the men鈥檚 categories.
Amber Barrowman received the womens award for non-typical white-tailed deer (140 6/8), and Lorne Leis the men鈥檚 typical white-tailed deer (139 3/8.)
Kyle Leis received the plaque for having taken the best typical elk, which measured 306 points and Laurie Leis was presented with a plaque for the best typical elk in the womens category at 271 6/8 points.
Ty Thomas had the best white-tailed deer among junior hunters. It measured 96 5/8 points, and Sienna Koroluk won an award for her white-tailed deer in the youth girls category.
Kelly Salahub was presented with plaque for having taken the best typical white-tailed deer at 146 5/8 points, and the best pike at 40 inches and 17 pounds in the womens categories.
Walter Lesiuk had the biggest northern pike, which weighed 17.3 pounds and was 39 inches in length, while Carter Salahub had the best pike among junior members. It weighed eight pounds and was 34 inches long, and Slade Shankowsky had the best perch at 12 inches and nine ounces.
Kira Salahub was given an award for her lake trout (27 inches), and Clint Chernoff was presented with an award for reeling in a walleye (14.2 pounds.
Leis mentioned that Lesiuk, Jim Beauchamp and Clint Leis attended the 90th annual SWF convention in Moose Jaw in February, and said all resolutions passed at that convention are now on the website on the Internet.
A new president, Clark Shultz, was inaugurated at this convention, according to a release. Outgoing president, Heath Dreger, served 3 years in that role with the SWF, and will continue as past president on the board of directors for the duration of Clark鈥檚 term.
The 90th Annual Convention of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation drew members from across the province to engage with policy makers on conservation issues facing Saskatchewan鈥檚 outdoor community. Guest speakers included Dustin Duncan, Saskatchewan minister of environment, it said.
鈥淭he convention is an opportunity for dialogue between researchers, program managers, and resource users on issues that matter to the people in this province,鈥� said Darrell Crabbe, SWF executive director. One such issue was the new trespass legislation coming in to effect later this year, and the SWF held an extensive workshop to begin developing processes to mitigate impact on hunting and other outdoor activities.
Gains were also won for the future of Saskatchewan鈥檚 fish and wildlife. Nearly $200,000 was raised through generous donations by branches and those in attendance, and a new partnership with Troutreach Canada was announced, with the establishment of a $600,000 trust to provide funding for fisheries research.
Next year鈥檚 convention is to be held February 20 to 22 in Weyburn, hosted by the Weyburn Wildlife Federation.
Door prizes and a ping pong ball auction concluded the evening at the SWF awards banquet in Kamsack.
