CANORA - It may have been raining outside, but inside the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre there was plenty going on during the 11th Annual River Ridge Fish & Game Gun Show on June 7-8. In fact, Ernie Gazdewich, River Ridge President, figured the rain probably boosted attendance at the gun show, especially from the farming community. A total of 26 vendors took part, and Gazdewich said several more planned to attend but were kept away due to a funeral.
Approximately 25 volunteers spent the better part of the day on Friday getting ready for the show. Not only does the event attract outdoor enthusiasts, it also gives the local economy a shot in the arm.
“Service stations were busy,” said Gazdewich. “Motel rooms were booked, restaurants were full after we were done with the setup on Friday.”
The show floor was filled with a variety of outdoor-related products and information for a wide variety of outdoor interest. Gazdewich stocked his table with products from his local business, Ernesto’s Guns & Such.
“We have firearms, scopes, ammunition and reloading supplies,” said Gazdewich.
Floyd Hendrickson and his wife Dianne represented the Saskatchewan Trappers Association, where they are “dedicated to the wise use and enhancement of the fur industry.”
Their display included all fur-bearing animals that can be legally trapped in Saskatchewan.
“We let people handle the fur,” said Floyd. “A common comment we get is, ‘I didn’t know it was that soft.’ We bring along traps, show people how animals are caught. We also like to show them what can be made with the fur.”
In addition to gun shows, the Hendricksons also visit schools to educate young people on the fur industry.
“Right now the prices are not that great. The best prices are probably for black wolf, wolverine and bobcat fur.”
“Probably the main reason for the price decline is that the fashion industry isn’t using nearly as much fur as in the past,” added Dianne.
Robert Wilson of Harris has been at the Canora Gun Show in the past, and was back again, offering to provide gun owners with semi-inletted gun stocks for their firearms.
“Business is good,” said Harris. “Every time the Liberals bring in another gun restriction, fixing up your guns is an act of defiance.”
Even though he lives in Yorkton, Eugene Pawliw is a teacher at Canora Composite School. In his spare time, he has a strong interest in restoring saddles, and other related items such as harnesses and spurs.
“It’s so interesting to work on artifacts from over 100 years ago, right around the start of the 20th century,” said Pawliw. “It’s a way to keep alive the stories of the wonderful history we have here in Canada.”
Pawliw indicated that one of his saddle projects is now in Germany.
Barry Stadnyk of Sheho displayed his rifles and related components at the Canora Gun Show, including a Remington 700 rifle.
Firearms have a wide-ranging history in Saskatchewan, and one of the strongest promoters of that history is Hugh McLean of Kindersley. His display featured guns, belt buckles, firearm reference books and antique ammunition, including a rare box of 45-75 calibre cartridges head stamped “0-0 1900 NWMP,’ which means it was the first produced in 1900 for the North-West Mounted Police.
Admitting he is “only 85 years old” Maclean said he enjoys meeting people, and expects to attend more Canora gun shows in the future.
Antique rifles are a passion for Brad Hanson of Yorkton, another vendor. His display included four rifles made before the First World War.
“I enjoy meeting and educating people,” said Hanson. “They see rifles that old and ask, ‘Do they actually shoot? And I can show them.”
Hanson also had laser-cut knives available, made by a friend.
River Ridge Fish & Game made the draw for their raffle at the Gun Show, and congratulates Michael A Owchar of Canora, who won the Tikka T3X 223 gun. Making the presentation were River Ridge President Ernie Gazdewich and Secretary Kathy Thomas, who also expressed their appreciation to all who supported their club and attended its 11th Annual Gun Show.
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