CANORA - At the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation convention in Saskatoon, the River Ridge Fish & Game League of Canora was recognized for raising over $80,000 for Habitat Trust.
Receiving the award at the Feb. 15-17 event was River Ridge President Ernie Gazdewich.
A total of over $247,000 was raised for Habitat Trust by raffle tables at the convention, donations from branches, and firearms auction. Gazdewich went on to add that an unnamed donor from Sturgis pledge five quarters of land to Habitat Trust, valued at $1 million. In addition, a quarter of land was donated in memory of one of the late members of the 2017-18 Humboldt Broncos.
“David Yorke from Nipawin was re-elected as SWF president,” said Gazdewich.
The SWF Golf Tournament was scheduled for Humboldt on June 18.
Convention attendees heard a report from the Hannin Creek Education Centre.
Five new schools were set up with the FinS (Fish in Schools) Program, raising the total to 49 schools involved across the province.
“The students raise the fish and then they are re-planted in a lake chosen by SWF,” said Gazdewich.
The guest speaker for the convention was Amanda Lynn Mayhew, also known as “The Hunting Girl” on Outdoor TV.
A presentation by Aiden Bateman focused on the use of nesting baskets for ducks.
Gazdewich said $12,095 was raised during fundraising evening, thanks to the auctioning of many donated items.
A total of $6,425 was raised from a ping-pong auction. “Thirteen ping-pong balls were auctioned off until one person was left. That person won three rifles,” said Gazdewich.
A Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment presentation reminded listeners about the importance of wildlife surveys. According to a July Pronghorn survey, numbers are down by 33 per cent. A question from the floor asked the panel, “Is there any way of accounting for animals harvested by native outfitters?”
The convention heard a presentation form Robert Freberg, chief firearms officer for Saskatchewan.
A report from Shawna Bellavance indicated that the Hunter Safety Course is now available online.
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