A total of 14 sets of antlers were brought in for the annual antler measuring of the Canora branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, from animals brought down by experienced hunters as well as those just getting started in the sport.
Larry Tiechko, Canora branch member and official measurer, said 11 moose and three white-tailed deer antlers were measured. Steven Wyonzek, branch president, was the other official measurer.
In total, two of the submissions were from juniors, 16 years of age and under, including Emma Mykytyshyn, who shot her first white-tailed deer. Its antlers were classified as typical, which means they have a fairly symmetrical appearance, said Tiechko.
Submissions in the women’s category included Myra Lamb with a typical white-tailed deer and Kaitlyn Landstad, who shot a moose.
In the men’s category, Emma’s father Michael submitted a moose and Bryan Hryhoriw brought in the antlers from a non-typical white-tailed deer, which means they had an irregular shape.
No elk or mule deer antlers were submitted, which is somewhat disappointing, according to Tiechko.
Numerous hunters reported a healthy white-tailed deer population and there appeared to be strong moose numbers in some areas.
Unfortunately for hunters, there appears to be a thriving population of coyotes, which thrive on bird eggs and younger deer.
Tiechko said the number of hunters has been down in recent years, which makes it especially encouraging to see younger hunters involved in this year’s antler measuring.
The measuring results will be announced and the winners in the various categories will be declared at the annual awards night on February 24th.
