The Yorkton Wildlife Federation (YWF) held its annual awards banquet at St. Mary's Cultural Centre Saturday night. YWF president Heath Dreger says the awards recognize achievement in a variety of outdoor activities ranging from fishing to big game hunting and photography.
The YWF, a member of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF), shares a common missions statement which is, "to ensure the wildlife legacy that we leave to our children surpasses that which we inherited." Dreger suggests the SWF is exceeding its stated mission. "If you look at the trophies being caught by fishermen these days and the quality of the animals being taken show that we're doing well. The numbers speak volumes," he points out.
Conservation is also a huge part of the federation Dreger states. Must of that is achieved by the contributions of the Habitat Trust Fund where the SWF purchases land on behalf of the club and uses and preserves that land for wildlife and hunters and outdoors men to use.
Local YWF projects include upgrades and renovations to the clubhouse, raising money to support the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP), an increase funding to the SWF and the Habitat Trust.
In addition to those projects the YWF is partnering with the City of Yorkton's new water treatment facility for an exciting new project. "In the future we're looking to have a sustainable trout pond for a fishing opportunity within the city limits at Logan Green," Dreger announces.
The YWF is holding its own membership wise. Dreger hopes the club will begin to grow again as it attracts younger people who are coming back home.
Anyone who'd like to join the YWF should contact any member, or director of the organization or Dreger himself at 783-7837.
Benefits of a branch membership include:
Comprehensive insurance package including: $5,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit while participating in fishing, hunting, shooting, archery and other Branch/Federation authorized activities. $3,000,000 Personal Excess Liability. Personal Limit (Excess of any Primary personal Liability) relating to hunting, fishing and Federation activities, for bodily injury or property damage which the member may be obligated to pay.
$2,000,000 Personal Limit (Excess of Primary Personal Liability, same as above). Applicable to Shooting and/or Archery Ranges Only
$3,500 Accidental Death benefit for each member in good standing. This coverage is in effect 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world, and is provided, at no cost, by American Income Life Company.
Low rate $10,000 life insurance policy
Every 2 months members receive the Outdoor Edge magazine delivered to their door ($6 of the membership fee is allocated for your subscription).
Members save $10 at BoaterExam.com.
Members save 10% at Mark's Work Wearhouse.
Eligible to enter provincial fish and big game (Henry Kelsey) competitions.
Eligible to enter all local branch trophy competitions.
Eligible to attend and vote at all branch meetings.
Eligible to attend banquets and special events of your branch as well as participate in local projects.
Eligible to attend and vote at regional meetings and the annual convention.
Satisfaction of supporting conservation and good resource management.
Top YWF junior awards presented were: Perch, Elaine Lutcher Trophy - Zachary Gehl (1 lb. 6 oz.). Junior White Tail Deer, Jason Bilokreli Memorial Trophy - Hunter Frankfirt (115 1/8, Achery)
Adult award winners included: Perch - Mark Maksimow (2 lbs. 2 oz.). Pike, Peebles Machine Shop Trophy - Bruce Nielson (21 lbs. 13 oz.) Walleye, Thorsness Appliances and T.V. Trophy - Tony Lockyer (13 lbs. 2 oz.). Lake Trout, Norman Lutcher Trophy - Dale Blazeiko (23 lbs. 12 oz.). Rainbow Trout, Sabre Meat Processors Trophy - Wally Kriger (3 lbs. 5 oz.). Catch and Release, Richard Boychuk Trophy - Tony Lockyer (13 lbs. 2 oz. walleye). Walleye Aggregate, Fred Preston Memorial Trophy - Heath Dreger (29 lbs. 8 oz.). Master Angler, City Limits Inn Trophy - Tony Lockyer (12 points). Goose, Peebles Machine Shop Trophy - Dale Lazurko (13 lbs. 7 oz.). Typical White tail Deer, Royal LePage Premier Realty Trophy - Kelly Schuster (128 6/8). Non-typical White Tail Deer, Alan and Phyllis Hardy-bala Trophy - Aron Herschmiller (159 2/8). Typical Mule Deer, Mike Riablo Memorial Trophy - Warren Thompson (189 2/8). Non-typical Mule Deer, Al Spelay Memorial Trophy - Doug Ruf (160 0/8). Elk, James and Naomi Kluk Trophy - Rick Schuster (369 5/8). Bear, Doug Harper Trophy - Dean Schill (18 10/16). Ladies Big Game, YWF Trophy - Laura Uhruyn (159 2/8). Archery Big Game, Rick Lee Trophy - Shawn Frankfurt (129 5/8 typical white tail deer). Archery Bear, Broken Arrow Archery Club - Dean Schill (18 10/16). Big Game Aggregate, RH Electric Trophy - Jason Smalley (7 points). Overall Big Game, Heath Dreger Trophy - Scott Suschinsky (220 5/8).
