Attendance at the Sundre Fish and Game Association’s awards night and banquet was slightly lower than average this year, an organizer said.
Despite the dip in numbers, coordinator Darryl Murphy said the banquet still raised some funds to help cover the cost of the association’s programs and projects.
Nearly 200 people came out to the Sundre Community Centre on Saturday, April 21 for the organization’s annual event that has in the past drawn sold-out crowds of as many as 250, said Murphy.
He said the event, which is the association’s only fundraiser of the year, grossed more than $35,000 but that some bills still had to be settled when he was interviewed last week. In the past, the banquet has netted anywhere between roughly $15,000 and $20,000, and he expected this year’s final tally to be closer to the former.
Murphy attributed the decrease in both attendance and the amount raised to a combination of factors including a scheduling overlap with other events happening in the area that same weekend as well as an indication that the provincial economy is still struggling to recover. People were still placing bids and spending, just not as much as at past fundraisers, he said.
“But every little bit helps.”
Murphy expressed gratitude for the support of businesses and residents who helped make the fundraiser a success. Funds raised support the association’s initiatives such as the fish pond and youth camp, he said.
Among the association’s goals is to promote all outdoor activities including but not limited to camping, fishing, hiking, hunting as well as responsible environmental stewardship.
The club maintains a stocked trout pond for members to use. In 2016, an aerator was purchased and installed to help ensure a good survival rate and healthier fish, which proved to be successful over the past year, reads a letter prepared by the association.
“Over the years, this has been a great place to take our children and grandchildren to catch their first fish or improve their fishing techniques.”
Additionally, the association covers the cost of a weekend camp for active youth members at Alford Lake that includes a firearms safety course as well as fishing, trap shooting, rifle range practice and archery.
Last year, the club acquired several new 3D archery targets to expand its collection up to 20 usable targets, which offers members a chance to learn how to shoot a bow or improve existing archery skills.
Education is another important part of the organization, and members are welcome to bring forward topics for discussion. In the past, subjects have included wildlife populations, archery and fishing knowledge as well as hosting a Sustainable Resource Development input session.
The association also sponsors a scholarship for local high school students who plan to pursue a post-secondary education in a variety of outdoor-related fields.
Anyone who might be interested in either joining or learning more about the Sundre Fish and Game Association, which has been an active non-profit group since 1980, is encouraged to call Murf’s Outdoor Equipment at 403-638-5272.
2018 banquet awards
Adult rifle
- Pewter, merriam’s turkey, Ryan Bartholow, 8 & 6/8
- Pewter, typical mule deer, Eric Hengen, 172 & 1/8
- Pewter, trophy sheep, Jan Pic, 163 & 6/8
- Knife, elk, Eric Hengen, 207 & 4/8
- Knife, antelope, Sheryl Murphy, 59 & 6/8
- Knife, typical whitetail, Sheryl Murphy, 134 & 5/8
- Knife, moose, Alexander Clews, 73 & 2/8
Youth archery and youth overall
- Pewter and trophy, typical whitetail, Trystan Martyn, 84 & 5/8
