The Sundre Fish and Game Association just managed to beat a membership goal the organization had set for itself.
“We’ve met our new membership goal this year of 70,” said president Eric Hengen, adding that number was actually surpassed by a couple of people.
The annual trophy measuring night was held on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at the Sundre Community Centre, with about 20 people — including non-members — bringing in a variety of trophies, he said.
“Anybody that likes to have their animal measured is welcome to bring them in,” he said.
“It was good — we had roughly 30 animals to measure,” he said, adding that was approximately on par with the average year.
The association is now lining up plans for the annual banquet and awards night fundraiser, which this year is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, April 6 at the Sundre Community Centre, he said.
The banquet directly supports other local organizations and initiatives, such as the Sundre Rodeo Royalty who attend the evening, as well as rotating groups who provide bartending services, he said.
Pleased to have not only reached but even slightly beaten the organization’s membership goal, Hengen said the association is doing well.
“Of course we would always love to see more,” he said, understanding of the fact people are often involved with so many other pursuits that they cannot be a part of every organization.
Membership forms are available at Murf’s Outdoor Equipment, which can also be contacted at 403-638-5272. Alternatively, Hengen said individual members can also help and that he could be reached by calling 403-638-6383.
New memberships are always good since new ideas are brought to the table, he said.
Plans for the coming year include the annual restocking of the Sundre Fish and Game trout pond located north of Sundre just east of the Garrington Bridge, he said.
“Each year, we stock that pond with fish,” he said, adding members also maintain the site. There is a minor change this year in that the property owner committed to mowing the grass, a task previously tackled by the association’s volunteers.
Additionally, the association currently has a rifle raffle fundraiser underway, with tickets available either until the night of the banquet or while supplies last, he said, adding anyone who is interested can purchase tickets from members or at Murf’s.
The recipients of the proceeds from that initiative are the Sundre Nutrition for Learning Society, STARS, as well as the Alberta Fish and Game Association, he said.
Sundre Fish and Game also has its sights set on sending aspiring young hunters to Alfred Lake — located about 15 kilometres straight west of Caroline — to a camp for a course through the Alberta Hunter Education Instructors’ Association, he said.
“We would like to provide a firearms course for interested youth,” he said.
“We’re still trying to get the timeline worked out with an instructor and the camp to see when’s available.”
Once dates are lined up, the association will require a minimum number of registrations to proceed, he said.
The two-day camp course provides an opportunity for young hunters to learn about firearm safety while working with a variety of firearms. Those who successfully complete the program come away with a youth firearm certificate, he said.
“It’s a stepping stone to the full-fledged adult firearm licence.”
While youth of non-members are welcome to participate, the association will only cover the cost of attendance for current members. However, people who join the organization after the fact would be reimbursed, he said.
“It’s kind of like an incentive idea.”
Over the past year, the association also purchased “quite a number of new 3D archery targets,” he added.
Although there has not yet been an official shoot for everyone, there were a couple of informal events hosted on rural properties last spring, offering members and guests a chance to try out their hands at 3D archery, he said.
Wildlife conservation is another priority for the association, which had intended to haul out some abandoned campers left behind after the May long weekend. But by the time the association lined up approvals from appropriate authorities such as the RCMP, the ditched RVs were already gone, he said.
“Somebody beat us to it,” he said.
But moving ahead, he added the association’s membership will be on the lookout for other similar instances, and given the chance would not hesitate to clean up a mess in the West Country.
