LFGA - MAR 09 - setup - Lethbridge Fish and Game Association

P.O. BOX 495 • LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA • T1J 3Z1
MARCH 2009
Canadian
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#1605348
H U N T T O D AY - F I S H T O M O R R O W – C O N S E R V E F O R E V E R
2009 has been a busy year so far and it has only just begun.
Firstly I would like to thank all those that came out and helped
at this year’s antler measuring day – everyone that came out to help
set up and take down display boards, and all those that donated trophies and awards!!!
Without people like you the awards given out at the annual Fish
and Game Banquet would never happen.
Secondly, I want to congratulate all those that entered and for
those of you that did not come out to this year’s banquet, drop in
at any of our general meetings. We would be more than happy to
present you with your awards at that time!
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Audrey
Blaylock, Evelyn Leffingwell and Phyllis Mantler and the committee
that helped with this year’s awards banquet. Very well done. From
everyone that I spoke to, it was one of the best.
I also would like to congratulate the following people: Steve
Prokop on receiving the Life Membership and Jack Stewart on being
awarded the Erle Carr Award.
This year’s Alberta Fish ad Game Conference in Edmonton from
February 26 - 28, was both entertaining as well as informative as per
all previous ones I have attended. It was an opportunity to rekindle
old friendships along with making new ones.
Thursday’s meeting started at 2:00 and ran until 5:00 p.m. that
afternoon. Topics included Habitat, Environment and Programs.
Brad Fenson talked about the hide collection program. The
number of hides collected this year was approximately 10,000, of
which we get $5.00 per deer hide and $10.00 for a moose or elk
hide. This money goes directly into the Wildlife Trust Fund, which
has been used to purchase properties all over Alberta.
Don’t forget, we do thank you for your donation of hides, but
please be considerate to Ted Feller and his staff at Marksman’s Guns
and Sports. The hides must be clean of all body parts and bring
them around to the back of his store.
Friday’s meetings commenced at 8:30 a.m. with a guest speaker
– Gordon Klassen - who was very entertaining.
The next session was the first report followed by the Minister
Report, Mr. Ted Morton.
Mr. Morton brought in speakers from Montana and Idaho to
talk about the block management program that has been in effect
for the past 20 years. Those speakers gave the reports on how this
program has been set up and managed. How farmers and ranchers
were enrolled and how they were paid to allow hunters to hunt and
fish on private property.
Once completed, Wayne Lowry, our Zone 1 Director, was given
the opportunity to discuss his views on this program as well as the
overall views of the Ramp Program.
Saturday started off with a young guest speaker, Tyler Cantrell,
with a slide show that consisted of her hunting experiences at her
tender age.
We then jumped into the resolutions which are always a long
and very drawn out part of the entire weekend’s program.
Once again, the Alberta Fish and Game has rejected the Ramp
Program in its entirety. Hopefully this will send a message to Mr.
Morton that hunters and fishermen in this province do not approve
of paid hunting. Let’s not kid ourselves. This is not going to go away
quietly. On a happier note, Mr. Morton presented the Alberta Fish
continued on page 3
2 Lethbridge Fish and Game Association - March 2009
Game Association, AA Level Instructor with
the Alberta Hunter Education and conservation Program. His love of working with youth
included the oratorical training program of
the Optimist, Little League Baseball, Minor
Hockey, Hunter and Conservation Education
and Firearm Safety and Proficiency and a
member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
2008 Trophy Winners
Norman L. Ferguson
August 29, 1921 - March 4, 2009
Norman Lockett Ferguson, most beloved
husband and best friend of Stella Ferguson
(Nedbaluk) returned to the hands of our
Lord, Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at the age of
87, at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital.
Besides his loving and devoted wife,
Norman is survived by daughter Sheila
Ferguson (Norm MacPhail), granddaughters
Sherry (Curtis) Irion of Westlock, Skye
Ferguson of Lethbridge and grandson Iain
Ferguson of Lethbridge., daughter-in-law
Margareta Ferguson of Edmonton, brothers
Donald Neil Ferguson (Louise) of Calgary,
Alexander John Ferguson of Edmonton, as
well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Norman was predeceased by son Robert
Lee (2007), mother Kathleen (Lockett)
(1966), father John (1962), brother Malcolm
(1964) and sister Catherine Steiner (2005)
and his first wife Angela Cecile (1947).
He was a devoted and loving friend, companion and husband to Stella for 56 years,
most cherished father and mentor to Sheila
and most beloved grandfather to Sherry, Skye
and Iain. He always had time for his grandkids and attended as many of their activities
as possible.
Born in Fasash, Isle of Skye, Scotland, he
immigrated to Canada as a young lad with
his parents and settled in the Carstairs,
Alberta area to farm. He received his education at Banner School in Carstairs and in
Calgary.
Norm served in the Canadian Army from
1941 - 1946, serving during WWII in Canada,
Great Britain, France, Belgium, Holland and
Germany.
Norm was a devoted volunteer with youth
and
conservation
obtaining
Life
Memberships in several organizations,
Optimist International, Lethbridge Fish and
Game Association and the Alberta Fish and
Lethbridge Fish and Game Association - March 2009
3
continued from page 1
and Game Association with a cheque in the amount of $150,000.00
to go into the wildlife trust fund.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Wayne
Lowry in his attempt to run for president of the Alberta Fish and
Game Association. Unfortunately, Wayne was unsuccessful, but it
was a very close race.
Spring Bear season is right around the corner and for those of
you that have been following the Grizzly Bear Hunt possibilities, I
don’t have to say “don’t get your hopes up.” This, as well, seems to
be a huge battle to fight with a ton of opposition. Also don’t forget
your draws. Deadline is usually the end of June.
With spring just around the corner and the camping season
quickly approaching, let’s not forget to be considerate to our fellow
campers. As we all know, May long can be a wild and crazy time for
everyone. Remember, the forestry is for everyone and we all need to
be a little more concerned with what is going on around us.
Please do try to come to our General Meetings.
Lastly I would like to take this opportunity to pass along
our sincere condolences to Stella Ferguson and all her family
on the passing of Norm.
All will sadly miss him.
Over the past number of years, I have come to know Norm
very well and I know personally I will miss the wealth of
information he provided, and his never ending smile. Rest in
peace, my friend!!!
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BOB HAWKINS • Ph. 403/329-4411
2351 - 2nd Ave. N., Lethbridge, AB T1H 0C1
Brian Dingreville, President and Big Game Chair
403-318-5887, briadad@shaw.ca
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4 Lethbridge Fish and Game Association - March 2009
The following events are booked;
Want to know what is happening at the range? One option is to
check out the sign at the entrance to the range. A better option,
which is ultimately more current and has more information is on
the LFGA website -check it out at www.lfga.org
For this without computer access, here is what the range schedule looks like as of today March 9,2009;
2009 Programs and Leagues
Event
Days and times
Ranges Used
Skeet/Trap
Sunday at 1 pm (open shoot)
6
Skeet/Trap
Tuesday at 6 pm (league shoot thru TBA)
6
Silhouette League
Tuesday and Thursday 5-9 pm-starts TBA
3
Junior Archery
Program
Tuesday and Thursday 5-9 pm-starts
1
CCSC - Youth
Action League
Mondays 5-6 pm starts TBA
4&5
CCSC - Adult
Action League
Mondays 6-9 pm starts TBA
4&5
CCSC - Junior
PPC League
Wednesdays 5-6 pm starts TBA
3
Event
Days and times
Ranges Used
Closed Event
2009, January 15, 0800-1200
6
Closed Event
2009, February 2, 0800-1200.
6
Silhouette Match
2009, May 2
3
Closed Event
2009, May 2,3,7,8, 0930 - 1830
5
Closed Event
2009, May 28, 0800 - 1600
Three Gun Match Open to competitiors
and spectators
2009, May 29-31
2-3,-4-5&6
IPSC Qualifier Open to competitiors
and spectators
2009, June 13 & 14th,
2-3,-4-5&6
PPC Handgun
Competition
2009, July 17, 18 & 19
3
Silhouette Match
2009, July 25
3
Three Gun Match Open to competitiors
and spectators
August 21-23
2-3,-4-5&6
Closed Event
2009, September 3, 8:00 - 16:00
TBA
Closed Event
2009, September 9, 8:00 - 16:00
TBA
Silhouette Match
2009, September 12
Closed Event
2009, September 16, 8:00 - 16:00
TBA
Closed Event
2009, September 21, 8:00 - 16:00
TBA
3&5
3
CCSC - Adult
PPC League
Wednesdays 6-9 pm starts TBA
3
Junior /1st time
SG Program
Closed Event
2009, September 23, 8:00 - 16:00
TBA
Wednesdays 5-9 pm starts TBA
6
Closed Event
2009, October 7, 8:00 - 16:00
TBA
Skeet/Trap
Tuesday at 6 pm starting TBA
6
Closed Event
2009, October 14, 8:00 - 16:00
TBA
Big Bore League
Sunday & Wednesday at 6 pm - starts TBA
2
PSC Qualifier - Open
to competitiors
and spectators
2009, October 17 & 18th
NOTE: CCSC - These leagues programs are delivered
by the Chinook Country Shooters Club.
The leagues will run on the dates identified above unless that
specific range is booked for a special event in which case the league
event will be cancelled for that date only.
Special events could include matches, training sessions or
closed events. LFGA members and members of the public are welcome to attend, and generally participate, in all booked events (payment of a fee may be required) except closed events.
To book the range you must first complete a Range Booking
Hazard Assessment. You should then contact Allan Friesen at 3205860 (home) or 382-3593 (work) or by email. This email address
is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to
view it to complete the application.
A key person for the founding, building and operation of
the LFGA Range was Norm Ferguson. Norm has now passed
on, but he left as his legacy a great facility which we will be
able to use and enjoy for decades to come. Norm will be sorely missed.
Allan Friesen
3,4,5 & 6
As you can see, there are lots of activity booked for the range.
Come on out and use your range! If you have any comments or
suggestions, please contact me at:
alfriesen@gmail.com or by phone at
403-320-5860 home, 403-382-3593 business
WANTED
The L.F.G.A. has a
volunteer position available for
Club House Manager
Call Brian at 315-5887
or any member of the Executive.
Lethbridge Fish and Game Association - March 2009
5
Habitat/Environment, 2009 AFGA Conference Report
This year I attended the AFGA conference in Edmonton with LFGA president
Brian Dingreville and Bird Game chair Brett
Johnson. It was my first AFGA conference
and, being fairly new to the province (5
years), I was at first a little disoriented. I
found the conference very informative, and
I also enjoyed hearing a variety of ideas and
opinions on a wide array of topics related
to hunting, fishing, recreation and conservation in Alberta.
Many interesting resolutions were
debated. Some of the ones that passed
included: calling on the Alberta
Government to reinstate the wolf sterilization program in the Clearwater area and a
request that any public lands to be sold are
assessed for their habitat value, allowing
fair comparison of lands for exchange. A
resolution was also passed calling on the
government to reinstate the deer cull by
SRD staff along the eastern edge of the
province, while another was supported that
requested government find a way to allow
donations of game animals to be given to
the food bank.
As the Fish Chair was unable to attend, I
thought I would mention some related
items. The government announced that any
stocked trout lake in the province that has
Yellow Perch illegally introduced into it
will have a zero limit for this species. This is
a departure from the past when illegally
introduced species, when discovered in
stocked trout lakes, usually had a generous
limit. This policy will only apply to lakes
with new introductions; trout lakes that
currently have perch will not be affected.
Some interesting research was presented
exploring the relationship between Walleye
growth rates and angling size limits. The
government appears to be looking at
changing the harvest regime (slot limits,
maximum size, etc.) on a number of lakes,
as well as expanding the walleye tag program, in an effort to improve walleye stocks
and provide greater harvest opportunities.
The special walleye license draw is open for
applications from March 20th to April 23st.
Not discussed at the AFGA conference
was another issue that is ongoing in our
area, the present effort to get protected area
status for the Castle River headwater area,
known as the “Castle Special Place”. As
many of you know, a committee of interested individuals, groups, and stakeholders
was formed last year. This group is presently discussing what type of protected area
designation (and therefore what type of
activity will be allowed) to recommend to
the government. Don Sheppard is the main
LFGA member on this committee, and has
done an excellent job of representing the
interests of the association. Unfortunately I
have been unable to attend most of the
committee's meetings, but I keep informed
through communication with the group,
and try to relay this information to LFGA
members.
Enjoy some fishing this spring.
Ian Gazeley
LETHBRIDGE FISH & GAME ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE 2009
EXECUTIVE:
PRESIDENT: Brian Dingreville
brianad@shaw.ca
315-5887
VICE PRESIDENT: Walter Gripping
grippingfamilysingers@shaw.ca
PAST PRESIDENT: Jack Stewart
jack.stewart@gov.ab.ca
327-1328
SECRETARY: David M. Green (temp.)
david.green25@gmail.com 388-2635
TREASURER: Rick Blakeley
rick.blakeley@shaw.ca
308-3541
BOARD OF GOVERNORS:
Third Year: Wayne Heighington
eheighington@yahoo.com
329-6951
Second Year: John Blaylock
blaylock@telusplanet.net
328-8252
First Year: Ken Peterson
COMMITTEES:
BIG GAME: Brian Dingreville,
Co-Big Chairs:
Richard Roberts & Bill Weirsma
BIRD GAME: Brett Johnson
CASINO: Allan Friesen
alfriesen@gmail.com
ENVIRONMENT: Ian Gazely
ian.gazely@lethbridgecollege.ab.ca
FISH: Stephen Prokop
327-8375
HABITAT: Heinz Plontke
information@lfga.org
HALL MANAGER: Vacant
JR. FOREST WARDENS:
Susan Morrison
329-8173
MEMBERSHIP:
Sandra Lund
sdlund@shaw.ca
NEWSLETTER:
John & Audrey Blaylock
blaylock@telusplanet.net
328-8252
OUTDOOR EDUCATION:
Elfrieda Heighington
eheighington@yahoo.com
329-6951
PHOTOGRAPHY: John Blaylock
blaylock@telusplanet.net
328-8252
POLITICAL ACTION: Glen Michelson
information@lfga.org
327-6892
PUBLICITY: Kristina VanderMolen
communication@lfga.org
RANGE: Allan Friesen
alfriesen@gmail.com
320-5860
Kevin Bland, kevbla@shaw.ca 381-6052
BANQUET:
Wendell Webber & Carrie Kerber
2008 Trophy Winners
6 Lethbridge Fish and Game Association - March 2009
2008 Trophy Winners
Membership Report
Our esteemed membership chairperson,
Sandra Lund, continues to provide a great
service for all of us, the members of LFGA.
In addition to individual members delivering their sold membership books to her,
she travels around to Marksman Guns and
Wholesale Sports and collects the sold
memberships from them as well. Then she
spends hours trying to decipher people's
handwriting so she can get the membership
records accurate for LFGA and to send to
Alberta Fish & Game. Once in a while, I
bother her for a list of people who have
renewed their memberships. I cross-reference this current membership list against
the people who have range access cards or
gate keys. For people who haven't renewed
their membership, I deactivate their gate
key. Later, when the people who have not
renewed their membership find that their
access to the range is denied, they ultimately contact me to re-activate their gate key.
This process takes a lot of time and
energy. So, how can you help?
1) Please fill out the enrollment cards as
neatly as possible.
2) Please renew your membership early
in the new year. Just because you are getting
this newsletter doesn't mean that you have
renewed your membership - for the first
two newsletters in the new year, members
from the previous year are included in the
mailing. Remember it is going to cost you
the same $60 whether you renew in
January or September and in either case
your membership ceases on December 31.
To get the whole year of value from your
membership, renew early.
3) If you find your card has been de-activated, contact me after you have purchased
your 2009 membership. I can re-activate
the card without having to see you or the
card so long as I know you have a current
membership. Also, in these situations you
have to be patient - you are the one who
failed to renew their membership. Your tardiness does not become my problem. I will
get it fixed.... but expect delays.
Allan Friesen
403-320-5860 home
403-382-3593 business
alfriesen@gmail.com
You Know You're a Redneck When...
• You offer someone the shirt off your back
and they don't want it.
• Your working TV sits on top of your nonworking TV.
Lethbridge Fish and Game Association - March 2009
7
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8 Lethbridge Fish and Game Association - March 2009
Political Action…
There was an article in the Lethbridge Herald on February 16th
headlined Ignatieff heads west to mend political fences. He mentioned the national energy program of the 1980’s that siphoned oil
revenue from the West to be used in Central Canada. This was done
by then Prime Minister Trudeau and his Liberals.
On March 5th, I wrote a letter to Liberal Leader Michael
Ignatieff, advising him of a second big mistake by Prime Minister
Jean Cretien and the Liberals. This big mistake was Allan Rock’s
Gun Control Bill C-68, targeting the wrong people. This gun control bill was poorly thought out and ineffective against criminals
who will never register their illegal and smuggled firearms. Liberal
MP Anne McLellan from Edmonton was one of the Liberal “main
stays.” She was ousted from her seat in Edmonton by law abiding
gun owners and Fish and Gamers. Millions of gun owners have millions of votes. The Liberal gun control bill was poorly thought out,
costing nearly two billion dollars and just a political pacifier. The
Auditor General, Sheila Fraser, said the registry was disastrously
mismanaged with astronomical cost overruns.
This is another reason why the Liberals have no seats in Alberta
and very few in Western Canada.
On February 9th, 2009, Mr. Gary Breitkreuz, P.C., M.P. from
Yorkton - Melville, Sask. introduced a private member’s bill - C-301
- in the House of Commons to amend the Criminal Code and the
Firearms Act, registration of long guns. The Bill was seconded by an
Ontario M.P.
Also telling members of the House of Commons to focus on
criminals and gangs instead of farmers and sport shooters.
There is also an article in the Alberta Outdoorsmen Magazine,
March issue, page 47, giving some information advising the cost to
by Glen Michelson
be two billion dollars of taxpayer’s money and the ten year fight by
M.P. Gary Breitkreuz to scrap the useless long gun registry.
The Liberals, N.D.P. and Bloc Quebecois still support the Liberal
boondoggle so it will be interesting to see what happens.
I sent a copy of my letter to the Prime Minister, Garry Breitkreuz,
M.P., Rick Casson, M.P. and the editor (Lethbridge Herald).
The Lethbridge Herald has not given us an update on the poaching charges of bighorn sheep January 2007. An article on January
21, 2009 said two men (names not released) face charges, first court
appearance December 2008, back in court February 24, 2009.
Mark
Your Calendar
Thursday, April 16
Executive Meeting
Monday, April 20
General Meeting
Thursday, May 14
Executive Meeting
Monday, May 18
General Meeting
Thursday, June 11
Executive Meeting
Monday, June 15
General Meeting
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