The Yorkton Wildlife Federation hosted their annual Fundraising Banquet, Awards and Dance this past weekend. The event was a success thanks to the many sponsors and people in attendance. Two major sponsors worthy of mention are Dream Cabinets and Yorkton Dodge. It is the continued support from businesses like this that make our event the success that it is. This year, the YWF iterated the importance of youth and their involvement in conservation. Heath Dreger, President of the YWF and Region 3 Director for SWF, recounted a few stories of his youth and how he transitioned from a fisherman, to hunter, to a steward of nature, and finally a conservationist.
"Little did I even realize at the time that we were becoming part of something bigger. We were not just fisherman or hunters we were becoming sportsman, stewards of nature and we became conservationists. After all, it is the ones that utilize the resource that wish to protect it as best they can. That is why we are all here today, in the name of conservation and to support conservation groups like the Yorkton Wildlife Federation and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation. Whether it was the first time your mother or father took you out fishing, or hunting or even for a walk to enjoy Mother Nature, we all developed this same passion, and we are all part of this bigger picture."
"This coming year, the YWF is trying to emphasize the importance of youth and their involvement with conservation. They are our future! Without youth members, we will certainly suffer as an organization. While presenting awards to youth, and adults for that matter, at our annual awards banquet isn't the main reason to get youth involved, it definitely doesn't hurt to recognize them for the time they spend in the field. Their main reward is in those experiences themselves. The YWF is looking to expand its youth awards categories to encompass all types of big game animals. There is a growing demand for these awards and we are listening. If there are any businesses or individuals that are interested in sponsoring some of these awards, you can approach any of our executive members. I encourage each and every one of you to go out and give a youth the opportunity to experience what we all know and love." -"We all need to do our part in the name of conservation. Because without conservation, there would be no hunting or fishing!"
A special youth only raffle table was implemented at this year's banquet. All youth, 16 and under, in attendance were automatically entered for the draw table. The excitement on each kids face, as they all walked away winners, was priceless.
The YWF would like to extend a special Thank You to the following sponsors of the youth raffle table: PK Lures, Home Hardware, Young's Plant World, Yorkton Co-op, Ron & Pat Ross, and Roy Davis.
BIG GAME CATEGORIES
Typical Whitetail Deer, Trophy by Royal LePage Premier Realty: Rick Schuster 169 7/8
Non Typical Whitetail Deer, Trophy by Alan and Phyllis Hardybala: Brock Hrywkiw 160 2/8
Typical Mule Deer, The Mike Riabko Memorial Trophy: Tony Lockyer 168 3/8
Non-Typical Mule Deer, The Al Spelay Memorial Trophy: Aron Hershmiller 195 5/8 (Muzzle)
Moose, Trophy by A & W: Hunter Frankfurt 159 0/8 (Archery)
Elk, Trophy by James and Naomi Kluk: Glen Dreger 337 2/8
Bear, Trophy by Doug Harper: Darrell Spelay 21 9/16
Ladies Big Game, Trophy by Yorkton Wildlife Federation: Gladys Secondiak (White Tail) 155 1/8
Archery Big Game, Trophy by Rick Lee: Hunter Frankfurt (Moose) 159 0/8
Archery Bear, Trophy by Broken Arrow Archery Club: Dean Schill 20 7/16
Black Powder, Trophy by Country Taxidermy: Aron Hershmiller (Non Typical Mule Deer) 195 5/8
Big Game Aggregate, Trophy by R H Electric: Brock Hrywkiw (total points) 8
Overall Big Game, Trophy by Heath Dreger: Darrell Spelay (Bear) 21 9/16
ADULT FISH CATEGORIES
Perch, Trophy by Hearns Pharmacy: Dale Lazurko 1 lb. 3 oz.
Pike, Trophy by Peebles Machine Shop Ltd.: Marty Derbowka 17 lbs. 8 oz.
Walleye, Trophy by Thorness Appliances & TV: Heath Dreger 10 lbs. 11 oz.
Lake Trout, Trophy by Norman Lutcher: Brian Nielsen 31 lbs. 0 oz.
Rainbow Trout, Trophy by Sabre Meat Processors: Dale Lazurko 3 lbs. 10 oz.
Catch & Release, Trophy by Richard Boychuk: Brian Nielsen 31 lbs. 0 oz Lake Trout
Walley Aggregate, The Fred Preston Memorial Trophy: Heath Dreger 31 lbs. 1 oz. (Total weight)
Master Angler Award, Trophy by City Limits Inn: Dale Lazurko (total points) 10
JUNIOR COMPETITIONS
Pike, Trophy by Park's Jewellery: Nyla Dierker 4 lbs. 0 oz.
Perch, Trophy by Elaine Lutcher: Rhys Maksimow 1 lb. 9 oz.
Walleye, Trophy by Atlas Aggregates: Brady Blazeiko 6 lbs. 2 oz.
Junior Whitetail Deer, The Jason Bilokreli Memorial Trophy: Nora Lazurko 187 5/8
