Davidson

Wildlife awards presented

By Kevin Gilby

(From left) Gord Taylor, Zig Bagg, Tyler Bahnman, Zandre Botha, Jeff Doyle, Rhyder Schmit (front), and Cory Dieno were winners at the event. (Photos by Kevin Gilby)

About 80 hunters, fishermen, and those involved in wildlife preservation met on April 5 at the Bladworth Hall to celebrate their achievements and support local wildlife projects at the Arm River Wildlife Federation’s annual awards night. Vice-President Jeff Doyle provided a brief update on work being done at the Trout Pond Project west of Davidson. Among the enhancements, 40 additional seedlings will be planted this spring and an additional 1,000 trout have been ordered to replenish stocks. Doyle indicated that once the snow has receded, the organization plans to invite Davidson School Grade 6 students to assist in the planting of wildflowers. A boundary fence installation is hoped for this year, and organizers are hopeful they can have a few heavy-duty picnic tables brought in if anyone wants to donate them. “A big thank you to all the sponsors, we are trying to do projects like the gun range and trout pond, but it’s all volunteer work and it all takes money, so any help we get is greatly appreciated,” said Doyle. “Also a thank you to all that are using the pond. “We are very pleased with how the garbage has been cleaned up and just random people taking the full garbage bags and changing them. So awesome to see the area used and respected. Thank you.”

Approximately 80 people came to share hunting/fishing tales, while enjoying a smoked roast beef and the fixings prepared by the Bladworth Elks.

Award winners

Cory Dieno, 12.6 lbs – Walleye – Diamond A Farms Tyler Bahnman, 24.8 lbs – Pike – Hansons  Funeral Home

Jeff Doyle, 1.8 lbs – Perch – Manz Farms

Tyler Bahnman, 11.4 lbs – Burbot – T&R McConnell Farms Ltd

Ray Watkins, 9.7 lbs – Rainbow Trout – Midtown Plumbing and Heating

Cory Dieno, 8 lbs – Whitefish – In Memory of Lyndon Kenny

Jade Ulmer, 161 2/8 – Typical Mule Deer – Kelly Farms

Jade Ulmer, 161 2/8 – Primitive Mule Deer – Gord Taylor

Jade Ulmer, 161 2/8 – Youth Mule Deer – Pyra Art Studio

Zandre Botha, 156 3/8 – Typical Whitetail Deer – Taylor Tub Grinding

Zandre Botha, 179 0/9 – Non-typical Mule Deer – Kelly Dietz

Gordon Taylor, 2.14 lbs – Ringneck Pheasant – Springwella Farm

Dwight Bagg, 3.2 lbs – Mallard – Home Hardware

Lisa and Jeff Doyle – Best Hunting/fishing Photo

Paul Golphy – Sportsman of the Year – Affinity Credit Union