The South Saskatchewan Wildlife Association (SSWA) will hold their annual Youth Fishing Derby on the same date as National Range Day — SSWA President Don Park said that it is the responsibility of each generation to introduce youth to outdoor sports.
“We’d like to see people get out and enjoy both the shooting sports and fishing and many outdoors-related sports,” Park explained. “That’s what our association is all about. Introducing youth to the sports is what everybody has to do, otherwise all these traditional sports fade away.”
SSWA Youth Fishing Derby
The Youth Fishing Derby takes place June 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park’s Trout Pond. Anglers do have to bring their own fishing gear and a life jacket to participate and, of course, must be accompanied by an adult.
“It’s been an annual event that we’ve been hosting for many years out of Buffalo Pound Lake,” said Park. “We’ve been using the Trout Pond for the last couple of years, which is a really nice location.”
There are 22 spots open for the age groups of three to seven; eight to 11; 12 to 15.
A lunch will be provided from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Registration is free and they always have a full roster each year, said Park.
“They just have to show up and we’ve got prizes, we’ve got hot dogs, and drinks and pop and all kinds of good stuff. It’s a really good fun day,” he added. “It’s a fun day for the volunteers and a fun day for the youth and their families.”
Fishing will take place off the shore. Fish will be weighed and then released back into the water.
Prizes will awarded in several categories, including most fish caught, longest fish, and heaviest fish.
Tim Yates is the contact for the fishing derby. To register or ask any questions, contact Yates at 306-693-4929 or [email protected].
National Range Day
The SSWA will host a shooting range open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 as part of National Range Day.
Normally, a $100 membership is required to shoot at the SSWA’s six-bay range at 276 Home Street East in Wakamow Valley. However, on National Range Day, the SSWA will require only a $20 fee for insurance purposes for anyone who wants to try shooting.
Ammunition, a firearm, paper targets, and eye and ear protection will all be supplied free of cost.
Firearms for visitors will be .22 rimfire handguns — .22 rimfire is a small calibre with minimal recoil and noise and is commonly used to introduce people to the sport.
Participants can also rent a 9-mm pistol and buy 9-mm ammunition if they choose.
“There will be a safety talk with everybody as to the range rules and we’ll have range officers and basically try to get as close to one-on-one as possible,” Park said. “While some people are on the range, we’ll spend some time talking with the next group on gun ownership and what it entails and how to conduct yourself on the range and be safe.
“Because of all the negative press that gun owners have been getting, we’d like to show people that it’s not us gun owners that are a problem. There’s multiple things that we have to do to become gun owners and to become a sport shooter or a hunter. We do things the right way, and we’re good people.”
Contact Don Park at 306-690-8882 or [email protected] for more information.
