Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts with excess deer antlers, outdoor equipment, or unwanted firearms have an opportunity to do some spring cleaning while also supporting a good cause, thanks to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation’s (SWF) Guns for Habitat and Antlers for Habitat programs.
“People that have firearms they no longer use, or (who have) antlers… they no longer wish to keep anymore can get a hold of us and they can donate them to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation,” explained Darren Newberry, director of habitat lands.
“We sell (these items) and the proceeds… go into purchasing wildlife habitat throughout the province of Saskatchewan.”
The SWF is accepting all nature of hunting, fishing, and outdoor equipment as long as it’s in good condition and carries an economic value.
When it comes to firearms, the federation will only accept non-restricted firearms typically obtained with a standard PAL (Possession and Acquisition Licence) and will not accept prohibited or restricted weapons such as handguns.
“I’ll gladly come right to the individual’s house if they don’t wish to take them on their own,” Newberry added.
The SWF is neither encouraging the disposal of firearms nor the elimination of hunting and shooting sports. The federation is simply encouraging any individuals who wish to dispose of their firearms to do so in a responsible manner that supports Saskatchewan's wildlife resource for future generations.
All donated items will then be auctioned off in support of the SWF, and the program operates throughout the year so there's no deadline to make your donation. Several of these items may also be purchased at the SWF's yearly convention that's typically held in February at a rotating venue.
Since the contribution is viewed as a charitable donation, all donors will receive a tax receipt once their item has sold at auction reflecting the amount it was sold for.
Both programs have raised over $300,000 since the program began in 1998 and the wildlife federation has complementary programs that match each year’s total amount to effectively double the impact of each donation.
The fundraising initiative helps support the SWF's ongoing conservation projects through its Habitat Trust Fund, including a number of land parcels acquired within a 30-minute radius of Moose Jaw and the ongoing Hamilton Flats habitat project.
Proceeds also help support educational initiatives such as fishing schools, Pheasants in the Classroom programs, the annual youth and family ice fishing tournament in March, and the Fish in Schools (FinS) program currently in progress at École Ducharme in Moose Jaw.
“We value the generosity of past donors. Proceeds from item sales go toward securing crucial wildlife habitats for the benefit of Saskatchewan’s wildlife and future generations of outdoor enthusiasts,” Newberry stated.
The SWF has branches across the province and any rural residents can simply give the federation a call to arrange a pickup once a nearby member is available.
In Moose Jaw, any of these items can be dropped off at the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation's central office located at 9 Lancaster Road.
For more information on either program or to learn more about the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, visit swf.sk.ca, call 306-692-8812, or email [email protected].
