Regina

The Whitetail May 2015

Saturday May 23rd

8:30 am—Till we are done

Lunch Provided

Kids are welcome

Bring an axe or rake if you can

The Regina Wildlife

Federation Book

50 years

1962 - 2012

On Sale Now

Cost $60.00

Please pick up your copy

from Darlene

Call 306-789-7432

Greetings: This will mark the beginning of my third term and seventh year as the Regina Wildlife

Federation President. The club has grown significantly since I first took office in 2003; form a little over 400

members to over 1200 last year. The one thing that hadn’t changed much, was the familiar faces around the

table that volunteered their time to keep this facility operational for your enjoyment. That is why I was very

pleased to see three new and younger volunteers join our board this time around. I look forward to exploring

fresh ideas and working with the entire board over the next year.

Here are a few of the highlights from the past year.

We attended the Sask. Gun Collectors show in January

Had club representation at the Saskatchewan Wildlife Convention

Attended regional meetings

Hosted the Regina Public School Board Ski program

Had multiple hall and range rentals

Provided a facility for Scout and Guide Camps

Held a Fish Fry and Awards night in April

Donated to the Provincial Habitat and Education Funds

Received Provincial Awards for donation and surpassing membership quotas

Continued to work on the New Range

Participated in Provincial programs such as the Hide Collection Program

Sent two youth to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Conservation Camp

Recognized our volunteers that go above and beyond

Made improvements to the property including a picnic site number two

Installed a state of the art surveillance and alarm system

Created an outline as to how the new facility will be operated

Developed and posted a Range Orientation video on YouTube

Created and posted new signage around the property

Hosted the North American Indigenous Games

Continues to work on the creation of the RWF fifty Year History book

Held our annual Habitat Supper

Hosted a number of Weddings and Fundraisers

Held our annual Game Scoring Day

Worked on our fisheries project at the Condie reservoir

Provided Firearm Safety Courses

Hosted a variety of shooting matches and training

And probably a number of other activities that slip my mind at the moment.

As you can see your club is very active in a number of areas and we always have room for anyone

willing to lend a hand.

In closing I wish you all a safe and enjoyable summer, great fishing and I hope to meet you on the

ranges sometime.

Yours in Conservation

Gil White – RWF President and Membership Chair

The five people who won free 2015 memberships

for renewing by Dec 31st 2014. Herm Foleng Rodger Perras Randolph Johansen

Justin Ecker MyKhaylo Vasylyev

1) Our winter training session ended a few weeks ago with the loss of the ski trails. Running and shooting will continue at the RWF intermittently until next fall. The end of winter fun day is planned for this coming weekend at the RWF. 2) Discussions with Cliff on formalizing range sharing agreement. Biathlon to have Sunday, Monday, Tues., Wed. RAPS to use Thurs, Fri, Sat. These are NOT exclusive days, but noted that the range IS OPEN TO BOTH CLUBS AT ALL TIMES.. The schedule just gives priority and the other can either wait or move to another range ( Biathlon can fairly easily move a wooden target to the .22 range. In reality, almost no conflicts have occurred, but much "perception" in both clubs and the memberships seem to desire more formality. ALL competitions will be communicated to the other club, and to the RWF Board 3) Heads-Up --- Late spring shooting and roller skiing camp June 5, 6, 7 --- may be open to all SK Biathlon athletes, we will work with RAPS to schedule best times for the use of the range that weekend. I will manage entry at the gate. 4) Firearms safety training for ages 12 and up - taught by Don Park - SK Sport Boardroom MAY 9. 5)I Attended the meeting of the QVNSC which has aggressive plans to build a biathlon shooting range in Lumsden by Sept. 1. This is seen to complimentary to our club. Building ski trails with long hill climbs is seen to be important for the development of elite athletes. Ski trails and building to be started in the fall. 6) Many members attended the Provincials competition at Blue Mountain near North Battleford. Many excellent performances. Drop box photos are linked on the home page of the www.reginaskiclub.com 7) Lots of interesting emails and activities on the White Butte Trail - Golf Course topic. Glad the result went our way. 8) Thanks to Tom for our blazing orange dud rocket.. I have size M t- shirt for your work... 9) Excellent article published in the Outdoor Canada magazine - fishing issue, which highlighted our RWF biathlon competition last January.7) Lots of interesting emails and activities on the White Butte Trail - Golf Course topic. Glad the result went our way. 8) Thanks to Tom for our blazing orange dud rocket.. I have size M t- shirt for your work... 9) Excellent article published in the Outdoor Canada magazine - fishing issue, which highlighted our RWF biathlon competition last January.

BIATHLON REPORT

Volunteer appreciation BBQ -

June 27th

If you volunteered with the RWF

in any capacity over the last year

you and a guest are invited to

attend. Bar opens at 5:30pm,

supper at 7:00pm. Please RSVP

no later than June 22nd.

gilwhite@sasktel.net

Hide Bin and Trophy awards News Letter report for April 2015

Hide Bin Program

The Hide Bin is a provincial waste reduction program operated locally by the RWF with the generous sponsorship of the City of Regina and Loraas Disposal. The City of Regina hosts the hide bin at the city landfill and Loraas donates the large bin used to hold the hides.

The hides are sold to a hide processor with the funds being used by the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation to purchase habitat lands. Only deer, elk, moose and cattle hides are welcome in the bin because there is no market for other hides. Please don’t include any part of the carcass, like legs or heads, with the hides.

Antlers from the current year or any collections of antlers can also be donated at the hide bin to fund habitat purchase. Antlers should be removed from the heads by sawing just below the antler burr.

The bin operates from the beginning of the Whitetail season (normally November 14) to January 15 of the new year. Hides cannot be accepted earlier because the weather must be cold enough to preserve the hides.

Last year a total of 140 hides and approximately 20 pounds of antlers were donated.

Each year there is a draw from the hide ballots submitted. The winner of a folding game saw in 2014was Ken Benyei of Regina.

Game Scoring Day

The RWF holds a game scoring day each year on the Sunday of the week following the end of the whitetail season. Last year it was held December 14, 2014 at the club house between the hours of 10:00 and 3:00. Scoring is free of charge and trophies may be entered for inclusion in the trophy awards competition held each year.

The day is not only a great opportunity to have your trophy scored but also to get together with old friends and perhaps make a few new ones. Sausage and buns and coffee are provided free by the club and bar service is available.

This year general attendance and the number of trophies was lower than normal. The low turnout was likely due to low game numbers and season reductions resulting from the recent string of harsh winters. Hopefully the mild winter this year is the beginning of a rebound in game numbers and a return to more generous season limits.

Only total of 12 trophies were submitted at the game scoring day. They included 7 Whitetail, 4 Mule Deer and 1 Moose. Despite the lower turnout those in attendance had a good time renewing acquaintances and solving the worlds problems.

Do you remember

this?

We have come a long

way baby!

Still a ways to go. Be

sure to show up at a

work bee to ensure it

will be finished come

fall.

The Great Plains Shooting Ass. will be hosting monthly shooting competitions over the summer.

Come out and see how it goes. You might take a liking to it. Members of the club are always

available to answer questions about PPC (Police Practical Combat) and our sport.

All events will be held on the GPSA range, located immediatley west of the black powder

range.

May 2nd at 0900 hrs. to 1300 hrs.

June 6th at 0900 hrs.to 1300 hrs.

July 4th at 0900 hrs. to 1300 hrs.

August 14th and 15th our annual Pilot Butte Shoot, 0800 hrs. to 1600 hrs.

Oct 3rd 0900 hrs. to 1300 hrs.

Any questions please feel free to contact any member of the club or myself:

Gary Faulconbridge

Spring Regional Meeting report to May 2015 Directors Meeting

The Spring Regional meeting was held April 12, 2015 in Vibank. The meeting was well attended with 5 delegates from the Regina Wildlife Federation.

Sask Environment Presented by Lyle Saigeon

2015 big game draw will be on-line using the HAL system.

Applications may be edited by the prime applicant until the end of the submission period.

No SHSN No. will be required in future.

Applicants will need to create a password to access the system.

Residency will be established by verifying Date of Birth and Address.

The game survey will be going on-line on a trial basis. Entries will be able to be made immediately and updated throughout the fall (preferred).

The big Game draw quotas have been set but not approved at April 12, 2015.

Moose are doing okay but fine tuning is in progress

Moose surveys will be conducted in zones 56 & 57. Numbers are reasonable in 56 but down in 57

Deer numbers are still down with longer term recovery expected over the next 3-5 years if winter conditions remain favorable.

Pronghorn numbers are down again with few young of the year. PMU’s 1 & 2 are showing some increases.

Game birds particularly Sharp Tails and Partridge are not doing well however there are some hopeful signs.

Game offence changes

Major offences 2 year suspension

Fines must be paid before licenses will be issued

Penalties will now be enforced across jurisdictions so a Sask suspension will mean no hunting in other provinces or the USA.

3 major offences will result in a lifetime suspension.

Offences may now be prosecuted for 3 years (up from previous 2 years).

Failure to pay child support will result in suspension of game licenses.

Suggestion from the floor of suspending both game and fishing licenses for major offences.

Harvest success 2014 versus 2013

WTD 40% vs 46%

Archery MD 15% vs 22%

Either sex MD 24% to 97% very similar to 2013

Laronge fishing A new trout ledger similar to a big game tag will need to be filled out.

Zebra Mussels are in Lake Winnipeg

Environment doing awareness and signing program.

Eradication is impossible once established, prevention is only known possibility.

Sask working with other jurisdictions

In process of training staff

-Wild Boar Environment is encouraging eradication and is working with Agriculture to improve the legislation.

Wild Boar may be hunted incidentally or planned but permission from the local RM is required.

All wild boar sightings should be reported to Enviroment.

-Central Office Report Darryl Crabbe

-HO is actively working on a Zebra Mussel campaign.

-Membership is ahead of 2013.

-Hired a new Educational Coordinator (Lorell).

-Looking for a Communication Coordinator, interviews by end of April.

-WHPA Lands Current leaseholders are not stepping up to buy the land. 7% of all proceeds from WHPA land sales must be spent on habitat.

-Branch insurance coverage

Currently $3M which will increase to $5M.

Coverage will include $25,000 for search and rescue.

Looking into hunting dog and ATV coverage.

-Fish and wildlife development fund

Took over operation of the fish hatchery in October, 2014 (SWAM Inc.)

Has issued RFP for fishery improvement study.

Hatchery will celebrate 100 years of operation with event on June 4, 2015.

Lands a 160,000 acres may go to the SWF and DU for management including assessment and planning for the future. SWF may divest lands monitoring to the branches.

-SWF has established a facebook thread on SWF membership

-Considering development of a provincial on-line system for membership purchase.

-SWF and DU are working with Watershed on drainage issues, looks promising.

-Donations to research at the universities are subject to a 15% to 25% administration fee. Donations in kind, like equipment, are not subject to this charge. The Walleye Project received $10,000 at the SWF convention plus donations in the form of electronic tags.

-Convention Weyburn is to be congratulated for holding a great convention. SWF staff particularly impressed by the amount of help received during set up.

-Game Management Plan Working with Environment with particularly on continuing development of the “Public Trust Document” that sets out a management framework for Sask game populations.

-NASP participation is doubling year over year.

-Mark’s Work Warehouse discount cards can no longer be distributed with the Outdoor Edge. Distribution will be done directly by the branches in future.

-SWF is meeting with the Manitoba Wildlife federation, Sask and Man Environment regarding Manitoba First Nation hunters targeting moose along the Man/Sask boundary. Vince Creiton is coordinating the discussions.

PFRA Pastures Lorne Scott

-Federal Government abandoned management of 62 pastures in sask.

-Represent last large tracts of largely undisturbed habitat in province.

-Generate roughly $60M of annual value.

-10 pastures per year are being moved to provincial management.

-SWF is asking the pastures not be sold but be managed by the province.

Regional Reports

Michael Miller

-Current invoice of $40 for regional meeting Currently $3198.51 in Region 4 fund.

-Shirley looking after the region table clothes and other fund raising materials.

Wildlife Advisory Jim Brown

-The mild winter was good to wildlife. The herd is currently small but in good shape.

-Elk is Moose Mountain were widely dispersed by the extended open season.

-Since Environment will not be conducting a survey in Moose Mountain in 2015 the suggestion was made that an elk survey be conducted by the SWF in using volunteer pilots. Environment is reluctant to accept survey data gathered by others and warned of the dangers associated with air surveys.

-Birds are generally down but there are pockets with reasonable numbers.

-Habitat a ½ section south of Wappella is being considered for purchase. A parcel north of Glen Avon may be willed to the SWF or Du in the near future.

Fisheries Tim Kerslake

-No big issues beyond those discussed earlier.

-Darryl will circulate information from the last provincial fisheries meeting.

Henry Kelsey Michael Halirewich

-A few violators were removed from the records.

-The new Henry Kelsey record book is available.

-Overall the number of entries was down but some good trophies were taken in 2014.

-Golf Tournament

-Fall meeting will be held in Indian Head likely on October 4, venue to be announced.

-Spring meeting will be at Moose Mountain.

FOR SALE

1974 MF 1085 Tractor

2643 Hrs

Clutch rebuilt two years ago

$8000.00 OBO

For Sale Never Fired 30-06 X-bolt rifle plus scope BDC comes complete with Hard cover locking gun case and trigger locks Value of package $1800.00 Asking $1600.00 Contact Darlene at 306-789-7432

IPSC

Good turnout to our IPSC April QUALIFIER. 20 competitors and several observers including three from Global television. We have a IPSC Black Badge Course on May 30and '31.

On another note we have to gut that club house ASAP and repack so we can utilize the trailer for quick set up. I want to be able to modify it so it will be able to haul all gear needed to set up a match.

Under federal regulations governing shooting ranges it is required that

a red flag be flown at the entrance of the property and at the firing line

High School Rodeo Competition Shooting:

After Rose from the Rusty Spur Ranch asked if the SWF could host the High School Rodeo Shoot at the RWF -- Members of the RAPS and

Biathlon Club and The Trap Range agreed to facilitate this event. With a little rain and wind and a small learning curve on the type of

shooting and target scoring, a very successful and fun event resulted. It was a new experience for the biathlon and RAPs membership to

have shooters with big black hats, silver belt buckles, and scopes on most of the rifles and many parents in an audience. It was

particularly interesting to see how these very fit and strong High Schoolers could contort in the kneeling position while wearing spurs on

their boots. The athletes were very polite and particularly enjoyed the new experiences and extra practice shots at the Trap shooting

range. Many thanks to Merle, Connor, and Heather Boyle from the Biathlon Club; Sean and Wes from RAPS; Tom and Victor from the

RWF; and to Don and Kyanna Park from the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation for organizing and monitoring safety and offering technique

advice. I think we can look forward to this being an annual and popular growing event at the RWF

The season will start right after spring grounds clean up Tuesdays May 26 until Oct.6th. 7-9 pm $5.00 per round of 25 Sundays May 24 until Oct 4th. 1-3 pm by appointment only. Call 306 781 2758 the Friday before the Sunday to arrange this. If there is no answer leave a message with name and phone number

TRAPSHOOTING

Be sure to put the flag up!

Under federal regulations governing shooting

ranges it is required that a red flag be flown at the

entrance of the property and at the firing line

whenever the range is being used. As our ranges are

usually unsupervised it is the member’s

responsibility to ensure adherence to this regulation.

In addition the ranges have been federally approved

for specific calibers. Please use the appropriate

range for the firearm you are shooting. Failure to

comply with these laws could result

in penalties up to and

including closure of our

ranges. Please remember to

raise the flags before you start

shooting and take them down

when you are done.

Range Conduct All shooters must have in their possession, a current RWF membership allowing them to shoot

on specific ranges

As a guide N.R.A. Rules must be adhered to an in the interest of safety, shooters are advised to

wear ear protection and shooting glasses.

Any person appearing under the influence of alcohol is not permitted on the firing line.

Without exception, firearms must be used only on ranges specifically designated for their use.

All firearms with closed action are considered loaded, treat them as a such

At all times, firearms shall be pointed downrange only

Shooting at posted targets only is permitted, no targets shall be set up on range floor or dykes

After a max. Of 5 shots, firing will cease for a target check

Upon completion of firing, shooters shall remove all equipment, targets, spent cases etc.

Immediately, clearing firing line for others to shoot

No firearm shall leave the firing line containing a live round

Malfunctions shall be cleared immediately – at the firing point

No one shall handle other shooters’ equipment without their permission

As applicable, archers and those using BB, spring and air guns or any device propelling a

projectile, shall also be bound by these rules

Anyone damaging range property or otherwise contravening any of these rules is subject to

immediate expulsion from the club and/or legal prosecution

Have you volunteered lately? The RWF runs on volunteers—no one gets

paid—from the guys who plow the snow, mow the grass or paints the

outhouse. Be sure to do your part in helping make the RWF the best around.

Range cleanup is Saturday May 23rd—be there or be square!

R.W.F. Recreation Center Rules Entry is restricted to members and guest accompanied by a member. Only currently paid-up RWF members are permitted to use shooting facilities. Vehicles must stay on developed roads only. No wildlife of any kind may be shot at or molested within the property boundaries. As a guide, safe firearms handling practices as outlined in the Saskatchewan Firearms Safety Course must be adhered to and in the interest of personal safety. The use of hearing and shooting glasses is recommended. No persons appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs are permitted on the firing line. No loaded firearms shall be carried anywhere on the premises. Ranges are posted stating type of firearm permitted thereon. No exceptions will be permitted. Shooting at established targets only is permitted. No targets shall be set up on the range floor or dykes. NO GLASS objects are to be used under any circumstances. Shooters must not tie up firing points beyond reasonable time limits at times of heavy demand on facilities. Firearms must be open and untouched on benches while anyone is downrange. No firearms shall leave the firing line containing a live round. Upon completion of firing, shooters must remove all equipment such as scopes, targets spent cases etc. Immediately clearing firing line for others to use. In the event of firearm malfunction, all firing must cease until faulty firearm has been repaired or safely removed for further attention. No one shall handle other shooters equipment without permission. As Applicable archers and those using BB. spring and air guns or any device propelling a projectile shall also be bound by the above rules.

Parents or guardians of minors on the premises will be responsible for actions of their charges. Anyone damaging property or

otherwise contravening any of these

rules is subject to immediate expulsion

and/or legal prosecution.

Winchester SXP (3 ½” Chamber) Shotgun

Safety Warning and Recall A limited number of SXP (3 ½” Chamber) shotguns (also called Super X Pump) may unintentionally discharge while closing the action, even with safety on. If you own one of the following, contact the Winchester Consumer Administrative Centre at 1-800-945-5372 or sxp@winchesterguns.com.

SXP Waterfowl hunter 3 ½” 12 gauge 26” or 28” barrel

SXP Black Shadow 3 ½” 12 gauge 26” or 28” barrel

SXP Turkey Hunter 3 ½” 12 gauge 24” barrel

SXP Long Beard 3 ½” 12 gauge 24” barrel

Habitat Fundraising

Dinner and Auction

Sept. 26

Queensbury Downs

5:30

For more information, contact:

Jamie Gibson

Environment, Regina 306-798-3900

Indoor 25 Yard Range

It has been a long 8 years since the idea of having an indoor

range was hatched. Joseph Lalonde (volunteer building

coordinator) drew up the preliminary drawing which were

turned into blueprints by the engineer/architects. Slowly but

surely, thanks to a FEW dedicated volunteers we are on the

finish line of having the indoor range completed. We have had a

work bee almost every other Saturday since fall. There are

about 12 or so members that have been out day after day, giving

up thousands of hours of their time and effort to accomplish this .

Many tasks still remain to complete —steel baffles to be hung

from ceiling, outside work, exterior, air plenums, firing line target

systems, bullet stops and more. Be sure to help out to ensure we

can be indoors come fall. Many thanks to Redhead Equipment for

lending us equipment over the last 6 years to help

with construction.