Nicholas Donaldson
The Fort Frances Sportsmen’s Club held its annual general meeting Monday night at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre, which drew about 30 members and guests.
Henry Miller gave the Zone ‘A’ report and also updated everyone on the elk herd reintroduction project in Northwestern Ontario.
The project introduced wild elk to the area nearly 20 years ago and their progress continues to be monitored.
Miller noted elk have been spotted in certain locations around the district, but they also travel and move around a lot.
Miller also spoke about the work he’s been doing in school classrooms, including leading field trips and building bird houses.
Some of these activities were part of the local OPP’s “Project Sunset,” which aims to teach students important life skills while getting them involved in the community.
Miller said the OPP approached him to bring a conservation side to “Project Sunset” activities, and he was happy to work with them.
Meanwhile, Myla Angus and Jacob Empey, the recipients of the club’s two $1,000 scholarships last year, were recognized at Monday’s meeting.
Seven students applied for the scholarships, and were judged based on their membership and involvement with the club.
Club vice-president Brad Houghton then spoke about skeet shooting and invited all members to try it out.
Last year’s winner of the annual competition was Len Noonan.
In other news, Rob Dokuchie, the club’s membership director, reported the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters once again has raised the price of membership.
The new cost is $41.20 for adults.
As such, the sportsmen’s club opted to also raise its membership as it pays for an O.F.A.H. membership, as well.
An adult membership will go up to $65 from $60 while a family membership will rise from $70 to $75.
The directors agreed this still is a good price for membership and were fine with the increase.
As always, the money remaining after paying for the O.F.A.H membership goes to the local sportsmen’s club.
But the club also decided to delay this fee hike until May 7 so anyone signing up during the upcoming gun show here still will receive the lower price.
The club level handgun safety course also was outlined at Monday’s meeting.
The new course has been streamlined down to four hours from the previous 10-hour instruction.
It still will include classroom time and practice on the range, but eliminate information learned in other gun-safety courses.
As well, the boat launch at the club’s landing on Frog Creek also was revamped in the past year with new rock and gravel under the water.
The boat launch is closed until further notice but members can watch for updates online.
Coffee and doughnuts were served, and attendance prizes also were drawn at Monday’s meeting.
Members are encouraged to check the club’s website and Facebook page for news, updates, and events throughout the year.
