ESTEVAN - The Estevan Wildlife Federation presented numerous awards for hunting, fishing and photography during the organization's annual awards night on Feb. 8.
A large crowd gathered at the Estevan Exhibition Association's building for the event. Many of them were there to receive an award, but others were on hand to congratulate the winners or for the social element. A supper and raffles were also part of the event.
The first-place finishers were:
Junior Birds:
- Pheasant: Luke Brandvold, 24 bars and a 20-inch tail length for a score of 44.
Senior birds:
- Sharp-tailed grouse: Murray Mosley, two pounds, two ounces;
- Hungarian partridge: Rick Rohatyn, 15 ounces;
- Ruffed grouse: Murray Mosley, one pound, three ounces;
- Pheasant: Harvey Hackney, 41 bars and a 24 1/2" tail length for a total of 65 1/2;
- Snow grouse: Murray Mosely, five pounds, 12 ounces; and
- White-fronted goose: Dave Clark, five pounds, 12 ounces.
Junior fish:
- Walleye: Colton Van De Woestyne, five pounds, four ounces.
Senior fish:
- Perch: Murray Mosley, one pound, 5.12 ounces;
- Large-mouth bass: Joshua Michel, six pounds, four ounces;
- Walleye: Murray Mosley, seven pounds, three ounces;
- Northern pike: Joshua Michel, 22 pounds, four ounces;
- Splake: Murray Mosley, two pounds, two ounces;
- Rainbow trout: Murray Mosley, two pounds, 14 ounces;
- Brook trout: Murray Mosley, 12 ounces; and
- Tiger trout: Murray Mosley, two pounds, five ounces.
Women's big-game archery:
- Typical mule deer: Kianna Goudy, 157 4/8.
Senior archery:
- Typical whitetail deer: Garry Leslie, 108 4/8;
- Typical mule deer: Hunter Chipley, 180 7/8;
- Non-typical mule deer: Kelly Pastachak, 172 1/8; and
- Black bear: Cameron Donovan, 19 11/16.
Overall Bowhunter of the Year:
- Hunter Chipley, aggregate score of 125.
Junior big-game rifle:
- Typical white-tail deer: Ryder Mutrie, 146 3/8;
- Non-typical whitetail deer: Kaylynn Katsantonis, 138;
- Typical mule deer: Tegan Mosley, 151 5/8; and
- Non-typical mule deer: Ryder Mutrie, 215 3/8.
Women's big-game rifle:
- Typical whitetail deer: Justiss Daoust, 137;
- Typical mule deer: Justiss Daoust, 177 4/8;
- Non-typical mule deer: Jessi Donavan, 193 6/8;
- Typical elk: Mikayla Dyer, 178 6/8;
- Antelope: Lynn Johnson, 75 2/8; and
- Black bear: Julyn Halirewich, 18 12/16.
Men's big-game rifle
- Typical whitetail deer: Hunter Steinke, 160;
- Non-typical whitetail deer: Sam Meek, 156 3/8;
- Typical mule deer: Geoff Mutrie, 185 3/8;
- Non-typical mule deer: Nathan Harkins, 235 4/8;
- Typical elk: Trevor Bourassa, 325 2/8; and
- Moose: Sam Peterson, 161 7/8.
Photography:
- Junior scenic: Lena Hayward;
- Junior Wildlife: Lena Hayward;
- Senior scenic: Lynn Johnson;
- Senior Wildlife: Joshua Michel; and
- Photo of the year: Joshua Michel.
Wanda Michel, who is the EWF's president and the head of the awards committee, told the crowd that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the EWF, and she said there would be a celebration at their annual fundraising dinner later this year.
"We are one of the biggest clubs in the province, and it's all because of so many of you that take an interest and love in our wildlife, our conservation and our kids, teaching them the importance of that," said Michel.
Eighty years is an important milestone, and she hopes to see as many people as possible at the fundraising banquet.
Michel also saluted the club's executive and its volunteers for all of their contributions.
"That's a group of people that put in an awful lot of time all year to make things happen and to make our organization move forward. We bring lots of things to our provincial body."
If people have thoughts on wildlife and conservation issues or want to see changes, Michel encourages them to approach a member of the executive. Concerns will be brought to the provincial convention later this month.
