By: Clark Schultz, President, Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation
This fall, I was one of the fortunate people to be drawn for elk here in the southwest. I was incredibly lucky to harvest this bull! To spend the day in the field with a couple good buddies and come away with a animal like that, what a day! I found it to be one of the most exciting and at the same time humbling experiences I’ve had.
That is how I feel about being given the opportunity to represent the SWF and you the membership as your President. I have been involved at all three levels for several years now and to have this opportunity is very exciting and humbling, thank you.
2018 was a great year with increased membership and one of the best years we have had for land purchases, great job by all!
As Darrell Crabbe pointed out in his last article, 2019 will be a pivotal year for wildlife and the Federation. We will continue to work to try to find a reasonable solution to the proposed Trespass Act and access for the outdoor community. We will impress again to government that decisions be based on science not opinion and political pressure. We had a workshop at convention to get the input of the delegates there as well we hope to get your input at the spring regional meetings, compile the information gathered and apply it to a possible solution.
A couple very important and exciting programs we will focus on in the coming year will be first, to continue to grow our Women in Conservation Initiative. As pointed out at convention, 40% of our members are women. Over the years we have had the presence of some incredible women in our organization, but we need to grow that, encourage more women to get involved and be sure that they feel that their input is valued and appreciated. My wife Bernadette was able to attend the first workshop held this past January and there was valuable suggestions and input came out of that.
Another opportunity we will be working on is establishing Education Centres in southern Saskatchewan.
There is the chance to secure facilities in the south to make this a reality!
One of the other challenges ahead will be the completion of the Provincial Hatchery Expansion and the new rearing pond facility. We will work with government to secure the funds necessary to see this incredible project completed!
Once again Thank You for the opportunity to represent this great organization the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and the incredible people who make it what it is!
I am always available to listen to your input, so please feel free to drop me an email or give me a call!
Clark Schultz.