Newsletter of the Peachland Sportsmen's Association
May, 2000
President's Message
Over the past two years, as I've become increasingly involved with the
Peachland Sportsmen's Association, I'm amazed at the amount of
information and resources available to us as concerned sportsmen and
anglers.
What is of prime concern to myself and other members is how these tools
are used. We have to do something with them to be effective, and there's
never a more important time than right now to begin doing just that —
use them.
There are many forces at work seeking either to limit or take away
completely, the things we enjoy doing with our families.
Writing letters to provincial MLAs and federal MPs and other politicians
expressing our concerns about legislation on a variety of different
matters is a start. As well, we can sign and promote petitions that
express our opinions on important issues in order to lobby the lawmakers
and change the opinions of those still on the fence. Whatever else, we
can no longer sit back and hope someone else will take care of the
challenges facing us at all levels, federal, provincial and local.
We all need to be involved in some way, whether putting our efforts into
a local project in the field, by expressing our opinions in a
letter-writing campaign, or by just making coffee for a Wednesday night
meeting of like-minded individuals.
I encourage you to attend meetings to hear what's coming down the pike
next in terms of new legislation or regulations; to hear guest speakers
so you're informed about local issues that will affect you; to voice
your concerns, or add your experience and knowledge to the discussion;
to present your ideas and concerns; to meet fellow members; and to maybe
find out where best to go for your next camping, fishing, hunting or
outdoors adventure.
Alone, it's tough for us to get each voice heard, but together we can
make a difference. Let's get together to keep this club vital and
effective as a voice and body working for conservation in this valley.
Ray Pike
President
Peachland Sportsmen's Association
Biologist to Speak (and Listen)
Environment Ministry wildlife biologist Tom Ethier from the Penticton
regional office has agreed to attend the May 17 monthly meeting of the
Peachland Sportsmen's Association as guest speaker.
Tom has been coordinating efforts this spring to combat the disastrous
die-off of the Vaseux Lake wild sheep herd and he's been collecting the
various counts done of game such as deer and elk in this part of the
province in the past few months.
He's also responsible for making recommendations on changes to hunting
regulations for this area.
Not only is he coming to update us on what's happening in the Okanagan
area as far as wildlife is concerned, but also to hear what we have to
say: what our concerns are or what we've noticed in the bush that he
might want to know about.
So make sure you get to this interesting meeting and bring along any
friends, family or co-workers who might also be interested in hearing
and meeting him.
It's being held in the club's new archery facility, the former bowling
alley in Peachland, at the end of 4th St., beginning at 7:30 p.m.
New Business
At that May 17 meeting, members will also be asked to vote on an
opportunity to have unlimited access to a gun range just down the road
in Summerland.
The Summerland Fish and Game Club have proposed we join their club for a
nominal $5 fee per member, which would be paid in a lump sum by the
club, in order to share use of their range.
This donation would help them with the maintenance costs of the range
which is located on Garnet Lake Road just out of Summerland.
They hold a shoot every Wednesday evening from 5:30 until dark, and have
facilities for the use of rifles, pistols, air guns etc., but we
wouldn't be limited to using it just Wednesday evenings.
Your executive feels this would be a really beneficial move for both
clubs, and will be recommending you approve it.
Annual General Meeting/ Elections
Although there was a poor turnout at this year's annual general meeting,
potluck supper and elections, a nearly-full slate of executive officers
was elected.
Ray Pike, last year's vice-president, agreed to serve as president for
the year 2000, while vice-president Darren Schlamp agreed to continue in
his position.
Jack Heyensbergen, last year's winner of our Sportsman of the Year
Award, will serve as the other vice-president, and Judie (Steeves)
Vergnano will continue as secretary.
In the absence of Deb Schramm, who is unable to continue as treasurer, a
search is on for someone who can take on that task.
Anyone willing or who knows someone who might be, please let the
executive know.
There are some spots available on the list of committee chairs, but Sue
Hurrell has agreed to help out with the banquet, and Jack said he'll
coordinate the trophy display at it again this coming year. Martha
Jenkins has done a masterful job of ensuring everything is organized and
ready for the next person to take over the organizing task, but more
members are needed to help, so please come forward.
It's our major fund-raising event of the year, so help with it is vital.
The positions of special events chair, publicity, membership and coffee
for meetings are also still open.
However, Jack, Jerry Kneller and Neil Hurrell have agreed to look after
the fisheries/creek projects.
Ray, Judie, Al and Darren are taking over ensuring a newsletter gets out
more regularly, and Al is looking after resolutions for the provincial
BC Wildlife Federation.
Wildlife chair is Neil, while Keith Brown will continue with the trophy
committee, Al and Ray with allocation, Dan Jenkins with native affairs,
forestry and land use, Jack and Jerry Wilderness Watch, and Helmut Hings
firearms legislation.
Martha and Sue will look after the club's school bursary and Al and Ray
will represent us at region BCWF meetings.
-3-
Morning Star Bible Camp in Westbank is sponsoring a number of fishing
and wilderness camps at Grizzly Lake out of Winfield, off Philpott Road
in July for kids. Fishing tackle, boats, accommodation and food are all
supplied. July 1-8
Boys 13 and up fly fishing camp.
Only one fish a day is to be kept, and it can be smoked or cooked in a
conventional way.
Last year they caught 550 fish in five days, but most were released.
Boys learn fly fishing, canoeing, orienteering and fly tying.
They also can try paintball, swim, enjoy campfires, mission impossible,
horseshoes, and there may be silhouette shooting with air guns.
An experienced staff of outdoors enthusiasts help out.
for the full seven day, it costs $165, but there is a sponsor program
for those who can't afford that.
For info, call Al Springer at 767-2287. July 8-15
A father and son wilderness camp July 15-22
Girls wilderness camp
Numbers for all are limited.
