Over 200 Sparwood residents gathered together at the annual Sparwood Fish and Wildlife Banquet on Feb. 27 to celebrate local fishing and hunting success and take part in the club's biggest fundraiser of the year. Those who attended had the opportunity to win or bid on many prizes, learn of projects the club has completed and most notably, observe the awards and trophy presentations where youth and adult hunters and anglers were recognized for their achievements. Darren Reghenas, Sparwood Fish and Wildlife Club President commented on his awe of the support offered by the community.
"I am completely blown away by all of the support, from those who donated raffle and silent auction items, to all those in attendance tonight, it really comes together to make this event a huge success. As the club has been working on many projects, such as elk collaring and other wildlife and conservation projects, it is through events like this that we can continue to fund these, and keep doing the work we do," he said.
A prominent highlight of the event was the recognition and awards to youth, and young females especially. This year, for the first time in club history, the Frank Knight Memorial Award - which is the oldest trophy in the club originating in Michel-Natal - was given to Sydney Cook for her 1.75 lb cutthroat. For the second time in history, the Dwayne Fraser Memorial Award was also given to a female as Charlotte Higgins received the Jr. Grand Aggregate for her goat.
The Sparwood Fish and Wildlife Club continue to welcome all residents to join the membership and attend meetings. They now can be found on Facebook and soon will launch a website. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month at the Sparwood Fire Hall.
Shawn Gentile, Rick Reid, Chad Bowen and Ron MacIntyre with awards for whitetail.
Awards:
CutthroatNo adults
Jr. CutthroatSydney Cook 1.75 lbsBrayden Holberton 1.73 lbsBrayden Holberton 1.49lbsBrandon MacNaughton 1 lbs
TurkeyLarry Henriet 30 1/2
Black BearKevin Petevello 18
Jr. BearSierra Wyld 17 9/16
Wolf
Denis Reghenas 14 15/16
CougarScott Holberton 14 10/16
Jr. CougarHanna Whiting 13 13/16
MooseDennis Reghenas 163 (Cross bow)
ElkChad Bowen 316 5/8Mike Jaegli 292 4/8Brian Cimolini 285 3/8Kent Fraser 275 7/8
Jr. ElkMckenzie Bowen 254 5/8Charlotte Higgins 213 7/8
White tailRon MacIntyre 139 7/8Chad Bowen 131 7/8Rick Reid 126Shawn Gentile 122 7/8
Jr. White tailHanna Whiting 107 3/8Kaylee Reid 100 1/8Michel Wyld 78 6/8Mckenzie Bowen 65 6/8Aiden Grywacheski 64 6/8
Mule deerNo adults
Jr. Mule deerDevin Bursey 129 6/8Hanna Whiting 129 5/8
GoatCody Chatterson 44 6/8Dale Weed 42
Jr. GoatCharlotte Higgins 46 2/8Lane Ogden 40
SheepRick Reid 170 (B.C. Book)Kasey Musil 163 7/8
Sr. Grand AggregateDennis Reghenas Moose 163
Jr. Grand Aggregate -Dwayne Fraser MemorialCharlotte Higgins Goat 46 2/8
Frank Knight Memorial AwardSydney Cook Cutthroat 1.75 lbs