Do Something Wild: Support a Sportsmen's Group

Looking for something wild to do during the next couple of months? How about attending one of the upcoming sportsmen's banquets? Sportsmen organizations from around the region typically schedule their banquets and fundraisers this time of year. It is the perfect time to get together as fellow outdoors and wildlife enthusiasts and do something wild for wildlife! Banquets are so much more than just an opportunity to eat good food and have fun with the family. They also function as fundraisers to generate money for wildlife conservation, community contributions, and youth programs. Southeast Idaho Flyfishers has contributed money and labor to various habitat improvement projects throughout southeast Idaho, benefitting critical riparian areas and fisheries. The club has also sponsored Trout in the Classroom programs and field trips for southeast Idaho classrooms (K-12), including several in District 25, and has supported efforts to get families and youth fishing. National Wild Turkey Federation's southeast Idaho chapter has contributed both turkeys and money to the Idaho Food Bank during the holidays. This chapter has been involved in youth hunter mentoring programs, women's outdoor workshops, and outdoor events and hunting opportunities for the disabled. This chapter has even sponsored numerous Eagle Scout projects over the years and has handed out scholarships for college-bound youth. NWTF has also assisted with habitat projects that benefit a variety of species besides turkeys, and have provided educational materials for use in Project WILD workshops for teachers. The Mule Deer Foundation and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation have donated time and money to habitat projects throughout the regions and have provided personnel and funds to assist with youth mentored hunts and many other invaluable conservation efforts. Safari Club International (SCI) has shared their wonderful education sensory safari with schools, libraries, and other venues for the purpose of showcasing the amazing wildlife that can be found throughout the world in nose-to- nose educational experiences. SCI has also contributed to conservation efforts that benefit wildlife right here in southeastern and eastern Idaho. Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and so many more organizations here in this region and other parts of the state also do their part to benefit habitat, wildlife, and youth. It is impossible to list every group, every contribution of time and energy, every donation, every effort that our sportsmen's groups give to the community, to the region, to area youth, to wildlife and conservation. But, you are all appreciated! You make a difference! If you would like to help these groups continue with their tireless efforts, consider buying an annual membership or volunteering your time to help with a project. You can also make a contribution by attending a sportsmen's banquet or fundraiser-and bring the whole family. From great food, to raffles for wonderful prizes, to auctions for fabulous items, and games for the kids-there is something for everyone. Not sure when or where your favorite group's banquet is? Check out the information below for upcoming events in southeastern and eastern Idaho, or search the internet for the information. Most sportsmen's organizations have a website with chapter contact information. My sincere apologies to those wonderful groups which have already held their banquets this year, and also to those groups which I may have failed to include here. Keep me posted about your wonderful projects and efforts, and I will do my best to include it in future columns! Upcoming Banquets and Fundraisers: Mule Deer Foundation Banquet, Southeast ID Chapter March 14; Doors open at 5:00 pm. Bish's RV in Pocatello Food provided by The Sandtrap Ticket and banquet information: Carl Frey, (208) 880 - 1699 National Wild Turkey Federation March 21; Doors open at 5:00 pm; dinner at 7:00 pm Red Lion Hotel, Pocatello Ticket and banquet information: Don Jenkins, (208) 547 - 7527 or Joe Foster, (208) 339-0948 Pheasants Forever, Chapter #145 April 4; Doors open at 5:30 pm. Shoshone-Bannock Hotel and Events Center I-15 at Exit 80 at Fort Hall Ticket and banquet information: Jason Beck, (208) 251-7438 or John Lambregts, (208) 552-9675 Pocatello Field Archers April 11; Doors open at 6:30 pm. Pocatello Field Archers Indoor Range Ticket and banquet information: SanDee Quinn, (208) 904-1332 Ducks Unlimited, Blackfoot Chapter May 2; Doors open at 5:30 pm. Elks Lodge in Blackfoot Ticket and banquet information: Jake Mann, (208) 851 - 8883 Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Region.