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, the Idaho Wildavore adult hunter mentoring program, 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 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 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 articles. Upcoming Banquets and Fundraisers: Safari Club International, Idaho Chapter January 30; Doors open at 5:30 pm. Red Lion Hotel, Pocatello Ticket and banquet information: Tony Hafla, (208) 522-0750 or Email: wabrrich@isu.edu Ducks Unlimited, Pocatello February 6; Doors open at 6:00 pm. Red Lion Hotel, Pocatello Ticket and banquet information: Rich Higashi, (208) 237-0673 or Chris Bowers, (208) 604-0461 or Email: higashiheidi@gmail.com Blackfoot River Bowmen February 13; Doors open at 4:30 pm; dinner at 6:00 pm. Elks Lodge, Blackfoot Ticket and banquet information: brbsecretary@gmail.com; (208) 716-3403 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Southeast Idaho Chapter March 5; Doors open at 5:00 pm. Shoshone-Bannock Hotel & Event Center Exit 80 & I-15, Fort Hall Ticket and banquet information: Sue Regetz, (208) 904-4752 Mule Deer Foundation Banquet, Pocatello March 12; Doors open at 6:30 pm. Visit website for updated information as it becomes available: https://muledeer.org/event/southeast-idaho-chapter/ National Wild Turkey Federation March 12; Doors open at 5:00 pm; dinner starts at 7:00 pm. Red Lion Hotel, Pocatello Ticket and banquet information: Joe Foster, (208) 339-0948 or Email: jafoste2@up.com Pheasants Forever, Franklin County April 9 Franklin County Fairgrounds More information: Mark Beckstead, (208) 852-1926 Mule Deer Foundation, Malad City April 29 More Information: Shane Wood, (208) 317-6255 Friends of NRA May 7; Doors open at 5:30 pm. Red Lion Hotel, Pocatello Ticket and banquet information: Craig Gates, (208) 220-5947 or Email: nracegates@gmail.com Ducks Unlimited, Blackfoot May 14, Doors open at 5:30 pm. Elks Lodge, Blackfoot Ticket and banquet information: Don Thoen, (208) 684-5096