The Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation has programs, events and projects to look forward to this year.
Currently in the works is the Jack Feist Memorial Project, a new fishery enhancement project for angler access on Plaxton Lake on the Moose Jaw River. This project was created in memory of Jack Feist, a previous member of the Wildlife Federation. The federation was looking for a way to help honour his memory and improve angler access to a resource that was dear to Feist’s heart.
“He used to fish quite often, and his family told me that when he passed he wanted to be able to give back,” said, Todd Smith, fifth year president of Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation.
Also, as part of the project, the Wildlife Federation will be upgrading the walking paths and installing a new dock for improved access.
“Paths are completed at this stage and the only thing that we are waiting on is the dock installation, which is currently in the fabrication stage. Installation would happen in the spring given that we are moving into winter."
The Fish in School’s program will be starting up mid-December with participating teachers getting a transport permit sent from the Ministry of Environment. Students receive the eggs from the Fort Qu’Appelle Fish Culture Station and raise them from an eye to a fingerling stage, which is about to the length of an index finger. The trout are then released into the Buffalo Pound Provincial Park Trout Pond.
Hamilton Flats in Moose Jaw is a long-term habitat rehabilitation project that was initiated approximately 15 years ago and in the initial rehabilitation, trees were planted and flourished until the last couple years where drought has thwarted their growth. The Wildlife Federation plans to plant additional trees in the spring to keep the flats flourishing, As well, twenty-four bird boxes have been built and installed by outdoor education students at E’cole Duchame.
In May of each year, the Pheasant in Schools program begins and usually wraps up about this time of the season. Kids get eggs to incubate in their classrooms and care for them until they hatch. The pheasants then spend a summer on the farm growing and are then released in the fall to supplement wild populations.
With winter coming, Classrooms on Ice at Buffalo Pound Lake is something to look forward to. The program is free and geared towards students in grades 5 and 6, tying in with their natural science curriculum. Students also get a chance to try out ice fishing for a day with all necessary equipment provided by the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation.
In the new year, approximately the end of February or first week in March, a Youth and Family Fishing Tournament is held at Buffalo Pound Lake. The dates are tentative all depending on the condition of the ice at the time. For a nominal cost of $5 per child or youth under the age of 16 to register, an adult angler needs to register alongside for $20.
The hope is that the Federation’s fish fry will again be held in the spring. According to Smith, the association has been unable to do the fish fry for the last two years due to the pandemic. If held, the event usually occurs at the MJWF Clubhouse with a dinner, as well as a live and silent auction.
The organization is run strictly by volunteers, so all programming and events are facilitated by the organization. “We are always open for some extra hands to help create light work,” says Smith.
If anyone is interested in becoming involved, they can find the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation on Facebook or on their website: MJWildlife.ca
Donations can be made through the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation website at www.swf.sk.ca.
