Whipp, Marks receive Wildlife Federation awards

Two local members of the Stutsman County Wildlife Federation received recognition at the 78th annual North Dakota Wildlife Federation Convention held Jan. 11 in Bismarck.

Kerry Whipp of Kensal received the Sportsman of the Year award for his contributions to the Stutsman County Wildlife Federation and the North Dakota Wildlife Federation. Whipp is currently the chairperson of the Stutsman County Wildlife Federation Youth Committee, secretary of the NDWF board of directors and the director of the NDWF Youth Conservation Camp. Dale Marks of Ypsilanti received an award as a Hunter Safety Educator of the Year in North Dakota.

On Jan. 19, SCWF and United Sportsmen members attended a meet and greet hosted by the James River Valley Chapter of Pheasants Forever with the new District 12 legislators. The attendees were able to voice their concerns about habitat, access to land for hunting and legislative funding with Sen. John Grabinger and Reps. Jessica Haak and Alex Looysen.

SCWF will have a booth at the Sport and Recreation Show on Feb. 15-17 at the Civic Center. Ernie Dawson is taking care of the organization and setup. Anyone interested in helping should call him at 952-7685.

The SCWF received an elk from the herd reduction at the Sulley’s Hill National Game Preserve. The live weight was 500 pounds; 268 pounds were processed. The club has to decide what to do with the meat. Some suggestions were raffling it as a fundraiser or using it for the banquet and meetings. The meat cannot be sold. Bring suggestions to the Feb. 7 meeting.

The indoor archery range is open for the season. Hours are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Fees are $60/single and $70/family. This includes a SCWF membership. The youth (under 18) fee is $25 and the single use fee is $5. The indoor range is located in the Kitchen Solvers basement. Use the entrance on Main Street. For more information, call Blaine at 320-6438.

The Habitat Committee reported that members may contact Rene Heinle (253-6480) at the Game and Fish office for information on funding to plant food plots this spring.

The NDWF Youth Conservation Camp will be held August 4 to August 10. The camp is open to youth ages 12 to 15. SCWF sponsors 10 youth each year. For more information about the camp, contact Kerry Whipp at 701-435-2440.

A Youth Day is being planned for May 4 at the rifle range at the Pipestem Reservoir. United Sportsmen, Pheasants Forever and Dakota Anglers will be taking part.

A Hunter Education class for ages 16 and over will be held Feb. 20 and 27. A class for ages 14 and over will be held April 5, 6 and 7. A class for ages 11 years and over will be April 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17. For more information and registration, go to gf.nd.gov

The next Stutsman County Wildlife Federation meeting has been changed to 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at The Bunker.

Tags: community, clubs, awards