The menu for the annual wild game banquet this Saturday evening includes the customary beef, moose, deer, elk, salmon, trout, bear and cougar contributions and possibly some bison, says banquet organizer Judy Jenkins.
“Some of the more scarce items will be in the form of wild game appetizers,” Jenkins says. “There will also be some deer and some moose sausage.”
The event is sponsored by the Williams Lake Sportsmen’s Association and takes place at Sacred Heart Church Hall where Della Rauch of TRU Foods will be catering.
The event includes a silent auction to support the association’s programs. Topping the list of silent auction items this year is a diamond dinner ring donated by the club and valued at $1,200.
Some of the other items include a large print of a pheasant, a print of a moose hunting camp scene, and a small print by Robert Bateman, a .22 rifle, a hand-crafted iron coat rack, are among the many silent auction items donated.
The evening will also feature an assortment of bucket draws in addition to two draws for a Savage .243 Axis rifle and a Savage .270 Winchester short magnum rifle.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the competition for the Tail Ender Trophy where people tell tales about the most outrageous goof-ups in hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.
“Don’t be bashful. Bring on your best story to honour the person who is most deserving of the trophy,” Jenkins says.
Winner and runner-up trophies are awarded. In recent years Al Campsall, Mike Wagner, Jim Feeley have taken home trophies. Tickets for the Saturday, Feb. 2 event will only be available until Friday evening from club members, Surplus Herby’s, Barton’s Insurance, Blue Mountain Gunsmithing and Chilcotin Guns.
The evening will start with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner.
The event is the main fundraiser for the Sportsmen’s Association which operates the Bond Lake shooting ranges and numerous outdoor programs.
Education includes hunting, animal identification, ethics, survival and firearms safety, as well as archery programs.
The club provides for facilities for law enforcement officers to practice and qualify for use of firearms as well as opportunities for sport shooters, archers and biathletes to train.