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Exotic menu for Likely game banquet

The Likely Community Hall was filled to capacity April 21 for the second annual wild game banquet fundraiser.

The Likely Community Hall was filled to capacity April 21 for the second annual wild game banquet fundraiser hosted by the Likely Archery Rod and Gun Club.

It was a fun-filled event with guests attending from as far away as Yellowknife, NWT, Penticton, Williams Lake, Big Lake, Horsefly and Likely.  Kicking off with “Happy Hour” at 5 p.m. followed by a superb dinner that offered a wide variety of wild game dishes to try including elk, deer, lynx, beaver, black bear, moose, salmon and trout, there was an unlimited supply of food.

The evening got under way with a welcome from club president Gary Zorn. Keynote speaker Jeff Hewitt from the Conservation Officer Service provided insights into how the CO service is establishing new co-operative relationships with communities and how they are working to grow those relationships.

He touched on how conservation of our backcountry and wildlife is the responsibility of all of us.

Marie Hampton, lady trapper and long-time resident of Likely, gave a wildlife presentation related to her trapping background.

The event was also graced with the presence of a celebrity from the television reality series Ice Road Truckers — Alex Dovbrovsky.

Dovbrovsky is also the author of a book by the same name. He told some humorous stories and won the trophies for the best fish tale and best outdoor story.

There were also contests for the best birdcall won by Karen Morriss and best wildlife call won by Joe Morhart of Horsefly.

The Toonie toss drew a good crowd with the ladies’ only being won by Allyson McDonald and the all participants in the Toonie toss being won by Dominique Dovbrovsky.

The major draw for the raffle prizes was the last event of the evening.

Winners were Mike Hill of Likely — Weatherby 300 Winchester Short Mag; Joe Morhart from Horsefly — 20 gauge Mossberg pump shotgun; Shane Smith from Big Lake — Archery Set; and Troy Rolston of Likely — fly-fishing outfit.

It was a wonderful evening of great food, fun, and laughter for all who attended.

The club is sincerely grateful for all the wonderful support from all the donor businesses and organizations.

The event was a resounding success and the club wishes to extend appreciation and thanks to all who attended the event and participated to make it a grand evening of fun.

The club also extends special appreciation to everyone who donated wild game dishes and all the trimmings for the meal — especially the non-members who participated and the club members.

Thanks also go to our board of directors and club members.

Proceeds from the fundraising event will be used for club functions, events, educational and community enrichment and development of the gun range.

The Likely Archery Rod and Gun Club has a lengthy history in the community of Likely.

Incorporated as a society in 1988 the Club undertook to secure property for a gun range in the Likely area.

Plans were laid for the range to hold a 100, 200 and 1000 metre rifle ranges as well as pistol range, archery range and clubhouse.

It was a huge undertaking for a fledgling club, but they proceeded to begin fund raising for development with a number of well attended shooting events including their highly successful black powder events organized by Keith Ulrich.

The procedure with Crown lands to secure the land for the range was initiated, but never completed.

The club went into a dormant state and was finally reactivated through an exploratory meeting in early 2009.

An executive was elected and they started to work toward the original goal of establishing the gun range on the originally chosen piece of property. Again, the paper work with Crown lands was challenging, but with diligence and determination it move ahead to start development.

After a late, wet spring in 2011 the work on the range got under way with a very generous donation of equipment from Mount Polley Mining Corporation to do the required work to ensure the berms and range lanes met the requirements of the Fire Arms Marshall and RCMP inspectors. Mount Polley continues to be very supportive of the club as the club looks toward a mid to late summer opening of the gun range.

Other events for the upcoming year are in various stages of planning, including another CORE instruction program, assistance with the Likely Victoria Day parade, summer fishing event and more.

At the annual general meeting held on the afternoon of April 21 a number of club members came out to hear of the successes of 2011 and the plans for 2012.

Elections were held for new members to the board of directors. Returning directors and officers include Gary Zorn, president;  Alf Juthans, vice president; and directors Marvin Doney, Alfred Hillary, Terry Borkowski and Walter Krueger.  Newly elected directors are Bill Best, Courtney McMillan, and Marie Hampton who will hold the position of secretary/treasurer.

There was a members-only draw for a 22-calibre rifle, which was won by Peggy Zorn.

New members are always welcome. There are really great benefits in belonging to the Likely Archery Rod and Gun Club including affiliated membership in the BC Wildlife Federation, educational development and community- and family-oriented events.

For membership details contact the club at largclub@gmail.com or phone Marie Hampton at 250-790-2335 or Gary Zorn at 250-790-2292.