CANORA – Members of River Ridge Fish & Game League gathered for their annual banquet and awards night on March 7. If there were more smiles than usual, it may have been due to the unseasonably warm temperatures around the freezing mark outside, a welcome change from the blizzards and 30 below temperatures that the banquet has become known for in previous years.
Kate Lockert, the new River Ridge president, introduced herself to the audience and then paid tribute to her predecessors.
Lockert took over from Ernie Gazdewich and praised him “for all he did for the club” in his three years as president. Unfortunately, Gazdewich was unable to attend the banquet.
Lockert celebrated the service of Kathy Thomas, who preceded Gazdewich and was president for 23 years.
“Kathy built our legacy of habitat preservation and also archery in our schools by supporting NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program).”
Doug Lapitsky was recognized by Lockert for his many years as River Ridge treasurer. “You kept us in the black,” she said.
Member Appreciation award
The awards portion of the evening started with the presentation of the member appreciation award. “This award is not necessarily given out every year, only for special accomplishments,” said Kathy Thomas. She then presented the award to Presley Owchar, who along with her mom Desiree, spent many hours going door to door and selling River Ridge gun raffle tickets.
Big Game
Award winners for big game were:
- White-Tailed Deer Typical – 167 2/8, Cooper Kraynick
- White-Tailed Deer Non-Typical – 143 7/8, Mike Owchar
- White-Tailed Deer Juniors – 137 3/8, Gaspar Thomas
- White-Tailed Deer Muzzleloader – 135 6/8, Andrew Owchar
- Mule Deer Typical – 136 2/8, Michael Owchar
- Black Bear – 21 4/16, Hal Thomas
- Moose – 174 2/8, Ian Thomas
- Elk – 160 7/8, Ryan Handke
- Elk Ladies – 298 1/8, Desiree Owchar
The winner of the big game aggregate award with a total of 85 points was Ryan Handke
Fish
Anglers who won awards were:
- Northern Pike Ladies – 8lbs, Cindy Pittman
- Northern Pike Juniors – 3.85lbs, Aidah Walker
- Walleye Seniors – 2.22lbs, Marty Shimko
- Walleye Ladies – 2.05lbs, Michelle Schneider
- Walleye Juniors – 2.42lbs, Aidah Walker
Photography
Everyone in attendance was encourage to vote in the photography competition. When the votes were tallied, Lockert family members came out on top.
- Scenic Photography – Ashley Lockert
- Wildlife Photography – Cliff Lockert
- Children's Photography – Jynnova Lockert
Kate Lockert expressed gratitude for the sponsors who made it possible to present the awards.
Banquet
Prior to the banquet meal, Kathy Thomas said grace.
“Dear Lord, Grant us the wisdom and faithfulness to care for the earth as you care for us. Help us nurture the flora and fauna you have blessed this land with.
“Give us the strength to protect the beautiful creatures that walk upon your earth, and grant us the humility to give more to this place than we take.
“Please bless this food and the hands that prepared it so we may continue to care for all you have given us. Amen.”
The tasty banquet menu prepared by Sheila Dmitruik and her crew included: roast beef & gravy, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cabbage rolls, baked macaroni, Caesar salad, coleslaw and mixed vegetables, along with trifle for dessert.
Members of the River Ridge Fish & Game executive for 2026 are:
Kate Lockert: president
Kerry Perepeluk: vice-president
Kathy Thomas: secretary/treasurer
Kate Lockert & Liz Perepeluk: memberships
Kate Lockert: trophies & awards
Doug Lapitsky & Hal Thomas: habitat
With spring fast approaching River Ridge will be preparing for the annual Gun Show, coming up on June 13 and 14 at the Canora Curling Rink.
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