PREECEVILLE — The Preeceville Wildlife Federation annual meeting and antler measuring were held at the Preeceville Community Hall on Jan. 11.
The event was reported to have good attendance, with 10 moose, two elk and 10 whitetail deer brought in for measuring. Blair Mitchell served as the official measurer.
President Greg Gawrelitza opened the meeting with a moment of silence for all members lost during the past year.
Gawrelitza spoke about chronic wasting disease test numbers, stating there were 2,258 submissions in the province, with 386 positive tests. Numbers were down by 10 per cent from the previous year. Zone 39 had 47 samples, with 39 testing negative, five positive and three untestable. The positives were three mule deer and two whitetail. Zone 48 had 376 samples, with 291 testing negative, nine positive and 76 untestable. The positives were three elk and six whitetail. Zone 56 had nine samples, with seven negative and two untestable. Untestable means the samples submitted may have been in a state of decay and could not be tested. A self-serve drop-off bin is located by Chris’ Place Restaurant in Preeceville, and a meat disposal bin is in front of C Hort’s Autobody.
Due to bovine tuberculosis detection at two cattle farms in 2023 and late 2024, mandatory testing was in place for Zones 37 and 39 during regular and draw seasons for elk, mule deer and whitetail.
Discussion was also held on the elk management season and the government’s decision to add another season, despite an existing game management plan and surveys used to determine draw licence numbers.
For the past three years, the club has been waiting for permission to proceed with aeration and upgrades at Schutte Lake by following proper channels. Some of the land is occupied and unoccupied SERM Crown land, which requires special permissions. Fisheries officials are reviewing the matter with the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, and the club hopes to receive answers and approvals this spring.
The annual banquet and awards night is booked for March 7. To serve wild meat at the banquet, the club continues to seek donations of roasts, trim or burgers.
Conservation officers Nathan Dutchak and Austin Jasan congratulated hunters on their harvests and discussed local hunting seasons. They emphasized the importance of reporting wildlife offences through the TIPP Line and reminded ice fishers to display signs on ice shacks and carry a physical licence.
Treasurer Heather Gawrelitza thanked all club sponsors and members who assisted with fundraising. The annual banquet and awards night remains the club’s main fundraiser, along with the online auction fundraiser with Steffes Auctions. The trailer raffle was another successful fundraiser, with James Bodnar winning the Rockford Plastics dump trailer. Thanks were extended to Kira and Michael Yaremchuk, and Dylan and Ty Myhr, for inviting the club to manage bars at their weddings and for the donations and tips from them and their guests.
Thanks were also given to the families of Wilfred Zuk and Howard Bilan for memorial donations in honour of their loved ones. Additional memorial donations were received in memory of Fred Hackman, Ben and Gail Zarazun, and David Steciuk,” concluded Gawrelitza.
Membership chairman Owen Myhr reported the club has 511 members. He reminded members that to qualify for awards, memberships must be purchased before April 1 for bear and Aug. 1 for all other species.
Campground chairman Greg Gawrelitza spoke about major upgrades to the Preeceville Wildlife Campground, including the addition of three new sites. He thanked Booker Boys Tree Mulching, Jamie’s Bobcat Service, 547 Electric, K. Danielson Plumbing, Sky High Tree Services and the Town of Preeceville for their contributions to the project.
Heather Gawrelitza thanked Brad Steppan for continuing to instruct the Hunter Safety Course, along with volunteers Gerald Ignatiuk, Johnny Petryshyn, Dave Knihniski and guest helper Sarah Masko. Thanks were also extended to Preeceville School for hosting the course. While the course is available online, instructors feel the in-class experience offers greater opportunity for interaction. No date has been set for the spring course, but it will be advertised on Facebook and in schools.
Fisheries chairman Alex Nagy was unavailable. Heather Gawrelitza thanked him for getting aeration turned on at Lady Lake Regional Park, noting previous issues were resolved with help from 547 Electric and Darrel Gibb. Fish stocking updates included Lady Lake Regional Park with 5,000 tiger trout; Crystal Lake with 50,000 walleye fry; Greenwater Lake with 700,000 walleye fry; Marean Lake with 500,000 walleye fry; Schutte Lake with 50,000 walleye fry; and Theodore Reservoir with 400,000 walleye fry.
Habitat chairman Dale Parkin was also unavailable. Members were reminded that preserving wildlife habitat is important, even small parcels of land. Those interested in selling or donating land were encouraged to contact Parkin or any club member.
Trophy chairman Steven Geistlinger reminded members to submit fish and bird entries to preecevillewildlife@gmail.com, with all trophy entries due by Jan. 31, 2026.
Heather Gawrelitza announced that Preeceville Wildlife members wishing to use the Assiniboine Gun Club Range must visit her at the Preeceville Agencies office beforehand to review rules and sign for access.
Gawrelitza also thanked Billiejoe Townsend for organizing the Trapper Course at Hazel Dell Hall on Feb. 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $40, with registration available online through the Saskatchewan Trappers Association website. The club will sponsor the course by covering hall rental and prizes.
Elections were held for all positions, with no changes to the following roles: President/Campground Chairman Greg Gawrelitza; Secretary/Treasurer Heather Gawrelitza; Membership Chairman Owen Myhr; Fisheries Chairman Alex Nagy; Habitat Chairman Dale Parkin; Trophy Chairman Steven Geistlinger; and Firearm Safety Chairman Brad Steppan.
Brett Geistlinger was elected vice-president. Club directors remaining include Taylor and Shelby Sliva, Myron Shiplack, Dreyton Paul, Makayla Geistlinger, Paul Nixon, Ellen McKenzie, Taylor and Justin Jakubowski, Arden and Karlie Jakubowski, Noah Tonn, Jessie Walker, Aspen Nagy, Mike van Niuwenhuyze, Trever Geistlinger, Colin Masko and Nathan Draper. New nominations include Keira Balyski and Norman Parkin. Lifetime membership directors are John Masko, Tony Steciuk and Owen Myhr.
