Alberta Junior Forest Wardens (AJFW) from all over north western Alberta descended onto the ice covered waters of Winagami Lake for a fun filled day of fellowship and friendship on Feb. 22.
This was the fourth annual gathering of clubs from Slave Lake west to the BC border and north to the territories. It was the second consecutive gathering to be held by the Smoky River Bears chapter.
Organizer of the event Dale Dupuis stated Winagami is a perfect spot to hold such an event.
“It is a fairly central location and offers great amenities,” says Dupuis. “Winagami also offers a diverse choice of activities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, as well as great fishing with many species available to be harvested.”
Clubs were greeted to an early morning foggy drive down to the lake but arriving to a warm cook house, coffee brewing and amazing natural spectacle of frost laden trees and ever-changing skylines in a comfortable minus 10 degree day.
After a quick registration, Wardens charged out onto the lake to test their skills. Leaders and parents taught the younger wardens baiting and presentation techniques and were turned loose to apply their new skills.
Many fish were harvested but in keeping with the JFW management philosophies many were also released to be enjoyed in the future.
When the temperature and the biting breeze had won out, all could enjoy the warmth of a fire pit and some hot cocoa right out on the lake.
For those not into the fishing aspect they were able to keep themselves entertained on the many well developed cross country trails and working on snow shoe skills to enjoy nature’s beauty and serenity.
“All-in-all it was a wonderful day spent enjoying Alberta’s diverse opportunities and companionship of friends from all over Northwestern Alberta and another page of great memories,” says Dupuis. “The Smoky River Bears AJFW would like to thank all the businesses who supported their efforts in hosting this event and gave graciously to make ‘Recontre ‘09’ a huge success.”
Anyone interested in becoming a Warden or adults interested in sharing their skills with us are encouraged to contact Dale at 780-925-2136 or Brenda at 780-323-2392.
