Skip to content

Increased numbers shows hunting gaining interest

Interest seems to be up in hunting if the numbers seen at the local annual horn measuring day are any indication.
85059ponokahorn-measure
Phil Donnelly

Interest seems to be up in hunting if the numbers seen at the local annual horn measuring day are any indication.

Close to 40 entries were taken at the Ponoka Fish and Game Association event held Sunday, Dec. 6 at the group’s clubhouse, located about 20 kilometres north of Ponoka.

According to the association’s big game chair Ray Abt, the number of entries has picked up this year and last after having been slow for a few years previously.

“The numbers are getting better, meaning the interest is still there,” said Abt.

“This year, there were a lot of white tail and mule deer horns brought in, but no moose - something we usually see come in.”

One particularly positive sign Abt saw this year was the increase in the number youth entering horns.

“One great thing to see was about a quarter of our entries this year were from youth,” he said.

“I think this can be attributed to the week long summer camp we hold each year that has helped them develop more interest.”

The camp provides youth with training in how to properly and safely use firearms and bows along with work on using various outdoor survival skills.

Another positive of the event was the increase in sales for one of the association’s major supporters - Rimbey’s Game On Outdoors - that had a selection of items on hand.

The results, along with awards for the winners, from the horn measuring event will be presented at the association’s annual banquet set for Feb. 6.

Tickets are available from any member of the executive and contact information can be found by visiting www.ponokafishandgame.ca or by calling 403-782-2893.