For 76 years the Bulkley Valley Rod and Gun Club has existed, the oldest conservation group in the valley, said club member Terri O’Neill.
The club formed in 1936, and today has over 100 members and represent many more.
“Our club’s motto is ‘protect to enjoy’,” said O’Neill, noting that it has been unchanged since 1936.
“We’re conservationists in the fact that we look after the protection of wildlife so it will be there for the future,” she said.
The club celebrated last week with their annual Game Dinner, which is also a fundraiser for their activities. On the menu were wonderfully crafted dishes of cougar, deer, bear, and others.
O’Neill said the meat is donated and is prepared by the club’s head chef, Larry Hartwell.
A notable donation this year was from Ron Fleming, who provided the caribou.
Hunting provides a healthy way of life, said O’Neill.
“I had a girl say to me...hunting is a time honoured tradition,” said O’Neill. “It is. This is how our country was developed. It’s a lifestyle choice that we choose that we’re protecting.”
The money raised from the dinner goes towards various activities including advocating on behalf of firearm owners. She said that they have been vocal opponents of the long gun registry, which is on its way to extinction right now after a vote in the House of Commons last week.