October 18, 2005 Regular Meeting

Call to Order – 7:30pm
Approval of the Agenda
1.0 Approval of the Minutes from the September 6, 2005 executive meeting
MOTION – Pete Green moved to adopt the minutes as presented, seconded by Rod Svenson. CARRIED.
2.0 Business Arising From the Minutes
2.1 Update on item 2.1 – Grant application (County of Newell) update (Kerry McKenzie)
The application has been drafted and will be presented to the County. The application is for gravel and machine time to install walking paths on the range itself and minor maintenance to the parking lot, build a 50 yard butt (for rimfire use), and build and install a shooting building to correspond with the 50 yard butt.
2.2 Update on item 2.2 – Hide Collection Program evaluation (Kerry McKenzie)
Two sites are available
– Wildlife Taxidermy, Brooks (Larry Busse) has agreed to allow us to locate a steel bin in the alley behind the business. Kerry McKenzie will coordinate with the City of Brooks to place the bin.
– Alberta Prairie Meats, Duchess (Jim Johnson) has agreed to accept hides again this year. As there will not be a steel bin available at this site, please arrange to drop off hides during regular working hours only.
2.3 Update on item 4.4 – "Use Respect" signs at various access points throughout the district (Pete Green)
The suggestion was made to collect a list of the signs in the worst condition and start a replacement program to span several years, location priorities to be based on need. The most efficient method of replacement would be to have new signs prepared on 4 ft. x 8 ft. steel sheets and mount these directly over the existing signs. Pete Green will investigate costs and coordinate replacement priorities. Costs will be posted on the Association blog. (http://www.brooksfishandgame.blogspot.com)/)


3.0 Chair Reports
3.1 Treasurer (K. McKenzie)
– attached
3.2 Membership Chair(R. Martin)
Regular – 212, Family – 77 with 167 dependents, Youth – 9, total – 465
3.3 Pheasant Festival Chair (Devon Buteau) – n/a
3.4 Trophy Chair (Larry Busse) – n/a
3.5 Hunter Education Chair (Bill Marshall) – n/a
3.6 Hunting Chair (Neil McRae) – n/a
3.7 Firearms Instructor (Jim Johnson)
– several requests throught the Brooks Clays and Feathers Club, is scheduling challenges
3.8 Firearms Chair (Cliff Healy)
– the Responsible Firearms Owners of Alberta (RFOA) held a discussion with Ted Morton, MLA (Alberta), regarding concerns over the interim Metis hunting rights in Alberta. It was pointed out that this is a native rights and game management issue rather than a firearms issue. All concerns should be directed to Pearl Calahassen, MLA (Alberta).
– the RFOA is presenting a position to the Government regarding youth hunting legislation. The RFOA feels that properly trained and documented youth should be allowed at least limited unsupervised hunting privileges. An example would be the ability for those age 16 and over to engage in activities such as gopher hunting with a rimfire rifle without the direct supervision of an adult.
3.9 Rifle Range Chair (Lloyd Cook)
– the range is generally in good shape. Some of the target boards need replacing (regular maintenance item), and this work will be done as soon as possible. The 25 yard target has sustained the most damage, which appears to be the result of shotgun use. Members are reminded that the target butts are for rifle use only.
3.10 Archery Chairs (Lester Janke, Darryl Louey) – n/a
3.11 Fishing Chair (vacant) – n/a
4.0 New Business
4.1 Representatives for December 1, 2005 Luscar meeting
– a meeting is scheduled with Luscar representatives regarding access to some idle sections of coal mine property. If access is granted this would be an unprecedented move, as industry-wide general policy is to deny access to all mine property. A planning meeting will be held at Rod Svenson’s residence on Wednesday November 23, 2005 to coordinate concerns and to select a delegation.
4.2 Hunter Surveys
– Nel McRae will be contacted to coordinate (Pete Green)
4.3 Brooks F&G Association Blog
– proposed Chair Report schedule change – it was requested that all chair report items that do not require discussion be submitted to the secretary (Rod Svenson) one week prior to the meeting. These reports will be posted to the Association blog to allow time for members to become familiar with them prior to the meeting.
4.4 annual Alberta Fish and Game Association Conference (Red Deer, Alberta – Feb. 23 - 25, 2006)
– based on membership, we are allowed 6 voting delegates to this conference – delegates yet to be determined.
5.0 Correspondence
5.1 First Brooks Scouts – Alfred Lake report (attached)
– MOTION – Rod Rosland moved to pay van rental and fuel costs, and registration costs for two additional chaperones (total costs will still meet the approved $1500 limit), seconded by Patty Green. CARRIED.
– letter of thanks from Jonathan Rosland – participant (attached)
5.2 Letter to Alberta Provincial Parks
– due to the number of hunters coming to the area, a request has gone to the local campgrounds to provide limited camping services beyond normal seasons. Tillebrook Cmpground has agreed to remain open until November 15, 2005 (end of pheasant season).
– Note – (October 20, 2005) – both Emerson Bridge and Kinbrook Island campgrounds have reopened in response to our request.

6.0 Next Meeting
– Regular meeting – November 15, 2005, 7:30pm EID Boardroom

7.0 Adjournment
MOTION – Greg Feth moved to adjourn at 8:35pm, seconded by Rod Rosland. CARRIED.