When I looked at the schedule of important community and family outdoor events that are scheduled during the month of June at the Courtenay and District Fish and Game clubhouse and its many facilities, I was struck by the generosity of this very large group of sharing and caring men and women. Their passion for opening their hearts and skills in passing on their expertise and pleasures of positive outdoor living reaches a high throughout the month.
As the list of events below will illustrate they will be busy for most of June. May I respectfully suggest that if you are a member of the club or are considering joining and have some spare time to donate during this busy time I am certain they can find a spot where you can contribute and would welcome your support. The club’s phone number is 250-338-9122 or e-ail Gail@the-office@courtenayfishandgame.org. This club is a small army of volunteers on the front lines of outdoor living and like all armies they need new recruits.
The 21st annual Outdoor Recreation Show takes place on June 1-2 at the club facilities from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free; however donations to the food bank will be gratefully received. This is a showcase event for many local merchants and outdoor groups.
A nice way to attend the show is to treat your family to a reasonably priced, good pancake breakfast that is served when the show opens at 9 a.m. both days. Later in the day they offer gourmet hamburgers and hotdogs. (Note: if any club members have a little time to spare Elsie can use some help in the kitchen – 250-338-4420).
I recently read that our children and indeed our society in general are afflicted with a serious condition – contact deficiency with nature. The outdoor show can be a major source of inspiration for all members of the family to get back into contact with nature through activities such as fishing, archery, pellet shooting, camping, hiking, hunting, shooting, cowboy action, fly tying etc. There is also a home baking sale and tea room for those who enjoy a moment of relaxation. We look forward to seeing you over the weekend.
The Fishing Forever Program is one of the most soul-satisfying programs offered by members of the British Columbia Wildlife Federation through its member clubs. Ron Watanabe, our recently deceased vice-president, played a key role in organizing this event and a special thank you to Jan MacKenzie and Bryan Allen for taking over this program.
We host as special guests at the fish pond, people from St, Joe’s ECU, Casa Loma, Glacier View and others who need special help to enjoy the thrilling experience of catching a trout in the club pond. This program takes place during the first two weeks of June.
The annual Fathers Day Fishing Weekend is celebrated on June 15-16 and is highlighted by inviting the people of the Valley to enjoy a day’s fishing in the club pond.
The pond is stocked by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC with meal-sized catchable trout and is open to all residents of the Valley. No licence is required for this three-day weekend to recreationally fish anywhere in British Columbia. The club supplies bait and a limited number of loaner rods for those without tackle. If you require a rod I suggest you come early.
The fishing starts at 9 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m, both days. There will be members of the club to assist novices, clean your catch and put them on ice until you are ready to go home. Our local Thrifty Foods store generously supplies snacks and free pop for which we thank them very much.
The pond is stocked with a generous supply of fish so that children, seniors and just plain folk can catch a fat trout. It is called Family Fishing – come out and see for yourself – who knows you may join this conservation, service oriented fish and game club.
This column expresses “thanks and appreciation” to all members of the club for the gifts from the month of June. Take time to let your family enjoy the outdoors.
Ralph Shaw is a master fly fisherman who was awarded the Order of Canada in 1984 for his conservation efforts. In 20 years of writing a column in the Comox Valley Record it has won several awards.
