Members of the Weyburn Wildlife Federation learned at their recent annual meeting that this spring's Walleye rearing project at Nickle Lake was very successful.

Spokesman and past president Larry Olfert said 11,000 Walleye were raised and the condition of the fish was the best in the past 12 years the project has existed.

"The temperature in the water is the biggest thing," said Olfert in an interview. "This time, the water in the pond stayed cool and the fish were very healthy and active."

The fish were released into Nickle Lake in July when they were two inches long but probably won't bite for the fishermen until next summer, he said.

The club has decided it will do the pheasant release program again this spring, said Olfert. In late winter and early spring, they released 400 groups of hens and roosters.

The intention is to try to put adult nesting birds out, with the result that surviving chicks will be raised as wild birds and be more likely to be alert to natural predators.

"Otherwise, a large percentage of tame birds that are released in the fall just become dinner for a coyote," said Olfert. The new method of release has been fairly successful in the last few years, he said.

Olfert said the Weyburn club has been responsible for donating almost $36,000 over the past few years to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation's Habitat trust fund. The money is used to purchase critical wildlife habitat all over the province. Olfert said most of the local dollars have been raised through the Hide for Habitat program, which sees hunters donate hides to the club for sale.

The hide collection box is located near the corner of Railway Ave. and Ninth St.

The club is looking for a new project this year. In the past it has taken on projects like constructing the fish filleting shack at Nickle Lake.

Also, six instructors have been lined up by the club to provide the provincial hunter safety training and Canadian firearms training program to young people this year.

Olfert said the 20-hour course is usually offered twice a year but this year, it only went once in the spring because of a shortage of both instructors and interest among young people.

The club will hold its annual perch jigging contest in mid-February at Nickle Lake but the date has yet to be confirmed. It will also hold its annual awards and comedy night on Saturday, March 13 at McKenna Hall, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The federation elected a new slate of officers at its annual meeting.

Tim Kerslake is the new president and chair of the Trap shooting club next summer while Jeff Flaaten is vice president and Kelly Kozij is secretary. Darryl Seitz is treasurer and Lorne Garland is membership chair.

Joe Honig will serve as habitat chairman, while Ron Erixon will be fish chairman and Vic Tremblay will be merchandise chairman.

Fire and safety chairman is Brian Maas and Larry Olfert is past president and trophy night chairman.