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Summary of 2005 annual WGPA meeting Sunday Greg Martinelli, Cargill, sponsored evenings’ cocktail and social time at Hunter’s Park. We all wish to thank Greg for his hospitality. Everyone doing business with Greg should be sure to say thank you. After a very delicious meal on Sunday night, Senator Alan Lasee provided a most entertaining story of how he started as a farmer and became elected to the Senate. On Monday morning, Don Bates spoke representing the DNR. Don assured us that the State Game Farm is back in business for at least the next 10 years. Don shared information about the birds they are raising. Don also discussed youth hunts in which the DNR donates birds by filling out an official mentoring form. The “Learn to Hunt” program is for all 1st time hunters, even if they are not a youth. Carl Yde was our guest speaker discussing the drive to lower the hunting age to 10 years old. He also gave a presentation on the Wisconsin Outdoor Alliance. Memberships and donations are needed to help fund the Wisconsin Outdoor Education Expo. next May. A committee (Jim Clark, Gary Goyke, Chris Theisen and Andy Walton) was formed to explore our options in joining in with this adventure. We all agreed that this would be a great idea for the WGPA to become involved but we need to raise $3000 to become a member and be a sponsor at their event, which would include a booth. This committee will be contacting all the club members for their input as soon as possible. Senator Judy Robson has been awarded our Legislator of the Year. Senator Robson was not able to be at our meeting so the directors and Gary will set up a time with her to present the award. Bill MacFarlane discussed the efforts in shipping live birds. This will be an ongoing concern. Gamebird influenza testing is a growing concern in the industry. Growers and shippers need to be proactive. It is very important to personally get to know your Senator. Invite them to you farm and show them your facilities. If we ever need to contact them on any issue in the future you will be familiar to them. Bill is very active with NAGA and informed us that NPIP will set national standards this April 4-6 in Nashville at the convention. Gary Goyke discussed the “Goals & Strategies” of the WGPA. He believes it would be a huge benefit to the WGPA if we were to support the youth activity in Beaver Dam in May. Gary Goyke will be retained by the association for another year. Elections of officers: Carrie Wierzba reported that Erica Redmann, daughter of Steve & Diane Redmann of J&H Game Farm was the 1st recipient of the Jerry Raddatz Scholarship. Applications will be accepted for a 2006 high school graduate until May 1st. Contact Diane Redmann for an application. As of this date, there is enough money in this fund for 2 more years. Anyone wishing to donate to this fund (we’d really like to keep it going) can send a check to WGPA in care of Diane Redmann. Carl Yde gave a presentation on the Wisconsin Outdoor Education Expo. Carl’s organization is looking for members and donations. Membership is $500 and to be a sponsor of the event and have a booth at their event is $2500. After much discussion, a committee was formed to contact all members for their input. Committee members are Jim Clark, Gary Goyke, Chris Theisen and Andy Walton. We would like to fundraise 2/3 of the cost and the Association will pay the balance. Gary Goyke will be collecting information with the committee and will report to our board of directors in November. Member of the year is “Jim Zindl”. Congratulations, Jim, and thank you for your dedication to the WGPA. |
