Like many of us, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation is coming off of what was a bizarre, and different 2020.

Executive Director of the Federation, Darrell Crabbe, says they saw an increase in hunting and angling last year, but this year, they're hoping to focus on ramping up membership.

"We have about 32,000 members right now. Per capita, we're the largest conservation organization of its kind in the world. Resident hunting and angling numbers have been increasing every year over the last 15 years, and they certainly took a jump in 2020. But we think that there's a lot more opportunity out there for people to get involved a little bit more with the Wildlife Federation."

If you want to become a member, you can visit Swf.Sk.ca. They have 125 branches spread out throughout the province, so wherever in Saskatchewan you're reading this, chances are there is a branch nearby. 

Becoming a member comes with a plethora of benefits as well, such as:

  • $5,000 Accidental Death & Injury Benefit while participating in fishing, hunting, shooting, archery, and other Federation authorized outdoor activities. Includes Lyme disease diagnosis and travel expenses.
  • $5,000,000 Personal Excess Liability. Personal Limit (excess of any Primary Personal Liability) relating to hunting, fishing, and Federation authorized outdoor activities, for bodily injury or property damage which the member may be obligated to pay.
  • $500,000 US Liability Coverage – Defense expense is included.
  • $25,000 Search and Rescue Insurance Coverage
  • Additional $10,000 life insurance
  • Additional Insurance Available to SWF members
  • A bimonthly copy of the Outdoor Canada West magazine (delivered to your door)
  • Digital access to the Western Woods and Waters Magazine
  • 10% off at Mark’s Work Wearhouse
  • Eligibility* to enter provincial angling, hunting, and photography competitions (some restrictions apply)
  • Access to branch-specific amenities, such as gun ranges, ponds, and clubhouses.

And, with it becoming increasingly tough to find hunting licence and tag vendors in the province, members will also get top priority when buying theirs at the local federation office.

The Wildlife Federation also recently wrapped up their annual convention. Typically, it's held over a three-day period, but this year it was held virtually over the course of a day.

Crabbe says they discussed the ups and downs 2020 brought on to the Federation.

"With COVID being in place, our lands division and fisheries division both did exceedingly well. They were busier than normal. Our education programming, however, we own an education facility up at Candle Lake with Sask Poly, and it of course was impacted a great deal."

With the dropoff in the Federation's education program, they spent a portion of the year developing new programming adapted to the changes brought on by COVID-19.