GAME FARMING SECURE IN SASKATCHEWAN

This article was originally printed in the December 2000 / January 2001 issue of Tracking The Industry. . .

What began as a possible threat to trophy ranching turned into triumph for game farming as phone lines were flooded with support. On Tuesday, Nov. 14 th, The John Gormley Show hosted a radio debate and phone in session (650 News Talk Radio- NTR) discussing trophy ranching in Saskatchewan.

Lorne Scott, representing the SWF (Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation), maintained that the SWF does not endorse, as sport, the shooting of an enclosed animal with a value on its head. His statements were geared to appeal to the public's emotions. While trophy ranching was his focus, let's be careful not to lose our focus! Trophy ranching is our market! Besides, according to the CWF (Canadian Wildlife Federation) stand on game farming states: "CWF has for many years fought to prevent the establishment of game farming in Canada. Game farming is the practice of owning and raising ungulates for the purpose of selling any or all of its parts." Did you catch that? "Game farming" includes all of us, not just trophy ranches.

Mark Bencze, public spokesman for SWAMDPA, maintained that we are an agricultural industry governed by SAF (Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food). Regarding trophy ranches, where supposedly, the problem is public perception (ie: paying big money to shoot an animal), Mark quite aptly and simply stated that the last time he looked, there was still a price tag on steak at any store.

When the phone lines opened, THERE WAS NOT ONE OPPOSED TO TROPHY RANCHING!!! In fact, a number of Wildlife Federation members phoned in and expressed their irritation. They stated that their opinions had never been asked and that they felt that Lorne Scott as executive director of the SWF was badly misrepresenting them. They also felt that in causing this division, the SWF is playing right into the hands of "the activists." Hmmm- it makes one wonder about the thoughts of SWF members on the whole. Asking those you know may give some insight and bring accountability to representatives and the organization.

Another good point made by Mark (and also followed up by some callers) was that Lorne Scott was instrumental in legalizing trophy ranches in Saskatchewan, as minister of SERM a few years back. (Kind of ironic!) Plus, he also allowed neonatal programs to be legislated in direct opposition to SWAMDPA's recommendation to wait until more disease study had been done.

After 16 calls and all of them supporting trophy ranching or at least the choice to do so, the debate was left with John Gormley stating that he would open up this discussion again, once a statement directly from the President of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation was obtained.

Thanks to all who phoned, e-mailed or faxed in to the show, including our Alberta friends and neighbors. It showed that we are aware of the obstacles, but proud to defend our agricultural industry. And we recognize Mark Bencze for his leadership and his ability to present the facts in a logical, precise form - a great media rep we can rely on and learn from!

Randy and Tara-Lynn Barks

- Back to Library -

Please report any technical problems with this site to the webmaster