Update: Interview with Joyce
Lorenz
(President of the Saskatchewan Wildlife
Federation)
This article was originally printed in the December 2000 / January 2001 issue of Tracking The Industry. . .
On Monday Nov. 20, Joyce Lorenz (President of the SWF) spoke with John Gormley on 650 NTR. Unfortunately, few deer producers heard the show, as our association was not contacted for involvement. So we spoke directly to Joyce Lorenz to get an updated statement on SWF policies.
As stated, the SWF has a policy in place opposing game farming (passed in 1986-87) based on issues of disease control (ie/ CWD) and the commercialization of wildlife. As well, they do not support Trophy Ranching because they are proponents of fair chase, which they do not believe includes hunting behind fence. The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation stands behind these policies as they represent the will of the membership (voted in). Ms. Lorenz went on to say that these policies can change if resolutions are presented at the branch level (132 branches province-wide). They are then brought to the spring/fall regional meeting and then taken to convention where they can be passed as policy by member vote with 66% of the membership in support. In regards to Lorne Scott's obvious opposition of Trophy Ranching, she states, "he is simply stating what SWF policy is" which should not be construed as lobbying against our industry. However, Ms. Lorenz is careful to say that the SWF is not a lobby group and they have never lobbied government regarding game farming. But they have brought concerns / issues to government on behalf of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation.
She also mentions that as one of the founding members of the Saskatchewan Chapter of COHA, she recognizes the threat posed by the "antis" and their "divide and conquer" tactics, "we need to stand together as a united voice through memberships in organizations such as COHA." Therein lies a contradiction however in that every member at the COHA table has agreed not to publicly campaign against other members of the group. So perhaps Mr. Scott was overstepping his bounds by commenting as he did against Trophy Ranching/game farming on behalf of the SWF?
In the end, the issue remains that the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation supports policies, which directly oppose game farming and trophy ranching. This is not just a sport.... this is our livelihood. What can we do? Be active in your local SWF. We cannot afford to remain passive on these issues. Be in attendance to vote and make your voice heard in the organization, at meetings and at SWF conventions. Exercise your right to vote if you are a member. The voice of one is only a whisper; the voice of many brings change!
Tara-Lynn Barks
Please report any technical problems with this site to the webmaster