Archives: SFW News
10th Anniversary Hunting Expo Sets Records Again
Record-Setting 10th Annual Western Hunting & Conservation Expo Closes
Salt Lake City, Utah: The doors closed on the 2016 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo (WHCE) yesterday after four days that smashed previous records for attendance and funds raised for wildlife conservation. The 10th anniversary show, sponsored by the Mule Deer Foundation and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, raised more than $6 million for wildlife conservation through auctions and tag drawings. To top off the fundraising efforts, the banquet audience raptly listened to the words of Taya Kyle and Donald Trump, Jr. who both spoke eloquently on the importance of hunting to conservation and the value of the healing power of nature. Throughout the weekend over 40,000 people walked the 330,000 square feet of exhibit space to support vendors and exhibitors, many of which have already committed to return to exhibit at the 2017 Expo.
The WHCE is one of the fastest growing shows for western hunters, and SFW is thrilled to offer a home for these passionate outdoorsmen and women. This is where wildlife conservation organizations have their greatest opportunity to connect with sportsmen and to raise funds for Utah wildlife conservation efforts throughout the year.
The highlight of every WHCE are the evening auctions which is where the real magic is made for conservation. In the Friday night auction, the mule deer tag on Antelope Island sold for a record-breaking $410,000. The next night the Arizona statewide mule deer tag was auctioned for another unprecedented amount, securing a final bid of $400,000. The funds raised for these tags and the dozens of other auction tags support the conservation efforts of MDF and SFW and support mule deer conservation at the state level. At the end of the auctions and combined with funds from tag drawings for more than 200 special Utah hunting tags, the 2016 WHCE raised more than $6 million for conservation.
“I’m not sure that any of us could have predicted how big the WHCE would be when we first started 10 years ago,” commented Jon Larson, president of Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife. “But we are very proud of the show’s success and the support that so many are giving our organizations for the work that we do.”
WHCE vendors and sponsors increased for the 10th anniversary show growing the floor space by more than 20 percent this year. The Expo hall featured 350 companies selling top quality hunts, hunting and outdoor gear, and much more. Those booths, and the different activities for kids, make this show a family-friendly event which was evident by the children walking around sporting M.U.L.E.Y. antler crowns. Their time in the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience gave many their first opportunity to try shooting sports in a safe manner and to learn about conservation and ethical hunting. Throughout the course of the four day show, tens of thousands of people traversed the show floor.
SFW, with help from some 40 member volunteers from all parts of Utah, worked tirelessly giving youth and other hunters opportunities to test their archery skills, guess the scores of big game trophy racks and enter to win its 10-gun giveaway drawing. Show organizers, exhibitors and sponsors alike count the 2016 WHCE event as one of the most successful hunting events of the year.
“Our company started coming to the WHCE several years ago and I was proud to support conservation through the purchase of some tags during evening auctions. But over those years I saw the dramatic growth in the show and the number of hunters that walked through the doors each day and I could see the value in connecting with this market,” commented Darren Newsom, president of ACI and Ammo & More, the title sponsor of the WHCE since 2015.
Similar enthusiasm is felt by all the vendors and most have already secured their booth for the 2017 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo which will run February 16th to 19th next year. Continue to follow www.huntexpo.com for more information.
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SFW Comments on Utah’s Interest in Federal Lands Transfer
March 21, 2015 — North Salt Lake, UT • • • Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife (SFW) today issued the following comments regarding recent discussions and activities relative to federal government potentially relinquishing hundreds of millions of acres of public land to states’ control.
SFW has not taken an official position on this issue. SFW is working through a process that will lead to greater abundance of wildlife, greater opportunity for hunters, and greater land access for citizens. SFW has begun gathering input and opinions from its membership and will continue to do so. SFW is also meeting with key decision makers to make clear that the needs of sportsmen and the public are taken into consideration.
SFW supports land management that:
- remain open to public access
- protect wild and remote places, and the wildlife that depend on it
- produce abundant big game, upland game and aquatic species
- provide for state fish and game agencies to manage wildlife within state borders, including big game, upland game, fisheries and predators
- ensure opportunities for habitat restoration, “Healthy Land Initiative” opportunities and watershed enhancement and protection
SFW President Jon Larson commented, “Our public lands sit at the very pinnacle of importance for the long-term health and viability of wildlife and are at the heart of SFW’s mission to protect and enhance wildlife and habitat in the western states. There are many ramifications and potential outcomes to such a decision, and as a wildlife conservation organization we need to take adequate time to study the pros and cons and consider potential risks and benefits.”
SFW Beaver Chapter Chairman Brayden Richmond added, “Not only are the great public lands places where we hunt, fish and camp, these lands are also places where our members have lived, worked and played for past generations and will be for many generations to come.”
SFW’s Mission Statement – The mission of SFW is to promote the protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat, assist in providing quality wildlife management programs, educating the public about the role hunters play in wildlife conservation, and perpetuating the family tradition of hunting and fishing.
More About SFW – Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife is a non-profit charitable wildlife conservation organization headquartered in northern Utah. SFW has funded more than $12 million in Utah Wildlife and Habitat Enhancement projects since 2001. For more information about SFW and wildlife conservation projects throughout the state, visit www.SFW.net.
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2015 SFW Salt Lake County Banquet
Friday, April 24th, 2015
Easton Foundation Archery Center
575 North John Glen Road
SLC, UT
Doors Open 4:00 • Dinner 6:30 • Auction 8:00
Bring your Bow’s and shoot in a world-class indoor range!
Range will be open to all ages from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Permits Available at Auction:
- San Juan Elk Hunters Choice
- Paunsaugunt Deer Hunter’s Choice
- Oquirrh/Stansbury Cougar
- North Slope/ West Daggett/Three Corners Antelope
- Cache Cougar
SPONSOR PACKAGE – $200
Includes a 1-year SFW Membership • Dinner for Two • $100 in Drawing Tickets. Plus, 5 tickets to win one of the following GUNS (all guns will be given away)
• Browning A-Bolt III 7mm Mag • Browning Buck mark Pistol • Winchester SXP Defender 12ga • Winchester SXP Camo Shotgun 12ga • Remington 870 Express 12ga Shotgun • Marlin 60SN 22 Rifle
• Marlin 60 SN 22 Rifle • Marlin XT-17 Thumbhole 17HMR Rifle • Remington 700 243 Win • Remington 700 25-06 Rem • Remington 700 Long Range 7mm Mag • Hoyt Bow.
5 Additional Tickets may be purchased one time for $25
CORPORATE TABLE – $1,500
Browning A-Bolt III 7mm Mag
(One gun will be given away at each corporate table sold)
Includes Dinner for 10 • 5 SFW 1-year Memberships • 25 Sponsor Drawing Tickets • $500 in Drawing Tickets
DINNER PACKAGE – $100
Includes a 1-year SFW Membership • Dinner for 2 • $20 in Drawing Tickets
KID’S DINNER (12-18) – $25
Includes Dinner for One
For more information call John Taylor at (801) 690-1952.
2015 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo has Sold Out!
January 15, 2015
Salt Lake City, Utah: The Exhibit Hall at the 2015 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo (WHCE) is officially sold out with over 350 exhibitors. Experiencing rapid growth in the past five years, the WHCE is fast becoming one of the best consumer shows for companies to sell their products. Over 35,000 western hunters are expected to attend the 4-day event that will run from February 19-22, 2015 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Exhibit Hall was expanded once again this year to accommodate the increased space needed for exhibitors.
This year’s WHCE is breaking records already for the number of exhibitors and the as a result SFW and partner the Mule Deer Foundation are anticipating the biggest crowds ever.
Ammunition manufacturer and distributor Ammo & More and ACI (Armscor Cartridge Inc.) are joining Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW) and the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) and as the Title Sponsors for the 2015 WHCE. The Expo features a keynote address on Friday February 20th by the National Rifle Association’s Wayne LaPierre and music from top selling country music artist Jerrod Niemann. On Saturday evening, the crowd will be entertained by country music legends Sawyer Brown.
The 2015 WHCE will have some of the most coveted big game tags available for auction from mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, moose and several other North American big game animals. Twenty-five sheep tags are available for auction or raffle and attendees can apply for the chance to draw for 200 big game tags courtesy of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The Expo will offer free seminars by some of the top pro staffers in the hunting industry.
“With the growth in exhibitors, this Expo is now a can’t-miss event for hunters and shooters” commented Jon Larson, President of Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife. “Having Wayne LaPierre speak about our second amendment rights and the foundation of our outdoor recreation pursuits will certainly be a highlight.” Register for the Expo and find the full schedule of events and details of auctions, tags, seminars and more is available at www.huntexpo.com.
Contact: Jon Larson, (801) 885-5277
SFW Saves Utah Mule Deer
Bountiful, Utah — SFW’s Davis-Weber and Salt Lake chapter volunteers led the way early this winter in an important urban mule deer transplant project. SFW volunteers and Board members joined forces with DWR before sunrise on the second mule deer transplant of its kind targeting urban deer in neighborhoods along Bountiful’s east bench.
Under the direction of UDWR Biologist Channing Howard, SFW wis providing critical hand-on assistance in baiting, trapping, blindfolding, hobbling and translocating between 100 and 200 deer living among homes in this part of southern Davis County. The project efforts began in November 2014 and will continue throughout the month of January 2015.
A few dozen SFW members provide the muscle as they work alongside Utah DWR biologists and other employees. SFW Board member Kurt Wood and chapter leaders John Taylor and Brandon Plant coordinated much of the activity.
SFW is funding this important project, and others like it in various parts of the state, with Conservation Permit funds. Together with hundred of volunteer hours and additional personal funds, SFW is investing significanty to help restore Utah’s mule deer herds where remaining winter habitat can sustain them.
View the drop net capture video and share it with your friends.
Hunting Expo Registration is Now Open
Salt Lake City, UT — Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife has opened registration for the 2015 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo (Hunt Expo). Attendees hoping for the best seating and hotel rooms are encouraged to visit http://www.huntexpo.com/registration.php to register. Tickets and best seating are going fast.
SFW members and hunters who come from all 50 states can look forward to the 9th Annual Hunt Expo and a myriad of hunting and related activities and more than 300 exhibitors available at the Salt Palace Convention Center, February 19 to 22, 2015. This year Saturday Conservation Night features Keynote Speaker NRA Vice President Wayne LaPierre and Country Music’s Sawyer Brown performing live. Country music entertainer Jerrod Niemann will also perform live Friday night.
Top on the list of attractions is the 200 premium Utah hunting permits offered for just a $5 application fee per tag. The application period will open in late November at www.HuntExpo.com.
SFW Names Jon Larson Chief Executive Officer
North Salt Lake, UT – Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife (SFW) has named Jon W. Larson Chief Executive Officer. He will begin immediately overseeing day-to-day operations and management functions for the non-profit wildlife conservation organization.
Larson comes to SFW as a 18-year veteran of the outdoor retail industry. Most recently Cabela’s General Manager at the store in Lehi, Utah, he also spent time in the northwest states as Regional Director for Canada-based Wholesale Sports. Previous to that, Larson was District Manager and Store Manager with Sportsman’s Warehouse. He will be responsible for ensuring the success and growth of SFW and it’s various programs, subsidiaries and ventures.
“This move truly represents one of the most exciting opportunities for me in my career in the outdoors,” Larson said. “SFW has been the premier wildlife conservation organization in the Intermountain states, and I am really looking forward to pursuing every avenue of growth in the coming months and years.”
Larson has maintained a close working relationship with all of the relevant wildlife conservation groups throughout his years in the retail sector.
“Jon’s experience with wildlife conservation coupled with his proven success in business is what we are most excited about,” said Dave Woodhouse, Chairman of the SFW Board. “Many of us have known and worked with him for many years, and we are confident in his abilities and the passion he brings to the position.”
One thing Jon is most passionate about is fly fishing. Few exude a love and understanding of the science, techniques and nuances of the sport better than he does. As a boy Jon grew up on the Wasatch Front fishing with his grandfather and dad. He learned some of life’s greatest lessons in the outdoors; patience, persistence, knowledge and technique. Jon sees many parallels with fly fishing and leading a successful business.
“A successful fly fisherman has to be knowledgeable, patient and persistent,” he said. “Like in any successful organization, your knowledge of the industry, the team you lead, the details and strategies you hold within the organization all help fine tune and create a better operating structure, a better team of people, and a better organization.”
Jon believes that the future of the outdoors is in the hands of SFW and the many dedicated sportsmen willing to give what is necessary for the benefit of wildlife. He is committed to doing what is right and what is best for future generations.
More About Jon Larson
Jon has volunteered his time and services over the years for a variety of programs, including Wounded Warrior, Salem kids fishing day, Utah Foster Care, kids on the move and many more organizations and conservation groups. Jon is head-over-heels in love with, and married for over 20 years to, his best friend, Heather. They have an amazing daughter, “Kate the great”, who is 11. Jon is eager to take on this next level of his career. He has been an asset in the community and looks forward to getting deeply involved in making a difference in many aspects for SFW and the sportsmen this organization serves. Jon is dedicated to preserving our great outdoor heritage for future generations, because he feels ‘if we don’t, who will?’
A New Herd of Mountain Goats on Utah’s La Sal Mountain Range
SFW staff and volunteers joined Utah Division of Wildlife biologists and US Forest Service personnel in the capture and release of 15 mountain goats onto the La Sal Mountains southeast of Moab.
The goats – 5 billies and 10 nannies – were captured off of the Beaver Mountains, approximately 250 miles from the release site. Each goat was processed, measured and fitted with a GPS collar.
“All hands were helping as we loaded the goats into transport boxes for the ride to the La Sals,” said Bryce Pilling, SFW staff member. “These transplant projects are a unique opportunity for us to handle big game animals while working closely with DWR biologists.”
Brayden and Paula Richmond, Chairs of SFW’s Beaver Chapter, participated and also provided food for the crew of 35 people on site. SFW, Utah DWR and the US Forest Service were all represented on the mountain.
Riley Peck, DWR Southern Region Wildlife Biologist led the group effort. He said, “These goats should succeed and integrate well with 20 existing goats that were released with SFW’s help at the same location in 2013. Ultimately, we are confident these animals will establish a new, permanent herd of mountain goats here on the La Sal range.”
