Alberta Wildlife Federation
Media and News
In Memoriam of Vern McIntosh
The Alberta Wildlife Federation is saddened to share news of the loss of Vern McIntosh one of our volunteers, past president and life member.
Vern passed away on November 17, 2023.
Vern held many roles with the Alberta Wildlife Federation, then the Alberta Fish and Game Association, over the years, eventually becoming our organization’s president from 1995 to 1997.
As a member of the Edmonton Police Services, Vern began his conservation journey with the Edmonton Police Fish and Game Club before getting involved as the Zone 4 Chair.
“In my 33 years of service as a police officer I learned plenty, but one very important thing was people who spend time fishing and hunting are seldom involved in serious criminal activity,” Vern was once quoted.
Vern enjoyed many successes as the president of our organization, but he once noted his greatest achievement was helping secure a $250,000 grant from the Minister of Environmental Protection.
Other roles and committees Vern was involved with during his time with the organization included:
Fish Chair
Wildlife Ungulate Damage Committee
Alberta Forest Conservation Strategy
Northern Pike Advisory Committee
Eastern Slopes Regulations Review Committee
Walleye Task Force
Whirling Disease Task Force
Disabled Hunter Review Committee
Vern’s first foray into hunting began when he was 8 year old where he would chase grouse with first a slingshot before graduating to a BB gun and his dog. This lifelong passion continued even into his older years where retirement gave him to opportunity to go fishing whenever he had the urge.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law (Bestie), Barb and Russ; grandsons, Kyle (Tessa), Bevan (Adriel) and his son Tracy; and great-grandson, Sebastian; as well as his sister and brother-in-law, Maureen and Cliff; and many nieces, nephews, and a very special aunt/friend, Trudy!
In lieu of flowers, Vern’s family has requested that donations may be made to Alberta Fish & Game Association or Edmonton Police Foundation.
Alberta Wildlife Tag Allocation Discussion Paper
As the representative for ethical, recreational hunting in Alberta, the Alberta Wildlife Federation believes that responsible harvesting, through the application of science-based allocations, stakeholder involvement as well as current policies and regulations is key to balanced use.
In consideration of this, the Alberta Wildlife Federation has prepared a Discussion Paper on Wildlife Tag Allocation in Alberta.
This evaluation has been conducted through a detailed analysis of the current state of allocations, resident hunter uses and demand, as well as the regulations, policies, and programs of the Government of Alberta.
While we realize many of the documents referenced in the discussion paper are titled “draft” it is because we could not find an alternative policy that is approved to reference instead.
We have circulated this discussion paper along with recommendations for action to the Government of Alberta for action and further discussion with stakeholders.
Alberta Fish and Game Association to
Operate as the Alberta Wildlife Federation
We are thrilled to announce a significant update that initiates an exciting phase of growth and innovation for the Alberta Fish and Game Association.
While the history and longstanding service of the Alberta Fish and Game Association will never be lost, we have registered a trade name to operate as the Alberta Wildlife Federation. The Association’s legal name will remain unchanged.
“I am proud to be the president and represent the oldest and largest conservation organization in Alberta,” says Alberta Fish and Game Association President, Faran Schaber. “If COVID-19 has taught us anything it is that change is not just a requirement, it is necessary.”
Our new operating name will better align us with other affiliate members of the Canadian Wildlife Federation, improve our household name recognition across Alberta, and increase our fundraising opportunities.
As part of the board approved corporate re-branding exercise, we also reviewed the name of the Wildlife Trust Fund. Starting in 2024 the fund will be re-named the Alberta Habitat Fund. The purpose of the fund will remain unchanged.
Background:
The decision to register a trade name for operations of the Association followed a comprehensive consultation period that began in 2021 with the Membership Focus Priorities Programs (MFPP) report “Charting the Path Forward: Recognizing the Past with a Clear Focus on the future”. In the summer of 2022, the Board held a strategic planning workshop, facilitated by Osborne Management, to further discuss the MFPP report. Following that report, the board tasked the CEO to contract a marketing and brand strategy organization to help us with the next steps.
The organization had a contract with Osborne Interim Management as consulting agency that provided an interim Executive Director for the AFGA in 2022 while we were restructuring. Upon transition between the Interim Executive Director and the new AFGA CEO, who started in October 2022, a recommendation was made that the organization proceed with a review of our corporate brand and establish a corporate brand strategy.
In 2023 Incite, an Edmonton-based strategy and marketing consulting firm that helps organizations drive growth, was engaged and provided with information from the Board to independently manage the
research process on behalf of AFGA over the spring/summer of 2023. This Fall, Incite provided recommendations for a revitalized corporate brand which included new logos and an operating name change to the Alberta Wildlife Federation. For the Wildlife Trust Fund they recommended it be renamed to the Alberta Habitat Fund.
In November 2023 we announced the new operating name and in February 2024 the new logos will be unveiled to kick off the AFGA Conservation Conference taking place between February 22-24 in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Following that release, all communication and branding will utilize the new corporate brand.
Rationale:
• In 2023 Incite made a recommendation to the board of directors to register the “Alberta Wildlife Federation” and operate under the trade name. By using an operating trade name there is no impact to grant agreements, legal agreements, or land titles of properties owned by the Alberta Fish and Game Association.
• The 2021 the MFPP report identified the need for change. One survey identified 70% of members who responded wanted to see the organization renamed.
• The office receives many phone calls from the public who think we are a government agency confusing us with Alberta Fish and Wildlife.
• It is important that the organization is best positioned for growth in our next 100 years.
• The organization needs to revitalize itself to attract new and younger members. There is a strong belief that our new operating name will be the unifying factor to increase memberships and support fundraising efforts through donations.
• The existing AFGA logo had limitations for use in letterhead and on promotional products due to design characteristics.
What’s Next:
The Association has registered the new trade name. We are currently in the process of completing trademarks on the new logos which will be released at the AFGA Conservation Conference taking place between February 23-24, 2024.
A new website will be revealed in 2024 that incorporates our new identity and values. We are making a conscious effort to make the new site easy to navigate and relevant to both the public and members.
New signage will be installed at the office in 2024 and signage for properties will be updated over the next 5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why did we need to rebrand?
We heard from members in the MFPP report that the organization needed to rebrand with a new name and establish a marketing plan that utilized a corporate brand strategy. The new brand strategy replaces the existing logo that had limitations in use for promotional purposes due to its design and will utilize key talking points for the organization to define itself in years to come.
Why did we need to rename the organization?
We need to attract new, younger, and more diverse members from across Alberta. There is a strong feeling that with the new corporate brand we will be well positioned to move this metric forward. We also needed to reduce public confusion between our organization and the government’s Fish and Wildlife department.
Why did we need to create a new logo?
The new trade name will require a new visual identity.
Did we consider our members and affiliated clubs in this process?
Yes, we implemented this based off input that was received from the MFPP report. We made sure members, life members, affiliated club members, and affiliated clubs were consulted through this process which included web surveys and telephone interviews.
Do the Members need to approve this change?
No. This is a governance decision and falls within the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Directors.
Why is the name of the Wildlife Trust Fund changing to the Alberta Habitat Fund?
The new name will better reflect the intent of the fund in conserving critical land for fish and wildlife. It makes it clear to doners that funds are utilized to acquire and maintain critical habitat.
Fisheries Bombshell Revelations
Fisheries Bombshell Revelations AO-Radford-Nov-22
By Duane Radford and appearing in the November 2022 issues of the Alberta Outdoorsmen magazine.
AFGA and Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) Partner for Wild Turkey Management Project
ACA Proposal to AFGA – Translocation of Merriams Wild Turkeys from British Columbia 2022
From Jim Clarke, AFGA representative with the Alberta Wild Turkey Management Group:
I have been working with the Alberta Wild Turkey Management Group through the AFGA for some time. Recently we have been working very closely with the ACA on initiatives. Now, we have our first “on the ground” project! See below for details from the ACA outlining the project.
This is only project number one with others to come including trapping and relocating Wild Eastern birds to the Province! We are looking at outfitting those birds with GPS units to study them post release in new areas of the province.
Now is the time for you and your clubs to help out! Bring it up with your club and see if the clubs (individuals can help out too!) want to donate to help offset the costs of trapping, completing health checks, holding and transporting the birds! This is a great long-term project!
Please help out if you and your club can!! This was a lot of work to get to this point so lets continue to show our support! Get a hold of me if you have any questions!”
– Jim Clarke
The AFGA Mourns the sudden loss of Andy von Busse
Andy was a passionate and dedicated conservationist who, throughout his life, volunteered so much of his time to the many organizations that he held dear. His time with the AFGA began when he joined the St. Albert & District Fish & Game Association in the 1970’s, with fellow club members and friends describing him as a big man with big ideas, a true Fish and Gamer through and through.
He served as a member and executive of that club before setting his sights on the provincial level of the organization where he felt he could be a true champion for conservation.
Over the years Andy was involved in multiple facets of the AFGA at a Club, Zone, and Provincial level, he served as AFGA President from 1997 – 1998 and later, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the organization, was voted in as a Life Member. At the time of his passing, he was our Finance Chair, member of the Governance Committee and active Volunteer Land Steward for our Wildlife Trust Fund Properties.
Andy’s strong leadership during the rejuvenation effort of the AFGA from 2020-2022, along with his unwavering commitment to ensuring another 100 years of the AFGA, will continue to inspire us as we chart a path forward into the future.
At all times, in all dealings, Andy would work tirelessly to do all in his power to protect the natural spaces and resources of the beautiful province that he so dearly loved. His passion and love of everything outdoors resonated in every action and conversation he had, and he will be so sorely missed by us all.
Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends, and we thank him for his years of dedicated service to the AFGA. He leaves a lasting legacy of protection of our natural spaces that will be cherished by his children Coreen and Chris and grandchildren Charlie, Oliver, Maggie, Colton and Jocelyn.
AFGA Recordings - 2022 Virtual Conference Webinar Series
AFGA Environment Committee Chair presents
April 12, 2022 Webinar Recording – Glenn Heather, AFGA Environment Chair hosting Environment Open Forum Roundtable (Audio Only)
AFGA Fishing Committee Chair presents
April 13, 2022 Webinar Recording – The Science of Catching and Releasing Fish, with Dr Steven Cooke
AFGA Hunting Committee Chair presents
April 14, 2022 Webinar Recording – Elk Harvest Increase, Despite Large Carnivore Populations with Dr Mark Boyce
AFGA in the News
The AFGA continues to fight against Cervid Harvest Preserves (CHPs) in our province. For news articles, featuring interviews with our Executive Director, click the images below.
To review letters outlining our stance on this matter, visit the Correspondence section of our website by clicking here.
AFGA and Let's Go Outdoors Interview Series
Each week Michael Short with Let’s Go Outdoors is interviewing an AFGA representative in our new informational video series, where we are updating our members and supporters on the different projects we are involved in, what advocacy topics our Executive, Hunting, Fishing and Environment Chairs have been working on, along with key accomplishments from our four volunteer-based committees (Communications; Membership, Focus, Priorities & Programs; Finance Audit Risk and Governance).
- Episode 24 – AFGA President, Victor Benz
- Episode 23 – AFGA Hunting Committee Chair: Brian Rudyk Updating on Cervid Harvest Preserves
- Episode 22 – AFGA Rick Blakeley, Lethbridge Fish and Game
- Episode 21 – AFGA President, Victor Benz
- Episode 20 – Dave Doonanco – 2nd Vice-President: AFGA Communications
- Episode 19 – Dave Doonanco – 2nd Vice-President: AFGA Educational Opportunities for Alberta Classrooms
- Episode 18 – Ray Mackowecki, Retired Fisheries Biologist
- Episode 17 – Dean Bromberger, Wildlife Records Coordinator Part 2
- Episode 16 – Dean Bromberger, Wildlife Records Coordinator Part 1
- Episode 15 – Dwayne Davison, President of the Lloydminster & District Fish and Game Association
- Episode 14 – Cervid Harvesting Preserves, Delinda Ryerson, Executive Direcotry
- Episode 13 – Stacey Kanarek, Narrow Lake Conservation Centre
- Episode 12 – Wolfgang Janssen with Innisfail Fish and Game Association
- Episode 11 – Brad Pallister, Lacombe Fish and Game Association
- Episode 10 – AFGA Duane Radford and Antelope Creek Ranc
- Episode 9 – AFGA Pronghorn Corridor Enhancement Coordinator TJ Schwanky
- Episode 8 – AFGA Environment Committee Chair, Glenn Heather
- Episode 7 – AFGA Hunting Committee Chair, Brian Rudyk
- Episode 6 – AFGA Fishing Committee Chair, Darryl Smith
- Episode 5 – AFGA Youth Chair, Miyah Clarke
- Episode 4 – AFGA Finance Chair, Andy Von Busse
- Episode 3 – AFGA Fishing Committee Chair, Darryl Smith
- Episode 2 – AFGA President, Victor Benz
- Episode 1 – AFGA Executive Director, Delinda Ryerson
National Fishing and Hunting Collaborative (NFHC) News
As a member of the National Fishing and Hunting Collaborative (NFHC), a group of non-partisan, non-profit fishing and hunting organizations that work collaboratively to provide national leadership on important conservation issues and a voice for more than 375,000 Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast, the AFGA continues to represent our members interests.
Click here to visit the National Fishing and Hunting Collaborative website.
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) releases public version of the firearms report filed with the Federal Court
In October of 2021, the OFAH released a report titled: What Firearms Are Reasonable and Proportionate for Hunting in Canada, to find out more click here.
A tribute to Dr. Valerius Geist
It is with great sadness that the Alberta Fish and Game Association (AFGA) mourn the loss of Dr. Valerius Geist, passing at the age of 83 on July 6th, 2021.
Val worked tirelessly throughout his career as a wildlife biologist and was well-known for his work with ungulates such as Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer and elk. The hunting and conservation community benefitted greatly from his expertise over the years.
As a pioneer in wildlife ecology, his work was fundamental in establishing the role of hunting in North American wildlife conservation. Here in Alberta, through his almost quarter of a century with the Faculty of Environmental Design at the University of Calgary, he also directly influenced wildlife policy.
Val was a regular presenter at many conferences over the years, and was always a crowd favourite with his often controversial, but always scientific based theory, and charismatic presentation skills. He had published academic articles, books and reports and was very vocal in the fight against chronic wasting disease and the threat to conservation from game ranches, as they ‘form a bridge for the transmission of livestock diseases between captive and wild populations.’1
As his obituary states ‘Valerius was a combination of scientist and artist, his books on wildlife are nothing short of fascinating, beautiful and informative. They wove the layers of facts, ideas, and knowledge into a tapestry that showed the complexity of the natural world.’
We extend our sincerest condolences to Dr. Geist’s family and all those who are part of the greater wildlife conservation community, his voice will be one we sorrowfully missed.
1 Geist, V., 1995. Bovine Tuberculosis. pp. 98-104 in V. Geist and I McTaggart-Cowan, editors. Wildlife Conservation Policy. Detselig Enterprises, Calgary, AB., Canada See p. 102.