By Lexi MooreThe Beaver Creek Sportsman's Club had eight members when it was founded in 1990. Currently the non-profit club has 35 members interested in doing their part for wildlife conservation.The club membership application outlines the primary purposes of the club. First, they hope to educate the public with respect to fishing and hunting. The group focuses on preservation of wildlife habitats and fishing and hunting ethics. Secondly, they contribute to local organizations through donations. The final purpose outlined is to promote fishing and hunting to young people.Club President Arlyn Gehrke describes the club as a "group of people working with the community on outdoor projects especially geared toward younger people."Gehrke encourages more residents to get involved with the organization. Membership dues are $10 annually. Membership applications are available on the club’s Web site, www.bcsportsman.net.The group meets once a month and sponsors several annual events including a walleye tournament. The events help the BCSC raise money to support local projects. This year’s projects include making the Rez Park in Hills handicap-accessible.The group plans to blacktop around the point and install a dock that can be used for fishing. Gehrke also hopes to correct the algae problems in the Rez.The club offers an annual scholarship to a Hills-Beaver Creek student pursuing a degree in natural resources or a related field.This weekend the BCSC will host its 15th annual Wild Game Feed at the Beaver Bar in Beaver Creek.Members serve up different types of wild game, from fish and pheasant to deer and duck."This event just gets bigger and bigger every year. We have a great turnout and lots of fun," Gehrke said.There will be a raffle at 6 p.m. for a Remington 870 Shotgun and $200 in cash and prizes. Tickets for the raffle are available anytime before or during the feed. They can be purchased by contacting a BCSC member. Ticket holders do not have to be present to win.In addition to the food and raffle, the club has put together minnow races and card and dice games to keep eaters entertained. Minnow racing was such a success at last year’s wild game feed that members wanted to include it again this year.For additional information about the Beaver Creek Sportsman’s Club or about the wild game feed call Gehrke at 673-2430 or club Vice President Carl Gehrke at 673-2363.
