75TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET

October 14, 1968

VISALIA MOOSE LODGE

From this beginning, the Organization developed through the years, always talking a leading part in propagation and conservation of fish and game.  Also in aiding the formation of State Conservation policies.

The early success of the organization is reflected in a consignment of 10,000 rainbow trout and 20,000 Eastern brooks for the Kaweah in 1894.  The same year, the County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance banning all market hunting in Tulare County.

Conservation Pledge

I give my pledge as an American to save and faithfully to defend from waste the natural resources of my county   its soil and minerals, its forests, waters and wildlife.

In looking back upon 1893 it is interesting to make a comparison of open seasons.  We list a few to indicate the restriction that has been necessary to protect our wildlife.

In looking back upon 1893 it is interesting to make a comparison of open seasons.  We list a few to indicate the restriction that has been necessary to protect our wildlife.

1893                                                                1968

Quail -  Sept.  1 to March 1                      Quail -   Nov. 2 to Ja. 12

Dove -  Aug. 1 to March 1                         Dove -   Sept. 1 to Oct. 1

Deer -  Sept. 1 to Oct. 15                         Deer -   Sept. 21 to Nov. 3

Trout -  April 1 to Nov. 1                            Trout -  April 27 to Nov.  15

Bass -  April 1 to Nov. 1                            Bass - Open Season

Duck -  Sept. to March 1                          Duck -  Oct. 19 to Jan 12

With conservation and propagation of wild life as the underlying principle of association effort throughout the years,  it is especially pertinent that at the time this group is celebrating its 75th anniversary a resume of accomplishments be presented.

The Visalia Sportsman's Association has assisted in bringing about the following wildlife development.

Planting of Wild Turkey and Elk in area.

Worked with the U.S. Forest Service in Opening Several large areas to hunter access.

Actively participated in programs to withdraw public land from sale to be used for recreation, such as hunting, fishing, camping etc,  Improved habitat for quail, rabbit, and deer hunting.  These lands amount to about 5 million acres in Calif.  Over 75,000 acres are in Tulare County.

Worked with the Tulare County board of Supervisors in having 1400 acres set aside for hunting at Success Reservoir.  Have cooperated in developing the cover in the hunting area.

Have cooperated with older Sportsmen's clubs in Tulare County in raising pheasants and planting them for the general public to hunt.

Initiated a proposal which resulted in the Tulare County Board od Supervisors passing an ordinance banning all market hunting in Tulare County in 1894.

Worked for the fish, wildlife and recreation provisions which were eventually incorporated in the California Water Plan.

Representatives of the Visalia Sportsmen's Assocation, Inc. led the fight against those who would prohibit hunting in California.

It is the earnest desire of this association to preserve the hunting and fishing paradise in the great Sierras.

Officers

President         Donald D. Conner

1st Vice Pres.  Ernie Benevides

2nd Vice Pres. Gene Sturgen'

Secretary         O.L. Dunham

Treasure          George Thomas

Directors

Jim Hughes

Frenchie Huyette

Ray Lafond

R. R. Lowry

Ralph Trout

Ken Barsamean

Otis Madden

Deno Montemagni

Gray Montemagin

J. A. Mussro

Don Newell

Committees of Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Banquet

C.T. Buckman, General Chairman

Master of Ceremonies

TOM CROWE

Door

O.L. Dunham'

Jim Hughes

Program

L. W. Praster

Prizes

Frenchie Huyette

Ernie Benevides

Dale Bassett

Ray Lafond

Publicity

C. T. Buckman

Membership

Frenchie Huyette

Donald D. Conner

Decorating

R.R. Lowry, Jr.

 

PROGRAM

7:00 PM Barbecue Beef Dinner