Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Central Mountains Group (spearheaded by group leader Chris Slaughter) and Alpine Fishing Adventures hosted a great day of ice fishing on Lake Dillon in Summit County recently.
Randy Ford, owner of Alpine Fishing Adventures, and his guides (Jeremy Bernardelli, Ken Ogren, and Rachel Errthum) provided tents, heaters, equipment, and most importantly ice fishing knowledge to BHA members and kids. While BHAers were fishing, local group leaders David Brown and Nick Alfieri grilled elk smash burgers (a fall harvest), brats, and hotdogs for the 40+ attendees. Appearances were made by CPW, RMEF, and a local fox named Foxy Jig who frequents the area.
Randy Ford and the ice fishing crew.
“I missed you as we were leaving yesterday, so I wanted to send a note saying thanks for putting together an amazing day of ice fishing yesterday,” said event attendee Aaron Ricker. “From the guide services by Randy and Jeremy, to the incredible food, and opportunity to visit with CPW and RMEF, you truly put together a top notch event. Declan had the time of his life. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, when I know having a 5 year old in attendance isn’t always the easiest.”
“I was blown away when Randy gave Declan his own ice fishing pole at the end of the event to keep. That was beyond generous, and I think he created a lifelong ice fisherman in the process. Truly amazing,” Aaron added. “It was great visiting with you yesterday and I appreciate all of the work you’re putting in for BHA. I’m excited about some of the other volunteer events you’re arranging for the summer and will look on the BHA site for additional details as those are posted.”
A good catch!
Clearly, it was great day spent fishing and discussing conservation and advocacy issues. Some of the issues covered included bag limits to protect larger naturally reproducing fish, the protection of spawning areas, and the importance of engaging with government agencies and becoming a voice for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife. We hope to see everyone on the ice soon!
Also, don’t miss our upcoming “Beers, Bands, & Barbed Wire Strands” Colorado Public Lands Day weekend bash (May 19-21). The first 75 people to buy weekend tickets will be entered in to win a Burris Optics Fullfield IV 4-16x50! Buy your tickets now and help us pull fence for wildlife! Also be sure to RSVP on Facebook, and if you have a minute hit that invite link to select folks on your platform to invite directly. Contact Gunnison Valley Co-Regional Director John Chandler ([email protected]) if you can volunteer at/for the event. Thank you!
First catch of the day
We also have our 15th Annual Colorado BHA Rendezvous (June 9-11) coming up, which is being spearheaded by Gunnison Valley Assistant Regional Director Chris Parmeter.