The big-game head display from the 2024 MHFGA Horn Scoring and Awards Day is shown in this file photo.--News File Photo
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The Medicine Hat Fish and Game Association is looking forward to its annual Horn Scoring and Awards Day event, a chance for outdoorsmen of all stripes to connect and celebrate local wildlife.
March 8 will see MHFGA members on their way out to Seven Persons Community Hall, to have the horns or antlers of animals they’ve harvested over the past year assessed, as well as to meet with likeminded people.
“There’ll be some vendors there as well,” said Glenn Heather, president of MHFGA. “It’s basically a come-and-go event, there’ll be food there, and drink, if people want to drink in the afternoon. It’s just kind of a recognition thing for a membership.”
While the event is primarily catered toward current members, it is open to the public if they would like to learn more about MHFGA and its various projects, or partake in the silent auction or garage sale that will be taking place.
Horn scoring is fundamentally about respecting and celebrating the animals that they harvest, said Heather, and to admire the various different species that are in the area.
This year, they have a “Pope and Young” theme surrounding the head and horn display, which showcases animals harvested using a bow and arrow.
“It’s more or less a celebration of the animals, because they are magnificent,” said Glenn. “And it’s a good way to meet and connect with other hunters and fishermen, or anyone who enjoys the outdoors.”
New this year, they will also be delivering the payout for those who participated in the Coyote Management Incentive Program, in which they briefly offered $20 per coyote, until 500 animals were harvested, to help mitigate the negative effects stemming from the high population.
The quota was filled within 13 days, said Heather.
Last year’s event saw roughly 300 people attend, and MHFGA looks forward to seeing them return for this year’s event, as well as hopefully many more outdoors enthusiasts.
