Wanda English Burnett, Editor

This year the Laughery Valley Fish and Game club (LVF&G) celebrates its 30th year in existence. The group was founded in 1977 by Hap Chandler, Barry Pollock, Bob Kermeen, Bob Simmons, Jim Meyer, Cy Ryker and John Boykin.

Over the years, the club has accomplished many goals and implemented programs that have spanned the length of the club’s history.

Some of the highlights include:

Hunter Education

The club has sponsored and conducted dozens of Indiana Hunter Education courses. The next class is scheduled for April 4 and 5.

Habitat Development and Food Plots

Thousands of trees and shrubs have been planted to benefit wildlife. Also, wild turkey was reintroduced into Southeastern Indiana. Turkey seminars were conducted.

Jr. Fishing Derby

The Jr. Fishing Derby was one of the club’s initial events that has continued to this day. In a press release about the club’s 30th anniversary, Gary Johnson, public relations, noted there were five participants for the first derby, his son, Micah, one of them. This was held at the Versailles State Park. Now the Jr. Fishing Derby will be held at the Laughery Valley Fish and Game property, located three miles south of US 50 in Elrod on the Friendship Road. Scheduled for June 7, this will be the fourth year the derby will be held on the club’s property.

Seeing the effects harsh winters had on small game populations, the founding fathers of the LVF&G organization began learning what they could do to change the course. They listed Ed Guljas, district wildlife biologist, and while the group didn’t follow his exact directions, they learned from his expertise. They also followed the suggestion of the late Indiana Conservation Officer Mike Todd to begin a Hunter Education course. They have had other guest speakers over the years that benefited the group’s efforts to preserve and maintain a healthy area for wildlife.

“Thirty years later, we look back and thank those conservation minded people who gave us our start. Their dedication to wildlife with the support and involvement of their families has helped us grow into one of the premier conservation organizations in Southeast Indiana,” noted Johnson.
Now the club sits on 52 acres on South Friendship Road where there is a modern clubhouse complete with restrooms, kitchen, sound and video where they hold meetings and programs. There is a pond with a shelter, shooting range, 3-D archery, and trails. Anyone interested is welcome to check out the group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lvfg/ or stop in at a meeting on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the club property (4852 S. Friendship Road)

You’re invited to an All Game Dinner
Sunday, February 24 would be a good time to check out the Laughery Valley Fish & Game club. This is an annual event that includes a Big Buck Measuring session that will begin at 8:00 a.m. Deer heads must be registered by 10:00 a.m. so the session can be completed by meal time.

At 1:00 p.m. the All Game Dinner will begin. You are invited to bring a game dish and vegetable or dessert. The club will provide the drinks and bread. At this event, the club’s 30th anniversary will be celebrated with the announcement of a resolution that was introduced by Indiana Representative Bob Bischoff and sponsored by Senator Johnny Nugent.

Also celebrated at the game dinner event will be the burning of the mortgage on the Friendship Road property, and the annual meeting for all members where election of officers will take place.
“We invited all present, past, and future members to attend this momentous occasion and share in the accomplishments of the last 30 years and look ahead to our bright future,” Johnson noted in a press release. At this event, 2008 membership dues will be accepted.