All about Saskatoon Wildlife Federation

Facilities:

The SWF offers a variety of facilities to its members, including both indoor and outdoor ranges, and a general clubhouse/hall for events and meetings.

• Clubhouse/Hall: The main building serves as a central hub, potentially offering amenities for gatherings, courses, and administrative functions. It has a seating capacity of up to 300 people for events.
• Trout Pond: The SWF maintains a provincially stocked trout pond that is open to the public (a valid fishing license is required, and catch-and-release is promoted with a daily limit of one).
• Community Garden: As of March 2025, the SWF has implemented a new community garden, prioritizing current members for plot reservations.

Ranges and Disciplines:

The Saskatoon Wildlife Federation offers diverse shooting opportunities with various ranges designed for different firearms and disciplines:

• Indoor Pistol Range: This range is suitable for handguns and .22LR rifles. It hosts competitive pistol shooting events like IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) on Wednesday nights and PPC (Police Pistol Combat) on Tuesdays.
• Indoor Archery Range: Dedicated indoor space for archery practice.
• Outdoor Rifle Range: This extensive outdoor facility features multiple ranges with varying distances:
  • Ranges 4, 5, 6 (40m): Designed for .22LR up to .223 REM (including 7.62x39 SKS), all handguns (handgun only), and shotguns (slugs only).
  • Range 8 (50m): Accommodates .22LR up to .308 WIN (including .30-06), shotguns (slugs only), and muzzleloaders. Note: No magnum rifle calibers are permitted on this range.
  • Range 7 (100m): Similar to Range 8, allowing .22LR up to .308 WIN (including .30-06) and shotguns (slugs only). Note: No magnum rifle calibers are permitted on this range.
  • Range 1 & 2 (100m): These ranges are more robust, allowing for .22LR up to .338 Lapua, shotguns (slugs only), and muzzleloaders.
  • Range 3 (200m/300m): Capable of handling .22LR up to .338 Lapua and muzzleloaders, offering longer-distance shooting.
  • Range 9: This range is not publicly accessible; clarification on its usage requires contacting the office.
• Silhouette Range: This range is versatile, accommodating handguns, .22LR, and shotguns, and includes a clay launcher for shotgun sports.
• Outdoor Archery Range: Provides outdoor space for archers, with a maximum target distance of 70 meters. Restrictions include target and field points only (no broadheads), no crossbows (from the 25m line crossbows are permitted), and a maximum bow poundage of 70 lbs from the 25-meter line.

General Range Rules (Applicable to Firearm Ranges):

• Eye and ear protection are mandatory.
• Only paper targets are allowed (no humanoid likeness).
• All shots must be contained within the berm.
• Intentional ricochets or un-aimed shots will result in loss of membership.
• Consumption of alcohol before or while on the range is prohibited.
• Clean up brass and targets. All brass in designated bins is property of the SWF.
• One shooter must act as a range officer if two or more shooters are present.
• Members must be fluent in English to properly follow safety protocols and commands.

Services and Programs:

The Saskatoon Wildlife Federation offers a comprehensive suite of services and programs for its members and the wider community:

• Membership: The SWF offers various membership types, including Youth, Adult, and Family Base Memberships. Additionally, members can purchase access to specific ranges (Indoor Pistol, Indoor Archery, Outdoor Rifle, Outdoor Archery, Silhouette) for an annual fee. A $50 activation fee applies to all new memberships or renewals over 60 days. Memberships are a 12-month commitment, with monthly payment options available.
• Firearm and Hunter Safety Courses:
  • Hunter Safety: A provincial law requirement for hunters, this 5-week course (2 nights a week) is designed for individuals aged 11 and older.
  • PAL (Possession and Acquisition License): An 8-hour, 1-day course required for obtaining a non-restricted firearms license.
  • RPAL (Restricted Possession and Acquisition License): A 6-hour, 1-day course for restricted firearms, requiring prior completion of the PAL training.
• "Come and Try" Events / Introductory Opportunities: While not explicitly a "come and try" day for general shooting, the various courses (like Introduction to Archery) provide an entry point for newcomers. The Mobile Shooting Trailer appears at various community events (like "Back to Batoche" and "Show and Shine") offering opportunities to test aim.
• Firearm Donation Program: The SWF accepts unwanted firearms and ammunition from estates, past hunters, shooters, or collectors to ensure they are safely managed.
• Conservation and Community Programs:
  • The Hyde Project: Supports a parcel of native habitat in Saskatoon donated to the city for development into an interpretive park.
  • Habitat Trust Fund: The SWF is involved in the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation's Habitat Trust program, which acquires and manages critical wildlife habitats across the province.
  • Hunt 4 Hunger: In partnership with the Saskatoon Food Bank and Ministry of the Environment, this program facilitates the donation of wild game to provide quality protein to the community.
• Events: The SWF hosts various events for its members and the public, including:
  • Wild Game Dinners.
  • Kids' Summer Camps (Camp Wild).
  • Member Awards Dinners.
  • Participation in events like the Sports and Leisure Show.
  • Fundraising initiatives such as raffles and partnerships with local sports teams (e.g., Saskatchewan Rattlers basketball games).

The Saskatoon Wildlife Federation is a multifaceted organization that not only provides excellent shooting and outdoor recreation facilities but also actively contributes to wildlife conservation, education, and community well-being in Saskatchewan.