BC’s Full Curl Fishing Experience!
The countdown is on for the 2018 Jurassic Classic Fishing Experience! This year, the event takes place Aug 17-20th, when sportsmen and women from across North America make their way to Chilliwack, BC to fish the Fraser River for white sturgeon, all while raising funds and awareness for wild sheep populations in British Columbia. This collaborative effort between the BC Wildlife Federation, the Guide Outfitter Association of BC, and the Wild Sheep Society of BC is an annual event that’s becoming a household name in wild sheep conservation across North America, and is being noted as a model for conservation minded groups working together in the name of wildlife.
2018 marks the 3rd year for the Jurassic Classic and so far it’s shaping up to be one of the best years yet! This year, SITKA Gear stepped up to support the Jurassic Classic as the “Signature Sponsor”, bringing a connection to the mountain hunting community that come together with a passion for wild sheep. SITKA is also the Official Sponsor of the WSF “Sheep Show” and therefore has strong connections to the various Chapters and Affiliate members who attend the Jurassic Classic. Having SITKA Gear support the Jurassic Classic fundraising efforts serves to elevate our event to higher peaks.
SITKA Gear exists to elevate the standard against which all other hunting brands are measured – in product design, content authenticity, customer service, and environmental stewardship.
The mission of the Jurassic Classic fundraiser is to put fundraising dollars to on-the-ground conservation work that benefits the various wild sheep herds across the
province. In 2017, over $42,000 was raised and almost all funds have been committed to sheep conservation projects in all areas of the province. It is a true testament to the dedication and commitment of the 60 attendees and volunteers who help put the event on each year. While the goal is wild sheep conservation, the Jurassic Classic committee has noted the connection that many feel with the white sturgeon, thus this year the committee is also dedicating a fundraising item (a BC First Nations sturgeon art piece) to be auctioned off, with all proceeds returning to the sturgeon fishery that so many enjoy each year.
The extensive reach of the Wild Sheep Foundation has ensured teams from various Chapters and Affiliates come up to support the event each year, bringing fundraising dollars into the province that were not available before the creation of this event. Teams for the Jurassic Classic are marketed to various WSF Chapters and Affiliates, Canadian wildlife conservation groups, BCWF affiliated clubs, SCI chapters, and sold as well at the WSF Sheep Show. The value that groups have seen by supporting the Jurassic Classic has been great and only builds further on the collaborative efforts that the Jurassic Classic brings.
The group arrives on the Friday evening for a fun evening meet-and-greet. From the moment they arrive, they are treated to an all-inclusive event. A full day of fishing (hosted by Great River Fishing Adventures) takes place Saturday. Saturday evening finds the guests on the shores of the Fraser River for a BBQ of wild game and salmon, which has been a highlight for many. Sunday brings another full day of fishing, followed by an awards banquet, guest speakers, and a live and silent auction fundraiser. The guests depart Monday morning after an action packed weekend.
Guests return year after year and look forward to an event where they can laugh, fish, and enjoy a weekend discussing conservation topics with like-minded hunter/conservationists from various organizations. The unique aspect of fishing while “Putting and Keeping Sheep on the Mountain” really makes the Jurassic Classic “BC’s Full Curl Fishing Experience!”
~ Trevor Carruthers, Jurassic Classic Committee