The Meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm on January 12, 2023, at The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls. Introductions were made. The December 2022, minutes were posted to the Dakota Chapter, TU website (https://www.dakotatu.org) and approved. Dan D, Israel, Matt N, Jeff, Jim B, Andrew H, Andrew D, and Royce, attended in person, and Dave S and John attended via Zoom.
Treasurers Report:
We had $19,081.10 in the bank between both accounts. The checking has $8953.63 and our Money Market account currently has $9,010.57.
New Member Report:
We have 320 Members Currently with un renewed members factored in. We are estimating we have between 270 and 300 that are currently active.
Editor’s Report:
January Newsletter is out. Check your email.
Social Media Report:
Nothing new to report. Please Continue checking out our Website and Chapter Facebook group.
Old Business:
- 29/90 Legislative Night:
Scheduled for December 13, 2022 was canceled due to weather.
- Augustana Library Associates Annual Bookstore:
The Mickelson Library takes book donations year-round for their annual April book sale. Please consider donating and attending.
- TFO Reels, Line, and Backing:
Dakota TU purchased 15 reels, line, and backing from TFO as our annual $1,500 donation to Casting for Recovery. These were donated to our newly organized South Dakota Chapter to be used at their 1st ever Retreat. The Retreat is scheduled for September 14-16, 2023 at the Outlaw Ranch near Custer. Casting for Recovery will nee 14 volunteer river guides, please reach out if interested.
- Fly Rod Building Dates:
Wednesday evenings for 4 weeks. Held January 11,18, 25 and February 1. It was noted by John that the Nebraska Game Fish and Parks also holds such classes.
- Holiday Social:
December 8 at Pizza Ranch on 41st. Good tome, Great Crowd, and fun Snow! Jim B and Josh shared the best fly of the competition.
- Other Old Business:
New Business:
- Banquet Committee:
A lot was discussed on sponsorships. Please continue to ask existing sponsors. Please consider asking your employer if they would be willing to join as a sponsor. Folders were given out and info was emailed out on tips to help get sponsors and ask the hard questions. The Committee is going to hit up other High-profile places. Sponsorships are $75 for Bonze, $125 for Silver, and $250 for Gold.
Other Banquet notes:
Matt N and Bob S are working on getting TFO and other prizes ordered.
Please offer suggestions on Games. Which ones stay, which ones go, new ones?
Intent is to do the cakes again this year for dessert, continue games, discussion on card games was had.
Tickets are $30 this year.
New this year, anyone that brings in a new sponsorship gets in the drawing for a gift card.
- Pactola Repair / Rapid Creek Low Water Incident:
Dakota TU board members had a Video meeting with BHFF on December 16, 2022. An email was sent out to TU Members with the current known facts and contact info if you would like to voice individual concern. Dakota TU is keeping updated on data and will pass it forward as we know more. Overall, Dakota TU is waiting on official stance and how we can help based on future information.
Our Endgame is to find out who is ultimately responsible, how we can help all parties communicate to prevent this in the future, and when we know the official damage done so we know what needs to be rehabilitated. It was discussed to also aid BHFF and others on the importance of the watershed for everyone.
- Black Hills Fly Fishers Planning Day:
Dakota TU is invited to attend BHFF Planning Day Scheduled for Friday February 3, 2023 from 12-5pm. Purpose is to identify areas of greatest priority and develop goals and objectives to protect the Black Hills. Mike Wheaton and other board members looking to attend on our behalf.
- Officer positions:
We will need new officers for FY2024 which starts April 1st. Brooks has 1 more term available if he chooses to run for re-election. The other positions of President, Vice President, and Secretary are term limited out.
- SD Trappers Association Convention:
The 2023 Convention is in Parker. The Chapter is looking for volunteers to man our table at the convention this year. We have also been informed that the 2024 National Convention will be held in Sioux Falls. The group is giving Dan and Royce credit for this because of the collaboration work they have done with other Conservation groups in South Dakota.
- Next Meeting:
Our Next meeting will be held February 9th, 2023, at The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls, SD from 7pm-9pm. Please attend.
- Other New Business:
The Madison Gallatin TU is interested in a swap of a Guided Trout Fishing trip and a Guided Pheasant Hunt. Royce looking into more details. This could be used as a raffle at the Banquet of a future banquet.
Trout in the Classroom eggs have been ordered. They plan to be delivered in February. Black Hills Fly Fishers and Dakota TU are interested in potentially getting some schools out west as well.
Other Items of Interest:
- Sign up for SDWF Camo Coalition alerts:
Consider going to www.sdwf.org and scrolling down to “The Camo Coalition”; to sign up for alerts.
- Check out the “TAKE ACTION” tab near the bottom of www.tu.org home page:
A variety of ways we can each impact Coldwater fisheries conservation
- Facebook Pages that might interest you:
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers; Orvis Fly Fishing; D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives; South Dakota Wildlife Federation
With that, the meeting was adjourned at 8:09pm.
The January 11th, 2022, minutes were prepared by Andrew Hershman, Secretary, Dakota Trout Unlimited.
On Going Reminders:
- Our next Official meeting is January 12, 2023, at the Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls.
- Save your issues of “Trout” magazine to give them to the chapter to be given out at future events.
- The GF&P has an updated 2018 addition of the Black Hills of South Dakota Fishing Guide.
- Please like our Facebook page at Dakota Trout Unlimited and our website https://www.dakotatu.org for up-to-date Chapter news and information.