One member of the group from Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre is all smiles taking part in an ice fishing excursion at Jackfish Lake. (submitted photo/Monica Espino)

By Angela Brown

Outdoor adventure

Newcomers discover ice fishing

Feb 28, 2020 | 1:39 PM

Newcomers to the Battlefords area had an opportunity to try their hand at a new sport many never experienced before — ice fishing.

About 20 members and staff of the Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre (BIRC) took part in the Feb. 14 outdoor adventure during a chilly day at Jackfish Lake near Meota.

Community Connection Coordinator Monica Espino, who is originally from Mexico, said it was a fun and novel outing for everyone who attended.

Most of the participants had never experienced ice fishing in their home countries. Some participants came from the Philippines as well as a refugee family from the Congo.

Those who took part spent several hours learning how to ice fish, and also enjoyed a fish meal and hot chocolate to complete the day.

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“Everyone tried a piece of fresh fish,” Espino said.

In total the group caught about six big fish.

Participants sampled fresh fish during the event. (submitted photo/Monica Espino)

The Battlefords Wildlife Federation along with many other volunteers helped with the project. Contributions ranged from a warming shack, to tools, wood for a fire and transportation.

Espino said it was a great day for everyone, and thanked the Battlefords Wildlife Federation for partnering on the project.

“They were so happy; it was their first time learning how to ice fish,” Espino said. “That was a really good experience for them.”

Espino added some brought their own experiences to the event and highlighted a woman from the Philippines taught a new skill.

“She shared how they cut their fish in her own country. It’s totally different,” Espino said.

This was Espino’s second time to try the sport.

“It’s a different experience, especially because we need to wear proper outdoor clothing,” she said of the sport. “We need to be prepared.”

She said while she was initially nervous the ice could break, she was surprised to find this portion of the lake was frozen through and safe to use.

This hardy participant is pleased to get a catch. (Submitted photo/Monica Espino)

Participants from the Immigration Resource Centre look forward to trying ice fishing again next year after having so much fun on their recent outing.

“We are hoping the Battlefords Wildlife Federation wants to volunteer one more time,” Espino added.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

Immigration Resource Centre.