Hug a Hog Program

This past season the Release A Hog program sponsored by Kenai River Sportfishing Association, Inc. (KRSA) was a resounding success. It resulted in 154 documented Kenai River kings being released. KRSA paid $900 to cover the cost of the replica mount and another $100 was to be given to the guide that assisted in making it happen. Only 52 of these Kenai kings were in the May-June time frame and thus in the "had to be released anyway" category. This means that over 100 Kenai River king were released voluntarily! These were not just any kings, but rather the biggest of the big with 34 coming in at 52" or greater and the three largest hogs reaching 54 1/4", 55", and 55" respectively. WOW!

There is now talk that the Release A Hog program may have become too popular and cost prohibitive for KRSA to carry the financial burden alone. So, the question is, does the KRPGA wish to step forward and become a co-sponsor in this program? A resounding "Yes" is the answer that the KRPGA Board of Directors have been given. At this time there are three ideas that have materialized to cover the needed funding to keep the Release A Hog program operating in May, June, and July.

We have identified that we need to raise at least $10,000 and the following have all donated $500 a piece to get it all started: Reuben Hanke, Mike Fenton, Murray Fenton, Joe Hanes, Mark Glassmaker, Joe Connors, Ray Debardelaben, Steve McClure and Greg Brush. If you are interested in donating and helping out, please contact Reuben Hanke, Ray Debardelaben, or Steve McClure. And yes, credit cards can be used. Second, Greg Brush is currently in the process of contacting all of the guides that will be receiving the $100 payoff per completed fish from this past season's Release A Hog program. It has been suggested that some of these participants may want to donate this money back to the program in the name of KRPGA. We are working to ensure all donations to the Release A Hog Program are tax deductible. The third idea is to hold a fundraiser which would be aptly called “Hug A Hog”!

The "Hug a Hog" program is intended to co-sponsor the KRSA program and take it a step further so that people who release a hog in May or June are also entitled to the benefit of an award toward a replica mount.  Details of this award have not yet been defined, but the thought is to award $800 toward a mount for fish over 50 inches that are released in May or June.

In support of this program, Willie Boats has donated a boat for the KRPGA to auction.  Guff Sherman of Sherman's Signs in Soldotna donated the paint job on the boat.  500 tickets are being offered at $50 each to raise $25000 toward this program.  Tickets may be purchased from any KRPGA Director.  The drawing for the boat will be held on August 2, 2005.  Get your tickets now, and this boat could be yours.