Spring Banquet
Spring Banquet May 2, 2026
Each year the Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association hosts a fund raising banquet to support our programs. All funds raised at the banquet go towards our various programs and activities, such as the LdBWA Trout Ponds and Interpretive Trail, the Outdoor Education Centre and Shooting Ranges, and other outdoor conservation and education support programs. Once again this year we are planning on merchandise draws, gun raffles, silent and live auctions, as well as dinner and an exciting guest speaker to make the night a memorable event. The banquet is always a big hit with the community with over 250 people attending each year.
Guest Speaker
“My first visit to the Dark Continent was in July 2007. Two friends and I did a seven-day safari in Limpopo, South Africa. On the 3rd day I asked the Professional Hunter about the colour of the bright red soil. He rubbed some soil into the palm of my hand and said, “Dwight, its African cocaine and now your hooked”. He was right, I am addicted to Africa and have returned 19 times and visited 7 different countries in Africa.
The African experience is so much more than just the wildlife. It’s the African people, their culture, and the diverse landscape that keeps me returning. I’m looking forward to sharing my love of Africa with you at the Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association Banquet.”
Dwight Gelhorn
Dwight Gelhorn
Dwight’s love of the outdoors, hunting and fishing, turned into a lifelong career. He started as the firearms buyer for one of Canada’s largest sporting goods distributors. This led to starting his own sporting goods agency in 1987, representing companies in the outdoor industry such as Bushnell, Beretta, Benelli, Eskimo, Sako/Tikka, Shimano, Hornady, and Bradley Smokers.
Dwight and his wife Lily discovered Lac du Bonnet in 1999 and developed the community called Amy’s Cove, where they built their all-season cottage. Dwight retired in 2018 to spend more time with his family and traveling with his wife. Some of the places Dwight’s passion for hunting have taken him are, Finland, Italy, Russia, Argentina, New Zealand and of course his favourite Africa. Dwight has been on twenty safaris to the “Dark Continent”. Eighteen of these have been with Jannie Otto Safaris, who will be providing an African Safari for 2 for us to auction at the banquet.
Dwight is excited to share his “African Experience” with us, not only about hunting but of the people, the culture, diverse landscape, and the numerous attractions South Africa has to offer.
Sponsors and Donors
We acknowledge the generosity of all our sponsors and donors! Without you, the LdBWA Banquet would not be the successful event it is. With your help we continue we to grow and expand our programs and products to allow people to enjoy the outdoors while protecting and nurturing our habitat and resources.
To make a donation or become a sponsor, please contact Bianca Tetrault at 204-619-4913 or . We accept all donations and prizes big or small. Every little bit helps us achieve our goals.
Auctions, Raffles, and Prizes
Once again this year we are pleased to provide a variety of Grand Prizes, Raffles, Table Draws, Live and Silent Auctions.
Check back often for the latest updates!
African Safari – Plains Game Hunt in South Africa for Two Hunters
Dates: 2026 or 2027
Value $13,450 US$ (approx.$18,450 CDN$)
Discover the true magic of Africa through the breath taking beauty of Africa’s wildlife, the iconic savannahs of South Africa, and its’ cultures. Truly the experience of a lifetime!
Includes:
- Accommodations for 6 days and 5 nights
- Trophy fees for 6 animals, 1-Warthog, 1-Common Blesbuck, 2-Common Springbucks, 1-Zebra, 1-Black or Blue Wildebeest (trophies shared between 2 hunters)
- Two professional hunters (guides) hunting vehicles, trackers, skinners and camp staff
- Field preparation of trophies includes skinning, salt, tag and delivery to local taxidermist.
- Minimum Bid of $4000.00 required.
One Night Glamping Getaway
at Navigate Pinawa
Value $250
Navigate Pinawa is spread at around 65 acres right across from the Old Pinawa Provincial Park, we believe in the power of nature to bring people together. Our campground share’s trails with Trans Canada Trails and Sno-man trail. That’s why we created this glamping campground, to offer a place where families and friends can disconnect from their busy lives and reconnect with each other and the natural world.
Angler’s Edge Mapping
Your Choice of one “Your Lake” print map from the Angler’s Edge Catalogue up to a value of $299 MSRP.
Angler’s Edge Mapping (AEM) is based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. They produce and sell high-resolution contour maps of small lakes and rivers in Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario and Saskatchewan, designed with anglers and cottagers in mind. Their maps allow you to view your favorite bodies of water like never before. Your Lake print maps are designed for prominent display at the cottage, office or home. They make great conversation pieces, and amazing gifts!
Wild Skies Resort
Value: $350
Two night stay in the luxurious Stargazer Canvas Tent, Wild Skies mug and canvas bag, pack of Manitoba wildflower seeds.
Wild Skies is more than just Manitoba’s first glamping resort. Nestled along the banks of the Whitemouth River, Wild Skies is where friends gather, memories are made, and nature is honoured and celebrated. With access to our 10 acres of forest and wildflower meadow, visiting Wild Skies is a one-of-a-kind camping experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
Scorpion Outdoors
Scorpion Series 30 Gen 2 4-16×50 BDC Scope
Value $699.99 MSRP
The new flagship of Scorpion Optics. Built clearer. Built tougher. Built to hunt, the S30 delivers brighter, sharper, higher-contrast images in every lighting condition. Precision-ground, fully multi-coated lenses pair with advanced hydrophobic, high anti-reflective coatings, providing outstanding edge-to-edge clarity and impressive low-light capability. Proven Range. Dial. Shoot. (RDS) system, allows quick and accurate shots without the math. For shooters demanding total precision, RDS custom turret caps are available.
Scorpion Outdoors, based out of Winnipeg, MB is obsessed on delivering superior quality, service and value in all their products, and are committed to serving the shooting community across all channels.
Scorpion Outdoors
Scorpion BCH3-9×40 Scope
Value $279.99 MSRP
The Copperhead Series by Scorpion Optics: durability, performance, and value in a league of its own. Featuring fully multi-coated HD lens and integrated water shed coating for weather resistance, these scopes are rated for heavy recoil and built to last. Waterproof, fog-proof, O-ring sealed, and nitrogen purged, the Copperhead thrives in all conditions. Backed by the Scorpion lifetime No Fault Sting Free warranty, worry-free ownership guaranteed. Conquer any terrain, any challenge with the Copperhead Series – where durability meets performance in a class of its own.
Scorpion Outdoors, based out of Winnipeg, MB is obsessed on delivering superior quality, service and value in all their products, and are committed to serving the shooting community across all channels.
Scorpion Outdoors
Scorpion Edge 12×50 HD Binoculars
Value $599.95 MSRP
Harness the power of precision with Scorpion Outdoors’ 12×50 HD binoculars, meticulously engineered for those who demand both performance and resilience. These robust optics are Fully Multicoated, argon purged, and expertly sealed, ensuring they’re ready to perform in any weather conditions, no matter how harsh. Whether you’re tracking game, scouting terrain, or locking onto distant targets, these binoculars deliver unparalleled clarity and durability.
Scorpion Outdoors, based out of Winnipeg, MB is obsessed on delivering superior quality, service and value in all their products, and are committed to serving the shooting community across all channels.
Scorpion Strings
Scorpion String and Cable set of your choice.
Value up to $199.99 MSRP
Scorpion strings and cables are pre-stretched and pre-twisted. Made to exact standards with the highest quality materials. Every string is hand made on state-of-the-art custom string machines.
Scorpion Strings, based out of Winnipeg, MB., has been making strings since 1997. They have made OEM strings for manufacturers such as Darton, Pearson, Onieda, Kodiak and still supply APA Archery. Their years of experience ensures that you will get the performance and reliability you deserve from your strings.
Telson Optics
Coupon for 60% off any Telson Optic
Value: $630 to $1677 based on percentage of cost of optic purchased.
At Telson, we support hunters and precision shooters with rugged, high-performance optics and gear built for the toughest conditions. We believe the best outdoor experiences come from having reliable tools you can trust. Our mission is to empower individuals to push their boundaries and connect with the wild, knowing their gear will perform when it matters most.
Stainless Steel Propane Outdoor Patio Heater, 46,000 BTU
Extend the season with this Propane Patio Heater. This gas heater pumps out the warmth so you can enjoy your backyard space after sundown and when the air turns chilly. Ideal for decks and patios.
Gander Mountain “Deer” Dinnerware set, River’s Edge “Wildlife” cutlery, Ozark Trail Cast Iron Frying Pan, Venison Lover’s Cookbook.
Thank you to LdBWA member Gerry Lajoie for the generous donation.
A big THANK YOU to Daley’s Pharmacy; Community Futures – Winnipeg River; Co-op Beausejour; Carnation Corner; HUB International Insurance; Boreal Ranch; and Drifters Inn, Gulf, Restaurant and Lounge for providing a variety of wonderful prizes for the Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association Spring Banquet.
Hunt Fish Manitoba
Hunt Fish Manitoba toque, hat, hoodie and stickers.
Value: $131 MSRP
When your heart needs wild, welcome to Manitoba, the ultimate destination to hunt and fish!
Did you know that Manitoba is home to 100,000 lakes and 30 different fish species? Hunt Fish MB, promotes sustainable and ethical hunting and fishing experiences to both locals and visitors.
Door Prize
Everyone buying a ticket for the Banquet will have their name entered into a draw to win a Boating Dry Bag Emergency Kit, donated by the Lac du Bonnet Royal Canadian Mounted Police Detachment!
Watch for more Items coming soon!!!
More prize details will be added as they become available though there will be much more to see at the Banquet
2025 Banquet Image Gallery
