(Submitted photo/Debbie Wozniak)

By Ben Tompkins

Mallard Wildlife Federation

Annual Scott Wozniak Memorial Fishing Derby back after COVID hiatus

Dec 31, 2021 | 5:51 PM

The Mallard Wildlife Federation Annual Scott Wozniak Memorial Fishing Derby has returned after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

Sunday, Jan. 2 at Barrier Lake, folks will gather to fish, support the Mallard Wildlife Federation and have a chance at winning great prizes.

The event has taken place since 2006, as it began shortly after the passing of Scott Wozniak due to a work accident.

Scott’s mom Debbie told northeastnow the derby has been used to remember Scott and carry on his legacy.

“Scott really liked ice fishing and hunting and he was a member of the Wildlife Federation. So after he passed, family and friends were trying to think of something in his memory and that was ice fishing,” she said. “That’s what he probably would have been doing if he was still here today.”

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

Ferland earns Grey Cup ring

'A wonderful human being': High school coach thrilled Logan Ferland is a Grey Cup champion

Nov 17, 2025

Debbie also mentioned how well the derby has fared since the beginning and the support it has received.

“It’s been very successful since then and we encourage it to be a family and friends versus a competition derby,” she said. “Come and visit and have fun. It doesn’t seem to matter how cold it gets, it’s always a decent crowd. Various businesses near and far donate prizes, so when you buy your ticket, your name goes into a draw for roughly 40 to 50 prizes that you could win.”

“Lots of people will buy a hole for $10, even if they don’t come fish, so they can still support,” she said. “We have awesome community support, not only businesses but people come out even if they’re not Wildlife members, it’s great.”

And Scott’s dad Lauren, president of the Mallard Wildlife Federation, said he just really appreciates everyone helping out in celebrating his son.

“It’s been one of our major things for the wildlife, as a good fundraiser and something that my son can always be remembered by,” he said. “We look forward to it every year.”

All the money raised will go to support the Mallard Wildlife Fishing Federation for the different projects they have throughout the year. Prizes donated by businesses will be available by draw, first fish caught and three biggest fish caught.

The derby will run from noon till three, with registration starting beforehand at eleven. Although the fishing used to be open to allow for socialization, you may now bring your own tent or shack to keep warm and stay distanced.

Concession and a warmup tent will be on-site, as well as a big board of sponsors to encourage you to give back. The fishing will be catch and release.

–

Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8