Just passing what was sent to me.... Yawn...

[mike rossi]

The Columbia-Greene Sportsman Association banquet wasn’t the only memorable event that occurred this past weekend. Three other newsworthy occurrences took place, including the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s announcement that the youth deer hunt will take place over the Columbus Day weekend in both the Northern and Southern Zones as planned; former Greene County Federation of Sportsmen President Walt Bennett and his wife Joan received the New York State Conservation Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award; and a change of leadership within the NYSCC as members voted to replace long-time president Howard Cushing with first vice president Charles Parker during the group’s 79th annual meeting in Utica.

Always controversial, Cushing has had a love-hate relationship for more than 15 years with the grass roots membership, its officers and board of directors, and that includes the two years he stepped aside for Harold Palmer, who was hand picked for the position by Cushing and then-legislative vice president Wally John.

“The voting members of the council have finally sent the necessary message that a change in leadership has been long overdue and the results reflect it. I personally am totally satisfied with the result, and I am confident that our new president — utilizing the experience and talent of his fellow officers and the council’s board of directors — will do a fine job,” said Fred Neff, who earlier this year was removed by Cushing as chair of the council’s habitat/access committee.

On the other hand, NYSCC Region 1 (Long Island) Director Charles Bevilacqua has taken a wait-and-see position, in as much as he wants to see what kind of effort Parker will put in and how effective he will be.

“Regardless of what anyone thought of Howie (Cushing), no one worked harder. He put in a tremendous effort, and spent a lot of time with lawmakers,” Bevilacqua said.

“Granted, a lot of members, especially new members, left the council because of the stand Howie took on certain issues, but he is an intelligent guy and politically astute, and was never afraid to butt heads with the DEC or state legislators,” Bevilacqua continued.

Bennett, who has locked horns with Cushing on more than one occasion, echoed Bevilacqua’s remarks, stating further that had it not been for Cushing, we never would have had a council.

“He took the job when nobody else wanted it, and because of it, the council is still in existence,” Bennett said.

“He may have alienated a lot of people, but he took on a job nobody else would and for that he deserves credit,” said Bennett, adding that it was time for new blood and hopefully the change is for the best.

Meanwhile, when I asked Columbia-Greene Sportsman Association banquet chairman Rocco DeFronzo how the seventh annual event turned out, he said “fantastic.”

Since its inception in 2005, this dinner has grown into one of the finest events of its kind in the Twin Counties, and while not every sportsman and sportswoman in Columbia and Greene county made it to the soirée, it was well attended.

Some of the more familiar names were Rep. Chris Gibson, state Sen. Roy MacDonald, senate hopeful Kathy Marchione, Assemblymen Pete Lopez and Steve McLaughlin, Judge Jonathan Nichols, Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka, Columbia County Sheriff Dave Harrison Jr., Columbia County Clerk Holly Tanner, and Trish Cutler, who gained national recognition last August with the Woman’s Concealed Carry Holster Fashion Show — an event she established and fostered.

Held at Kozel’s Restaurant in Ghent, the dinner had more than 260 paid attendees, some of whom would have never been seated had others not shown up. According to Gary Simpkins, more than 40 guns were raffled off as well as several high-end trips.

DeFronzo gives credit to the success of the event to the 30-member committee, some of whom have already begun soliciting items for next year.

As for the special youth firearms deer season on Oct. 6-8, junior hunters (ages 14-15) with a big game hunting license will be eligible to take one deer of either sex with a firearm when properly accompanied by a licensed and experienced adult. They may also use a Deer Management Permit or Deer Management Assistance Program tag for an antlerless deer, during the youth firearms season only.

For more information, visit: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/46245.html.

News and Notes: If you’re looking for something entertaining to do this weekend, look no further than the 37th annual Norwalk Boat Show. The in-water production will be moored at the Norwalk Cove Marina, Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk, Conn., Thursday through Sunday, and along with featuring the newest and best in boating, sailing and fishing crafts, the show will have plenty of attractions for boating enthusiasts of all ages.

Lifelong boaters and those who simply enjoy life on the water can shop for luxury motor and sailing yachts, sport fishers, performance boats, sailboats, kayaks, nautical gear and the largest selection of marine accessories in the Northeast.

While admission is $15 for adults and free to youngsters age 15 and under, just about all of the hands-on activities, training sessions and demonstrations are free.

For example, visitors can take the helm during on-water boat training that emphasizes close-quarter boat handling, an introduction to sailing, advanced docking experience and coastal cruising. Also on tap is a demonstration of the Flyboard, the new jet-propulsion technology that works with a Personal Watercraft to help users fly up to 35 feet in the air and dive deep. To get an idea what that’s all about visit: http://flyboard.com.

For new paddlers or those looking for the latest techniques, visitors can step into a kayak or hop on a paddleboard at the marina to experience paddlesports firsthand or observe daily demonstrations from the experts.

Then there is CORFit — a new fitness program that simulates the act of balancing while paddling and helps train and sculpt the body. And, if you always wanted to try scuba diving, anyone age 10 and older can do it here in a heated pool. Participants can also get their photo taken underwater as a keepsake of their diving adventure.

Attendees can also get a taste of the boating lifestyle while taking a ride aboard a 240 Sundeck, 23 Ensign or Hanse 470 sailboat on the Long Island Sound.

Show hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information and updated seminar and event schedules, visit www.boatshownorwalk.com or call 212-984-7007.

— Russ Burton tells us that the annual Greene County Federation of Sportsmen Youth Pheasant Hunt will be held on Sept. 29 starting at 7:30 a.m. and attendees should take note of the new location. This year’s hunt will be held on the Maurer property, 209 Weber Road, Earlton.

Located at the intersection of Weber Road and Schoharie Turnpike, the youth hunt is open to all licensed junior hunters age 12-15 years accompanied by a parent or guardian. A 2011-12 junior hunting license is required.

Participants will also need eye and ear protection, shotgun and shells, hunting vest or jacket and a hunter orange cap (no camo).

Co-sponsored by the Northern Catskills Longbeards Chapter of the NWTF, NYS DEC Officers Association and the Earlton Fish and Game Club, dogs and handlers will be provided, as will lunch. There is no charge to the hunters. However, advance registration is required.

In addition, Burton tells me that pheasants will also be released at the Colgate Lake Wild Forest area for those wanting to hunt on their own.

Colgate Lake is located via County Route 23C and County Route 78 in East Jewett.

Dropping anchor ’til next time.

[SteveB]

Just curious if you know the stance of Charles Parker and the Columbia-Greene Sportsman Association

concerning statewide AR?

Thanks.

[mike rossi]

IDK - I am not a member of C-G or the NYSCC. However, I wouldnt expect any changes (positive or negative) on the way things have historically been run...