Greene County Youth Fair to feature hunting and fishing
The opening of the 2018 Greene County Youth Fair is fast approaching.
Gates open at Angelo Canna Park at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, July 26, and it all comes to a close on July 29 at 5 p.m. The homespun affair, one of the few free events of its kind in the state, is in its 64th year.
Once again it includes fair favorites in the ag department like poultry, rabbits, beef and dairy cows, oxen, goats, pigs, horses and tractor pulls. It’s also renewing its focus on the tradition of hunting and fishing this year by inviting DEC’s Wildlife, Fisheries and Law Enforcement staff, as well as area organized sportsmen.
DEC wildlife technicians and biologists will be on hand with wildlife displays, and fisheries staff will be featuring their “I Fish NY” program complete with casting games and instruction.
The Rome Fish Hatchery is providing a large tank filled with big trout for display and identification. Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) are invited to bring their specialized law enforcement equipment used to protect our fish and wildlife and other natural resources.
NY Bowhunter’s Ed Gorch and company, is once again running the free archery shooting tent. Another fair regular, the Cairo Fish & Game Club, will be on hand as well.
The Greene County Federation of Sportsmen will be under the main vendor tent this year right next to the Cairo Club, DEC and the trout tanks. They’ll be featuring the good work they do promoting youth participation in safe hunting, fishing and trapping.
Talk to federation treasurer, Bill Burger, who will be there with other sportsmen education instructors signing up those in need of upcoming hunter education classes.
The timing for the certifications couldn’t be better, especially if you’re a youth who will be between 12-15 this September. Those in that age group, who complete their hunter ed class, will be eligible to go on the Annual Youth Pheasant Hunt sponsored by the Greene County Federation of Sportsmen. It’s a unique chance for kids to go on a professionally guided hunt for free.
Come to this year’s Youth Fair to learn more about this and the other great opportunities your local sportsmen and women provide at no cost to get kids out having fun, fishing, hunting and trapping. Ask them about their sponsorship of kids who want to go to one of DEC’s Summer Youth Conservation Camps.
There’s a lot of free opportunities to get kids outside and involved in high quality outdoor activities. All thanks to the dedicated sportsmen and women in our county. They’ll be at the fair signing up kids for free unforgettable outdoor experiences. Be sure to visit them under the tent and don’t forget to say hello to their little friends in the trout tank right next door!
News and Notes
— Receive instruction and shoot .22 rifles, shotguns, pistols and air pistols (for non-pistol permit holders), and archery on July 28 at the Tri-Village Rod & Gun Club at 77 Rod & Gun Club Road in Valatie. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the program runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The donation is $25 and includes lunch. Contact the club for reservations at 518-758-2261, email them at tvrgc1933@gmail.com or visit Tri-Village Rod & Gun Club’s page on Facebook.
— The Capital Gun Group and the NYS Rifle & Pistol Association is presenting “Freedom Feast” on July 21 from noon to 5 p.m. at Empire Army/Navy at 1836 Columbia Turnpike in Schodack. You can buy advanced tickets for the Giffy’s Chicken BBQ for $20 at Capital Gun Group Stores or for $25 at the event. Proceeds are to benefit local pro-second amendment candidates running this fall.
— The next Lake Taghkanic Bass Tournament will be July 28 on the West Beach. Entry fee is $30 per event. For more information, call Bill Johnson at 518-537-5455.
— The Field & Stream Outdoor Education Series continues at their Latham Farms store at 579 Troy Schenectady Road with: Advanced Bass Fishing Techniques on July 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. There is no cost for this course. This is one of the best classes offered in the program. Learn the best and latest bass fishing techniques. Great for the experienced bass fisherman and a real eye-opener for the less experienced bass angler.
— Utah Concealed Carry Firearms Permit Class July 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $100 for the class and $62 for the Utah Pistol Permit which has reciprocal agreements with up to 36 states. A NYS pistol permit is not required. Do not bring firearms or ammunition. To register, and for more information on what is required to bring to the class, send an email to cretactical@yahoo.com.
— The Columbia Greene Friends of the NRA Banquet is scheduled for Aug. 11 at 4 p.m. at Anthony’s Banquet Hall. For tickets and for more information, email columbiagreenefnra@gmail.com or go to their website at www.friendsofnra.org/eventtickets.
— Remember to report poaching violations by calling 1-844-DEC-ECOS.
Happy hunting and fishing until next time.
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