New officers sworn-in at Columbia Federation Banquet

The New Year brought with it a “changing of the guard” at the Columbia County Sportsmen’s Federation. At their annual banquet on January 13 at the Churchtown Firehouse, Kevin Hill of Copake was sworn in as the new president of the nearly 90-year-old organization.

The new slate of officers includes former Press Information Officer, Julia Horst, as Vice President, Kelly Hill who will continue as Secretary, Treasurer Alan Besterman, Public Information Officer Tracy Knott and Board Members, Judge Ron Banks, Bill Slemp, Dave Newkirk, and Tom Holleufer.

VIPs in attendance at the event included avid sportsmen’s advocates, Assemblyman Chris Tague, Columbia County Court Judges Jonathan Nichols and Richard Koweek, Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czjaka, DA Investigator Jim Bertram, County Treasurer PJ Keeler, DEC Regional Wildlife Manager Mike Clarke, Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Lt. Walter Maloney, ECO James Davey, Forest Ranger Chris DiCintio, Deacon Ed Dorsch, and representatives of Assemblywoman Didi Barrett’s office, Matthew Hartzog and Anne Arent.

Another VIP/supporter of sportsmen’s issues, Columbia County Clerk Holly Tanner, was on hand and had the honor of swearing in the new slate of federation officers.

Outgoing President Jim Bashford expressed praise and wished the new officer’s success as he expressed an optimistic view of the future of the federation under its new leadership. Bill Van Deusen, who served as vice president of the organization with Bashford for the past five years, echoed Jim’s bright vision for the future of the federation.

The two looked back at some accomplishments toward the organization’s stated goal of promoting and preserving hunting and fishing in Columbia County, by presenting awards to some key members who helped them in that mission.

Award recipients included, Columbia County Clerk, Holly Tanner, ECO Jeff Cox, Forest Ranger Chris DiCintio, Youth Outdoor Education Coordinator Kathy Burke, Trout in the Classroom’s Theresa Rossi, Fay Johnson, and for their work in the “Hunters Helping the Hungry” program, Randy Plass, and Gary and Veronica Peters.

Special expressions of heartfelt gratitude were extended to Dave Carpenter who mentored Jim Bashford throughout his life, and a presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Vinny DuBoise for his tireless efforts in support of our veterans as well as with landmark trout habitat restoration. I’m happy to report Vinny attended the event to receive the award and says he is doing very well with his recovery.

After the award presentation, newly elected President Kevin Hill officially took the reins, (and the microphone), from now past President Jim Bashford. He thanked the prior officers for their dedication and hard work and vowed to continue to build upon their successes as well as targeting some new areas in support of hunting, fishing, trapping and the shooting sports.

At the banquet and upon a subsequent interview with the new president, Kevin outlined a few key federation goals:

*Continue youth programs and strengthen youth recruitment to hunting, fishing, trapping, and the shooting sports

*Increase and enhance land/water access for hunters, trappers, and fishermen

*Increase membership and participation of active members of organized sportsmen’s groups

*Maximize the impact of the sporting public’s vote in support of issues affecting hunting, fishing, trapping, and the second amendment

Kevin indicated his vision is to build upon the success of his predecessors while bringing additional focus upon other issues in support of the federation’s goals.

He further stressed that the success and strength of organizations like the Columbia County Sportsmen’s Federation cannot be fully realized without the support of its members and partners in pursuit of common goals.

We wish Kevin and all of his team success in that effort in the coming years

Happy Hunting, Fishing and Trapping until next time.

Ghent Sportsmen’s Annual Team Rabbit Hunt — February 8

This 4-man team event will start at 7:00 am and end at 3:00 pm on Saturday February 8th. Sign-up from 6:30 am to 8:00 am. Doughnuts, coffee, food and beverages will be available. Cash prizes will be awarded to winning teams. Points accumulation are tallied as follows:

3 points per partridge/(grouse), 2 points for per rabbit, and 1 point per squirrel harvested. For more information contact Event Chairman Eric Nelson Jr. at 518-339-3557 or Jim Bertram at 518-965-3971.

Canaan Conservation Club’s 21st Annual Hardwater Fishing Derby — February 15

This event will take place (ice conditions permitting) on February 15th from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm at Queechy Lake, Canaan, NY. Register online starting January 15 at https://canaanconservationclub.weebly.com/ or, in-person at 6 a.m. on the day of the event at Adams Point Beach. Entry fee for adults 16 and over is $15 and $5 for kids 15 and under. Three cash prizes for largest trout, perch, pickerel, and crappie with a gas-powered auger standing in for the grand prize. Other prizes include hand augers, tip-ups and jigging poles. For more information contact Julia Horst at 518-567-4302 or by email at canaanconservationclub@yahoo.com

Save the Date: February 15, 2020

The Catskill Mountain F&G Club/Stony Clove F&G Club Youth Ice Fishing Derby

This event is scheduled for Saturday, February 15; ice conditions permitting.

Sign-in begins at 9 a.m. with youth fishing from 10:00 am until noon. There will be prizes for all kids attending, plus refreshments will be available. For more information call Bob Monteleone at 518-488-0240.

Remember to report poaching violations by calling 1-844-DEC-ECOS.

You can share any comments with our sports desk at sports@registerstar.com

*If you have a fishing or hunting report, photo, or event you would like to be considered for publication, you can send it to: huntfishreport@gmail.com