Local sports clubs hold annual banquets

Two local sportsmen’s clubs held their annual banquets last weekend. The Canaan Conservation Club held their event on Friday, January 24 at Jackson’s Old Chatham House restaurant in Old Chatham, NY, and the Federation of Polish Sportsmen (FPS) hosted their banquet at their clubhouse in Hudson.

At the Canaan Conservation Club event on Friday, Club President, Daniel Herrick reflected upon many of the organization’s successes over the past year in 2019. He noted a key focus of the organization to support, promote and increase youth participation in hunting, fishing, and the shooting sports.

The club annually holds an instructional “Youth Beginner’s Archery” event each May to introduce kids to archery shooting and bowhunting. They continue support of youth outdoor activities by hosting a two-day “Youth Fishing Derby” in April.

The club president reminded all in attendance of the upcoming “21st Annual Hardwater Derby” for adults and kids of all ages scheduled for Saturday, February 15th at Queechy Lake.

The evening continued with the presentation of an award to Peter Davis of Claverack for his many years of dedicated service to the mission of the Canaan Conservation Club.

That was followed by the swearing in of club officers for 2020 with Daniel Herrick, President, Alex Horst, Vice President, Lee Tilden, Secretary/Treasurer, and Bud Godfroy as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. Congratulations to all newly seated officer’s and best wishes for continued success in the coming year.

The banquet circuit continued the following night at the Federation of Polish Sporstmen’s Annual Banquet held in Hudson on Saturday, January 25. Speaking with FPS President, Steve Leonard, I learned the organization is at near capacity in terms of membership. He said currently there are 279 members of the federation.

Steve relayed it’s a great help when many of the members remain active with club events. I believe the phrase, “many hands make light work” was brought up when he discussed some of the larger, work-intensive events. This makes it easier for FPS to fulfill its mission, support its members, as well as serve the local community.

Two key charitable events they hold annually are the jackolantern-lined “Pumpkin Walk,” and support of local families with Thanksgiving dinner. Both of these events are conducted in partnership with the Columbia-Greene Mental Health Association. FPS also supports youth fishing, the Boy Scouts of America, hunter education, and the shooting sports.

Both the Canaan Conservation Club and the Federation of Polish Sportsmen were kind enough to ask me to make a few remarks at their respective events. I addressed both organizations by discussing a theme in a recent column entitled, “United We Stand.” That piece spoke to the need of great grassroots organizations like the Canaan Conservation Club, and FPS, to seek common ground whenever possible with their partners and affiliates in county and statewide sportsmen’s organizations.

It urged remaining vigilant to prevent splintering on issues where sportsmen may disagree, and instead, pick their battles when opposing those who might threaten hunting, fishing, trapping, and the shooting sports.

There are many issues where there is agreement among our state’s sportsmen and women. Let’s fight for those goals together with solidarity and purpose. I believe a unified message in support of our common values to overcome the many challenges that lie ahead, is the best path forward.

I’m happy to report both the Canaan Conservation Club and the Federation of Polish Sportsmen were extremely supportive of that view.

Happy Hunting, Fishing and Trapping until next time.

Ghent Sportsmen’s Annual Team Rabbit Hunt – *Coming up Saturday, February 8

This 4-man team event will start at 7 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 8.

Sign-up from 6:30-8 a.m. Doughnuts, coffee, food and beverages will be available. Cash prizes will be awarded to winning teams. Points accumulation as follows: 3 points per partridge (grouse), 2 points 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.

Kudos to Kevin Ryan of Hudson River Bait & Tackle

Thanks go to Kevin Ryan of Hudson River Bait & Tackle in Rensselaer. He was good enough to donate bait to Schenectady’s Central Park Middle School Ice Fishing Program. Kevin runs a top-notch, full-service bait shop located at 85 South Street in Rensselaer. Shop is open 7 days/week as follows: Monday through Thursday 6 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday 6 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday 5 a.m.-2 p.m., and Sunday 5 a.m.-noon. Kevin cautions ice conditions have been sketchy all season and to use your best judgement as many derbies have been postponed or cancelled due to poor ice conditions.

Kevin advises to check in advance to see if an event you plan to attend is postponed or cancelled and relayed the following update:

*The Baily Fish & Game Club’s 36th Annual Ice Derby on Snyder’s Lake scheduled for Saturday, February 1st has been CANCELLED due to poor ice conditions.

Grafton Lakes State Park to host 35th annual Ice Fishing Contest – Re-scheduled to February 8th

Due to poor ice conditions, this event has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 8th from 5:30 am-2:00pm. Registration begins in the park’s maintenance building via the Main Entrance at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m.; (12:30 pm for youth). Entry fee is $10 for those 16 and over, and free for those under 16.

Sand Lake Kiwanis Ice Fishing Tournament on Burden Lake is Scheduled for February 15, ice conditions permitting.

Canaan Conservation Club’s 21st Annual Hardwater Fishing Derby

This event will take place on February 15 from 6 a.m.-1 p.m. at Queechy Lake, Canaan, NY ice conditions permitting. Register online 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 a.m.-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