Last month, many of us sportsmen who attend various meetings pertaining to legislation and regulations that address fishing and hunting issues, were under the impression that the crossbow bill (A105830) had passed both the Assembly and the Senate.
We thought it was going to remain the same for two more years, primarily because Assemblyman Robert K. Sweeney (Dem. Suffolk County) helped stall the proposed bill that would have allowed a more liberal use of the crossbow as a hunting implement.
According to David Figura of the Post Standard, the bill is still with the State Assembly, which is technically still in session even though most of the members are back at their home offices and no bills are being passed at this time.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek
Ken Hollander( far left) and Willie Fedrick (far right) will resume free fly tying classes on Monday evenings at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club.
Assemblyman Sweeney's bill, as it stands right now, would continue the current law governing crossbows, which allows their use only in deer hunting, during the regular firearm season and late muzzleloading seasons. This bill would kill the DEC-endorsed special youth firearms hunt for deer set for the upcoming Columbus Day weekend, which is a mere one month away.
If the bill sits around past Oct. 5, the youth firearms hunt could go on as planned, allowing youth hunters ages 14 and 15 to take to the woods the following weekend to hunt deer with shotguns and, where allowed, with rifles, provided the youths are accompanied by licensed adult mentors.
Usually the governor requests bills when he is ready to sign them and according to Sweeney, he hasn't asked for the crossbow bill yet. Governor Cuomo is willing to hear from both sides and has asked if it would be possible to reach an agreement that "does something a little different than what the bill proposes."
According to Sweeney, he is willing to give it a try stating, "I'm not saying it's my way or no way."
Start calling your legislators and contact Rick McDermott, head of Crossbow Coalition at www.nycrossbowcoalition.com.
The quick fishing report is that the perch are 64 feet deep. East has been great out of the "Cat", west out of Sturgeon Point closer to the State Park and check the mouths of area streams for some trout action.
Calendar:
Ken Hollander and Willie Fedrick will resume the free fly tying clinics on Monday evenings at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club starting at 7 p.m. this Monday. All equipment, vises and materials are provided FREE. You are invited.
Waterfowl hunters are advised that a waterfowl information meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge maintenance building. It's open to the public.
The Westportland Baptist church members are proud to announce that they will host their annual "Sportsmans Dinner" on Friday, Sept. 28. The dinner, which will be a wild game buffet, featuring Moose, swiss steak and other delights, will take place at the Westfield Fire Exempt Hall located on Bourne Street, in Westfield. The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. This year's event will feature Steve Chapman, who is an accomplished hunter, speaker, song writer and an award winning vocalist. Chapman will share his hunting knowledge and experience with the audience and treat you to some of his award-winning songs. The entire event is FREE, but you must make reservations by calling the WPBC at 753-3812. See you there!
Those hunters who would like to participate in the early goose season will need to have a valid small game license or sportsman's license from the 2011-12 time period. They will also need to get the new HIP number by calling 1-888-427-5447.
The Ripley Rod & Gun Club, located off Route 76, in Ripley, will host a two-day archery course, beginning on Sept. 13, from 6-10 p.m., returning on Sept. 15 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Register at the first class.
Ellington Rod & Gun Club, located at Hagendon Hill Road, Ellington, will host a two-day archery course on Sept. 14 from 6-10 p.m., returning on Sept. 15 from 7 a.m. until noon. Must pre-register by calling Neal Frazier at 287- 2120.
Clymer Conservation, located on Route 474, in Clymer, will host an archery course on Sept. 22 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Students must pre-register at the club on Sept. 15 from 8-10 a.m.
Hunter Education Courses (gun) will be held:
On Sept. 18, from 6-9:30 p.m., returning on Sept. 20 from 6-9:30 p.m. and ending on Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Ripley Rod & Gun Club located off Route 76, Ripley. Register at the first class.
On Sept. 19 from 5:45 p.m. until 10 p.m., returning on Sept. 22 from 7:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Carroll Rod & Gun Club, located on Frew Run Road, Frewsburg. Students must pre-register at the club on Sept. 15 from from 10 a.m. until noon.
On Sept. 19-20 course at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club is FULL.
On Sept. 21 from 6-10 p.m., returning on Sept. 22 from 8 a.m. until done at the Harmony Conservation Club located on Route 474, Panama. Students must pre-register by e mail: gun-bow-safeteach@hotmail.com
On Sept. 21 from 6-10 p.m., returning Sept. 22 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Falconer Rod & Gun Club located on Buffalo Street Extension, Falconer. Students must pre-register on Sept. 7 from 6-7 p.m. at the club.
*Correction The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club will host a trapping course Sept. 15 from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Students should bring a lunch.
Falconer Rod & Gun Club located on the Buffalo Street Extension in Falconer, is scheduled to host a trapping course on Sept. 26 & 28 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Both days. Two day attendance necessary for certification.
The Bear Lake Rod & Gun Club has scheduled a two-day trapping course on Oct. 18 & 19 from 6 -10 p.m. You must pre-register by phone by calling Roger Witt at 595-3418.
There is a two-day trapping course at the Westfield Fish & Game Club on October 5 from 6-10 p.m. returning on Oct. 6 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Register at the first class.
Ray Marks will be offering a six-week fly fishing course starting Wednesday, Sept. 19 from 6:30-9 p.m. The course will cover the basics of fly fishing, casting, flies to use, where to fish, etc. Contact Marks at 549-1977, or enroll by calling Lake Shore Community Education at 926-2210.
Fly Tying classes will resume on Monday evenings from 6-8 p.m. starting Sept. 10 at the Sinclairville Free Library. Classes will continue until May. Called "Country Kids on the Fly" the group allows anyone aged 8- 100 to learn how to tie their own fishing flies . All tools and materials are provided free. Adults are welcome and encouraged to tie flies also so fly fishing can become a family hobby. Parents must accompany their kids to the first class as important papers will need to be filled out. For more information call 962-3635 or 485-3919 or log on www.countrykidsonthefly.blogspot.com.
The Gowanda Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual Fall Fishing Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 20, in Cattaraugus Creek. Sign in gets under way at 5 a.m. at the Gowanda Moose Club, located on Aldrich Street. The tournament begins at sunrise and is a catch and release event following DEC rules and regulations, with tournament personnel on site to measure and weigh-in the catch. There will be awards, door prizes and food for the participants at the Moose Club after 3:30 p.m. For more information, log on to www.gowandanychamber.org, or call 532-2834 or 532-2288.
Gene Pauszek is an OBSERVER outdoors columnist. Send comments to sports@observertoday.com.
