×

Local hunter tags a nice buck with a compound bow

Sportsman’s Journal

Robbie Burgess is shown with a nice buck taken during archery season on Oct. 30. Submitted Photo.

I would like to remind everyone that today is Veterans Day. Thanks goes out to those men and women who gave so much so we could enjoy our freedom. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo also reminds everyone that today is also a FREE fishing day in New York State. Anglers are encouraged to go out and enjoy some of the numerous fishing opportunities that present themselves through out the state. You are not required to have a license today (or during any of the other designated FREE Fishing Days), but all other fishing regulations will still apply. If you need more information go to Places to fish on the DEC’s website.

Just a reminder that the regular firearms season for big game will open on Saturday Nov. 16 and run until Dec. 8. Until then crossbow season and archery season are still open and will give hunters a chance to bag a buck or antlerless deer. Robbie Burgess tagged a nice buck on Oct. 30. He was hunting in the evening and recalled it was a rare evening with little wind. On the way to his tree stand, he kicked up a couple of younger deer that were hanging out in the vineyard. These deer later came through after he was set up and got wind of the hunter staying out of range. Burgess shortly thereafter heard some crashing in the brush and a young buck came chasing a doe. Then another small buck took up the chase, worrying the same doe. Then a turkey came out to investigate the commotion. With all the action in front of him Burgess had to freeze to avoid detection. Off to his side he heard a rustling and saw a huge doe standing acting skittish. The turkey got nervous also. A big buck came into view holding up about 40 yards away. He started to follow the huge doe so Burgess tried using a grunt call twice to no avail. As the buck continued to retreat, Burgess yelled out to get the bucks attention. It worked.

The buck turned broadside and Burgess sent an arrow tipped with a Rage mechanical style arrow head, into the bucks front shoulder. The buck reacted with a bolt and piled up about 80 yards away. Burgess secured his prize which weighed over 190 pounds and the rack, green scored around 147. Burgess has harvested several deer over the years, but this is his first wall hanger which will be mounted. Congratulations!

Calendar: The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club will once again be hosting a Hunters helping the Hungry Program. Members of the “Con Club” are asked to bring non-perishable food items to the club on Tuesdays during the hunting season. All food and monetary donations will then be turned over to our local charities for distribution to the needy prior to Christmas. Help make someone’s holiday a little happier. Please!

The Lakeshore Longbeards, our local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will be meeting at Liberty Vineyards located on Route 20 in Sheridan. The meeting will be on Monday Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. Agenda will include the upcoming membership fundraiser/banquet, and hunting stories. Open to the public.

The Western New York Safari Club Will host their 25th annual Game dinner on Friday Dec. 13 at Michael’s Banquet Facility located at 4885 Southwestern Boulevard, Hamburg. The doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. There is a $45 donation. For information call Terry at 472-2380.

Duck Season in our area (Western Zone) is a split season, from Oct. 19 – Nov. 10, then re-opening Nov. 30 until Jan. 5. Canada Goose season for our area, which is considered the South, is from Oct. 26 to Jan. 13, with a daily bag limit of five geese per day.

Today is NYS Free Fishing Day to celebrate Veteran’s Day.

Upcoming gun shows include: Nov. 16-17 Hickory Post VFW 5550 East State Street US Route 62, East of PA. 18 – West of Mercer on 62, Hermitage PA, 16148; and Dec. 14-15 at the Harbor Creek Fire Dept Social Hall located at 7275 Buffalo Road – US Route 20 (located between North East, PA and Harborcreek, PA. All three shows are from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Adults are $5 and children under the age of 12 are free. For more information contact Larry Spicer at (716) 792-9972 or go to LRgunshows@gmail.com or website LRsportingevents.com.

Children of the Stream will present weekly free fly-tying classes every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Costello Room in the Rockefeller Art Center at the State University of New York Fredonia, starting Aug. 27. Children ages 12 and up, including adults are welcome and encouraged to attend. All tools and material will be provided for free.

On Jan. 4, 2020, the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club will be sponsoring free fly tying classes for youths and adults. Theses courses will be absolutely FREE. All materials and equipment will be provided. These FREE classes will continue for the next three Saturdays at the Lakewood Club from 9 a.m. until noon. Free pizzas and beverages will also be provided. Instruction will be provided by the mentors from Kids On the Fly. You are invited.

If your club or organization is holding a hunter safety training/trapping course or a turkey shoot or any other outdoors event, and would like to see it posted in the calendar, send information to the OBSERVER, 10 East Second Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048, or call the sports department at 366-3000 ext. 5 after 6 p.m.

Note: If you have a big game fishing or trapping success story you would like to share, call 366-1772, or 467-2079 and leave a name, phone number and a time you can be reached. You can also call 366-3000, ext. 5, after 6 p.m. or email sports@observertoday.com.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today