Submitted Photo These were just some of the items that were up for auction at Saturday’s Lake Shore Longbeards, NWTF banquet.

Old Man Winter picked a busy weekend to reappear in Western New York. The Outdoor Show in Niagara Falls, the Turkey Federation banquet sponsored by the Lake Shore Longbeards and the Bowling Tournament in Tonawanda, along with many other activities all had to deal with the effects of wind, rain, sleet and snow. We are used to it.

The Longbeards had another successful event at the Koscuiscko Club in Dunkirk on Saturday. With over 160 members in attendance, the place was packed. The Chairman and committee would like to thank all in attendance for braving the weather and making the twenty second event another success. On the down side, the Department of Environmental Conservation’s report indicates that wild turkey numbers are down judging by the summer wild turkey sighting survey, which showed a general decline in poults per hen ratio, once again for the third straight year. Hunters can figure on less jakes available for this Springs turkey season. Coyotes and other predators like bear, fox, raccoons and fishers naturally have an impact on turkey numbers but wet cold Spring time weather can have the biggest impact on turkey reproduction/numbers. If you think back to last spring, we once again had a cool springtime with a lot of rain. As a matter of fact, most of the people I have heard comment said, “What Spring?” We seem to go from a winter that seems to last forever, to a summer that always seems too short, briefly into Fall, and back to Winter.’ Anyway, Thanks to those hunters who made this years NWTF event another success. Next up is the Friends of the NRA banquet followed by the local Duck’s Unlimited banquet and the Harry Probst Memorial banquet at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club.

With the recent return of cold/freezing weather, hopefully ice fishing, skiing and snow mobiling will be able to enjoy the return of Winter weather.

Calendar:

The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club is looking for people interested in learning “how to tie their own fishing flies.”

Several advanced fly-tiers will be on hand to give individual attention to persons who would like to learn this hobby. All materials and equipment are provided free. The learning area is secure and a controlled environment from 6 until 8 p.m. You get to keep what you make. Refreshments are usually provided and always free. No experience necessary, no sign up required. Just show up and have fun.This would be a great opportunity for scout leaders to bring their young charges in for a great learning experience.Call 366-1772 days if you need more information or a contact number.

The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting a Chili or soup Cook-Off on Sunday, Jan. 26 starting at 2 p.m.

The Con Club annual Sportsman’s Party will be on Saturday, Feb. 1, starting at 5 p.m. Anyone who was entered in the fishing or hunting contest is invited free. Bring a dish to pass. Prizes will be awarded that same evening.

The Con Club will also be having a fishermans Flea market offering used fishing items at great prices on Sunday, Feb. 9. Open to the public.

Upcoming Gun Shows: Jan. 25-26 at the Conneaut Lake Sportsmens Association, located at 11861 Sportsman Road (off Route 18) in Conneaut Lake, PA, 16316. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

March 7-8 at the Hickory Post VFW, located at 5550 East State Street (US Route 62, East of PA 18, West of Mercer on 62) Hermitage, PA, 16148. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

March 21-22, 2020 at the Harborcreek Fire Dept. Social Hall, located 7275 Buffalo Road, Harborcreek, PA, 16421 (Located US Route 20 between North East, PA and Harborcreek, PA). Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

April 18-19 at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds. The show is located at the Ashtabula County Expo Center Building at 127 North Elm Street, Jefferson, OH, 44047. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information on any of the upcoming shows listed, call Larry Spicer (716) 792-9972.

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.

Southtowns Walleye Outfitters Fair will be on Feb. 8, 2020 at the club. To sell items, it costs $25 per table. Call 796-5372 or 864-2938. No guns or ammunition.

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.