The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame proudly announces the induction of nine new members at its annual banquet on May 4, with two of these exceptional individuals hailing from Chautauqua County. Gary Dudek from the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club and Floyd E. Prine from the Falconer Rod and Gun Club have been chosen for their unwavering dedication to preserving our outdoor heritage, enhancing opportunity, and supporting the causes of conservation and outdoor sports.

To be considered for induction into the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame, two things need to happen. The individual must have devoted a lifetime of “giving back” to the outdoor sports and conservation, and other individuals feel that this contribution is significant enough to submit detailed nomination support for the individual. The NYSOHOF Board of Directors reviews the nominations and deliberates over the submitted information and documentation to select those they feel are worthy of the designation. The selection process of men and women for this distinguished group is not based on individual achievements but rather on what they have done for others.

Master instructor Gary Dudek, a Hunter Safety Instructor for firearms, archery, and trapping education for 34 years, has left an indelible mark on the conservation community. His efforts have been recognized with the Wayne Jones Award for Excellence from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Gary’s active involvement in numerous conservation-based groups and activities throughout Western New York, including his work with the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club’s “Take-A-Kid-Fishing” program, has significantly contributed to the education of our youth about the importance of trapping and furbearers.

Floyd Prine has been a certified Hunter Safety Instructor for firearms and archery for 35 years. He has also been a Falconer Rod and Gun Club member for over 14 years, serving as president and vice president. In 2010 and 2015, he received the Conservationist of the Year Award from the Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and the Wayne Jones Award for Excellence from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Scott Jordan from Allegany County is another locally famous outdoor educator to be recognized for a special Educational Award at the 2025 NYSOHOF induction banquet. Jordan has taught in the Cuba-Rushford School District for over 30 years and has uniquely developed the CRCS Fisheries and Wildlife Technology courses. The CRCS off-campus activities and Scott Jordan’s way of giving back are legendary, as they provided hunting, fishing, and conservation trips for students locally throughout the year and every season (deer, turkey, duck, goose, etc.). Over the past 30 years, more than 4,000 students have participated in Jordan’s programs.

The 2025 Annual Induction Banquet, a celebration of the outdoors and those who work tirelessly to preserve it, will be held on Sunday, May 4, at Theodore’s Restaurant, 3231 Seneca Turnpike (Rt. 5) in Canastota, NY. We invite you to join us for this special event. Tickets, which include the inductee installation and dinner, are $30 (ages 5-12 are $12, under 5 are free). Doors will open at 3:00 p.m., and dinner will be served at 4:00 p.m. Reservations for groups can be made but need to be in by April 29. For tickets, call 315-225-0192 or visit https://nysohof.org/induction-banquet/,

Gotta love the outdoors.

Outdoor Calendar:

Apr. 19: Wild Animal Archery Shoot, 7a.m. – 2 p.m., $15/person, kids free, Hawkeye Bowman, 13300 Clinton St., Alden, NY; hawkeyebowmen@yahoo.com.

Apr. 24: NYSDEC Lake Erie Angler Outreach meeting, 6 – 9:30 p.m., Woodlawn Beach State Park Lodge, Blasdell, NY.

Apr. 28: Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen annual banquet and fund-raising dinner, Lakewood Fish & Game. For tickets, call Frank Shoenacker, 585-406-5764.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.