Tone was instrumental in helping to form the Western New York Environmental Federation to achieve that goal. Today, thanks to the collective efforts of some of the younger folks like Jim and Diane Steel, and a myriad of whitebeard elder mentors, this group provides new direction as a resource for bringing together the sportsmen federation groups from Chautauqua County, Erie County, Wyoming County and Niagara County, and linking them with such groups as the NYSDEC, Deer Search, the Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, the Chautauqua and Erie County Fish Advisory Boards, the Buffalo News, Dunkirk OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, Springville Journal, East Aurora Advertiser, the NYS Outdoor News, other publications and other groups.

Communication is essential for progress. In that interest, Diane Steel, the secretary for the WNY Environmental Federation, provides cohesive direction with timely information dispersal to all these groups. These groups all share a passion for conservation and for introducing our youth to the outdoors, as well as for fishing, hunting, trapping, and all outdoor sports and the related rules, regulations and ethics involved.

Under Gov. Kathy Hochul, a significant milestone was achieved with the signing of bill S 6360 that clarifies provisions regarding the use of crossbows for hunting (https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6360/amendment/A).

This historic event, shared by Steel in her minutes to the various organizations, marks a joint effort with many conservation organizations and individuals across the state. The bill not only provides a great opportunity to recruit, retain, and reactivate hunters of all ages, but also underscores state government support for lawful hunting in New York. Hunters who use a crossbow will now use their archery privilege; therefore, anyone who has not taken their bowhunter safety course will need to do so. Classes are free and available in-person or online. The NYSDEC classes can be found at https://www.register-ed.com/programs/new_york/165-new-york-hunter-education-course.

The time is near for Lake Erie coldwater species such as steelhead and brown trout to seek migration into the Lake Erie tributary streams of Chautauqua County. Artificial lures like this are popular among anglers. Photo courtesy of Gerald Brydalski

“Special thank you to local Sen. George Borrello for being a co-sponsor of this bill,” Steel said. “We appreciate his support of local sportsmen and women.”

In addition, Steel gathered up some quotes from organizations that have been involved. The quotes from these outdoor mentor groups in our region and state follow, and Steel provided their email addresses for those with questions.

“It’s nice to have the government help to control the deer population using lawful hunting in New York,” said Jeff Jondle, president of the WNY Environmental Federation (dwg308@yahoo.com). “This bill provides additional opportunity for the management of the herd at no cost to the taxpayers. We are excited that hunters with disabilities will have more opportunities to hunt this year and beyond. Recruiting and retaining hunters is a key part of conservation.”

“I would like to thank Gov. Hochul for signing this important piece of legislation into law,” said Jack Coad, president of the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs (jackcoad@hotmail.com). “New York hunters and bowhunters have been asking for this law for a long time, and now it has finally come to fruition. I want to thank the NYS Senate and Assembly for hearing their constituents’ thoughts and moving this bill to the floor and onward to the governor’s office. I would also like to thank the NYS Crossbow Coalition for their passionate appeal to all concerning the crossbow issue. The late Rick McDermott would be proud of the job that Dusty and the others have done to bring this dream forward. Now hunters have another choice in the implement they desire to use when hunting. Conservation is the wise use of our resources, and there is none better than an organic, self-replenishing resource.”

“On behalf of the over 300,000 sportsmen and women represented by the council, I want to take this opportunity to personally thank Gov. Hochul for her support in signing the crossbow legislation,” said Dr. Keith G. Tidball, president of the New York State Conservation Council (president@nyscc.com). “This is a win for conservation and for increasing avenues of hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation. We look forward to working together in the future on conservation and preservation of the heritage of hunters, anglers, trappers and outdoor enthusiasts across New York state.”

“On behalf of the Wyoming County Wildlife Federation, I would like to congratulate our wildlife conservation allies on yesterday’s accomplishment regarding crossbows,” said Brian Krawczyk, president of the Wyoming County Wildlife Federation (krawczykbrian@gmail.com). “The signing of the crossbow legislation will provide additional opportunities for sportsmen and women to participate in the management of New York’s abundant big-game under the direction of the DEC.”

“I’m proud to have fought for this common-sense law that will allow so many lifelong hunters, who may face challenges, to hunt during bow season,” said state Sen. George Borrello (borrello@nysenate.gov), co-sponsor of the bill.

Lastly, the Lake Erie steelhead migration is about to get started in the Lake Erie tributary streams of Chautauqua County. To monitor the activity, check out the “Western New York Steelheaders” Facebook site. Thanks to the efforts of WNY whitebeard steelhead angler, Gerald Brydalski, this site has grown from creation to more than 4,700 members in less than 12 months. It has become a nationwide site for steelhead information sharing and fly-tying expertise education. We never stop learning.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Sept. 7: Bear Lake Rod & Gun Club, monthly meeting, 4 p.m., 4391 Cassadaga-Stockton Road, Stockton, Info: Rudy Abersold, 716-397-9717.

Sept. 10: 3-D Archery, Evans Rod/Gun, 864 Cain Road, Angola; 4 p.m. to dark, 15-target course, Kitchen open, Jerome Gorski, 716-398-3008. Ends Sept. 24.

Sept. 13: NY Musky, Chautauqua Lake Big Baller Musky Tourney, Casting Only. No FFS. 585-287-7578

Sept. 13: WNY Walleye Association; 1st Responders/Veterans Day of Fishing, Lake Erie; Reserve your spot. Rick Malik: 716-548-8219 or Steve Haak: 716-225-0229.

Sept. 13-21: NYS special early antlerless deer season in designated WMUs. For DMP and DMAP tags only. See syllabus.

Sept. 14: 3-D Archery, Bear Lake Rod & Gun, 30 targets, 8 a.m. to noon, OPEN HOUSE – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4391 Cassadaga-Stockton Road, Stockton, Info: Rudy Abersold, 716-397-9717.