More than 160 sportsmen, conservation advocates, elected officials, and community leaders gathered Monday evening at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club on the shores of Chautauqua Lake for the Annual Banquet and Fundraiser hosted by the Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen.

Representing more than 15 conservation organizations from across Western New York, attendees came together not only to celebrate the outdoors, but also to recognize the importance of preserving hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation traditions for future generations.

Master of Ceremonies and Federation President Zen Olow welcomed guests and emphasized the continued strength of the region’s outdoor community. Throughout the evening, the program highlighted the dedication of volunteers, clubs, and individuals who devote countless hours to conservation education, habitat stewardship, and youth mentorship.

The evening’s most meaningful and inspiring moment centered on the presentation of New York State Lifetime Licenses to 13 youngsters. The awards represented far more than licenses alone; they symbolized a commitment to introducing young people to the outdoors and ensuring the continuation of New York’s rich sporting heritage. Family members, conservation leaders, and fellow outdoorsmen applauded as each young recipient was recognized for becoming part of a lifelong tradition rooted in responsibility, respect for nature, and conservation ethics. Youth recipients included Conor Sullivan; Hannah, Emma and Nevach Dulmas; Grace and Levi Munsee; Nathan Balch; Gianna Frentz; Lara, Raya-June, and Cora-Anne Joy; Cole-Allen Siebert; and Lucie-Rae Katta.

Among the dignitaries attending the event were Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, John D’Agostino of the OBSERVER and Post-Journal, representatives from New York State Sen. George Borrello of the 57th District, U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, and several additional local officials who demonstrated their support for the conservation community and ongoing efforts across the region.

A notable portion of the program featured remarks from Eastern Lake Erie Charterboat Association President Jim Steel, who discussed ongoing considerations to pursue a constitutional amendment in New York State formally recognizing the “Right to Fish, Hunt and Trap.” The proposal reflects growing interest among conservation organizations in protecting outdoor traditions while reinforcing the connection between sportsmen and environmental stewardship.

Several awards were presented during the evening to honor exceptional service and dedication within the outdoor community. Jennifer Schmitt received the Sportsperson of the Year Award for her contributions and leadership. The Western New York Walleye Association was named Club of the Year in recognition of its efforts supporting fisheries, conservation, and community involvement. Henry Langworthy was presented with the President’s Award for his work in replacing the Conservation Building at the County Fairgounds, while the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds received the President’s Community Award for its longstanding support of community and outdoor-related activities.

As the formal program neared its conclusion, one of the evening’s most heartfelt moments came when young Lifetime License recipient Lucy-Rae Katta stepped to the podium to share her personal story.

According to Zen Olow, “Katta was speaking from the heart and described how hunting alongside her father and family had introduced her to experiences and memories that she would cherish forever. She reflected on her successful deer hunt last fall and her harvest of a gobbler during this spring’s early youth turkey season, accomplishments that clearly illustrated both her enthusiasm and growing passion for the outdoors.”

Her remarks resonated deeply throughout the room. In an era when conservation organizations increasingly emphasize youth involvement as the key to sustaining outdoor traditions, Katta’s story served as a powerful reminder of why mentorship and family participation matter. Her comments received a sustained ovation from attendees, many of whom recognized in her story the future of conservation itself.

The annual banquet once again demonstrated that the Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen remains committed not only to protecting outdoor traditions today, but to inspiring the next generation that will carry them forward tomorrow.

Gotta love the outdoors.