March 18, 2008

Waterloo Sportsmen’s Club

General Meeting

Meeting called to order at 7:05 pm by President Tom Mitchell Jr.  Pledge of allegiance to the flag opened the meeting.

Minutes:
Minutes did not reflect how the DEC Youth Camp and participating clubs will be reimbursed. After much discussion it was decided that the matter would come under Old Business.
Motion made to accept.  Motion carried.

Treasurer Report:
John Andrews gave an extensive report for January and February.
Dues received from the following clubs: Barge Canal, Interlaken, Lodi, North Seneca, Rumseyville, Seneca White Deer, Waterloo R& P and South Seneca.  Motion made to accept.  Motion carried. 

Correspondence:
President Tom Mitchell Jr., reported that he received a letter from Assemblyman Brian Kolb office acknowledging that his office had received a letter from the Federation in support of the additional wetlands on the former Seneca Army Depot.

Letter received from the Finger Lakes Chapter Trout Unlimited that they are no longer able to pay the dues and remain members of the Federation.  President Tom Mitchell Jr., reported that it was unfortunate to loose a club from the Federation.  Motion made to accept their removal from the roster.  Motion carried.

Committee Reports:
CFAB:
Gary Chave reported that CFAB is reporting a 22 to 24 million dollar deficit in the budge.  The NYS Conservation Council does not support a license fee at this time because the increase would have to be quite large and most likely would not offset the deficit.

Banquet Committee:
Advertisements are coming along.  Dinner tickets are selling well.  All clubs that have not given $25.00 for the Chinese auction can bring their items to the next meeting at South Seneca on April 15th.  Banquet is April 17th.   Cocktails at 6 pm. Prime Rib Dinner 7 pm.

Old Business:
There was discussion involving the budget and DEC Camp.  Motion made to set aside $1,250.00 for youths to go to DEC Camp.  Discussion:  December 1st, will be the cut off date for clubs to send in letters to get reimbursed.  After that date, tally will be done and the board will decide how much each club will get reimbursed.  Policy will still be reviewed on December 31st of each year to decide how many youths can go to DEC Camp for the next year.  All in favor Motion carried.

New Business:
President Tom Mitchell Jr., reported that he sent a letter to the NYS Conservation Council in support of a Youth Hunting Bill.

NYS Conservation Council Legislative Meeting:
Gary Chave and Barb Wells attended the Legislative Meeting in Albany in March. The DEC has submitted three bills this year:

  1. Junior Hunter/Trapper Mentoring :
    • This bill would establish a junior big-game hunting license and a junior trapper mentoring program. The junior hunting license would allow 14- and 15-year olds (who can already hunt small game with a firearm) to obtain a license to hunt big game with a firearm. The junior hunter would have to be accompanied by an adult who a( is 21 years or older and has at least three years of big-game hunting experience and b) exercises control over the junior hunter at all times during hunting.
    • The trapper mentoring program would allow licensed trappers to serve as mentors and allow someone younger than 12 (who doesn’t have a trapping license) to assist with trapping.
  2. Modernize Fish and wildlife Law
    This bill would:
    • Give DEC authority to regulate ring-necked pheasant and quail statewide
    • Enable the final federal regulations to set migratory game-bird hunting seasons in NYS, except where more restrictive regulations have been adopted by the DEC
    • Permit the use of longbows beyond 250 feet of structuresBUZB.
    • Allow the taking of snapping turtles by hand, net or turtle trap.
    • Allow the use of crossbows by seniors/persons with disabilities.
    • Allow the use of live-restraint cable devices for trapping forbearing animals.
  3. Increase Penalties
    • This bill would increase civil and criminal penalties for certain violations of the Environmental Conservation Law, including illegal taking of deer (deer-jacking)
    • The results of the Delaware County Resolution that was voted on by the clubs in Seneca County came out with a state wide vote of  19 votes favoring the resolution and 20 votes opposed to the resolution. This resolution is being submitted again for 2008 and more discussion most likely will  happen in the near future.

Archery:
The Governor has decided to bring back Archery into some schools in New York City.

ATV:
The DEC will not endorse ATV trails inside State Lands.

Art Hall:
He mentioned that it will be interesting to hear the decision made concerning the Washington DC hand gun challenge being heard by the Supreme Court.

John Sipos:
C. Scott Sampson and Tim Noga are being inducted into the Sportsmen’s Hall of Fame.

Finger Lakes Conservation Club:
Ed Mitchell reported that their club is holding the 5th Annual Kids Fishing Derby on Oak Island.  June 28th which coincides with the free fishing day held in NY State.  Last year they had 105 kids attend and they are expecting more this year.  Pre-Registration is required by June 25th, to make sure they have enough poles and tackle for every child.  Ask for donation, the same as last year, $200.00.  Motion made to give them $200.00 Motion carried. 

Finger Lakes Conservation Council:
John Andrews received letter that are dues are $35.00.  Motion made to pay. Motion carried.

Perch Tournaments
The perch master’s classic tournament will be held on April 12th.  For information go to www.perchmasters.com
The Seneca Lake Duck Hunters Club will host the 22nd annual Perch Derby on April 19th and 20th.  For information contact the Seneca Lake Duck Hunters Association, Inc.

Kuneytown Sportsmen’s Clubs:
Kuneytown will be starting their Bull Head Dinners next week.

Adjournment:
Motion made to adjournment.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Wells
Secretary
Seneca County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Inc.

Motions:
Minutes: 1st: Bruce Butler 2nd: John Andrews
Treasurer: 1st: Ed Mitchell 2nd: Tom Grasek
DEC Camp Budget: 1st: Art Hall 2nd: John Sipos
FL Conservation Club: 1st: Ed Mitchell 2nd: John Sipos
FL Conservation Council: 1st: Jack Lowery 2nd: Art Hall
Adjournment: 1st: Tom Mitchell 2nd: John Sipos