Minutes from Schoharie County Conservation Association Meeting held at the Middleburgh Rod & Gun Club On August 28, 2003

* -Fellow Sportsmen & Sportswomen- Ray Zeh called the meeting to order with a salute to the American flag. Present were representatives from: Conesville, Middleburgh, and West Fulton Rod & Gun Clubs; Central Bridge and Richmondville Fish and Game Clubs, Trout Unlimited, SUNY Fish & Wildlife Club, and Whitetails Unlimited. Treasure’s Report – The monthly budget was discussed, reviewing the expenses and receipts. A motion to accept was made and then passed. Secretary’s Minutes – Inquires or questions concerning the minutes were asked for, with none being made. A motion was made to accept and was then passed. Guest Speakers: Pete Scalici, John Osinski and Steve Coonradt – Mr Coonradt is an environmental scientist who control the fish stocking at the New York Power Authority Reservoirs (Upper & Lower) in the towns of Blenheim & Gilboa. He indicated that they do stock trout in both waters along with stocking some into the Schoharie Creek by the spillway of the lower reservoir. He also is seeking information from local sportsmen on fish caught in the area. Mr. Scalici, the Deputy Inspector General, responsible for security for all New York Power Authority Sites stated that the boat launch is closed for the lower reservoir and the only fishing allowed is from shore for both reservoirs. Mr. Osinski is one of the Archery Educational Officers who certifies archers so they can apply for the hunting lottery offered to archery hunters to hunt on Power Authority lands. The applications are out and the drawing will be held on September 23. Gust Speaker: Keith Isles – Mr. Isles is an Environmental Conservation Officer assigned to Region 4 and is also a member of the K9 unit. He informed us that the state is looking to run another academy to graduate a new round of officers. The EnCon officers are currently on shift work, which greatly limits their effectiveness in serving the people and the environment. This past spring turkey season many of them were assigned to work a shift after noon. This doesn’t prove to be very effective when the spring turkey season ends a noon. They are not free to work the hours that need to be worked to do the best job possible; they need to be able to be flexible. New York State Conservation Council: Currently we have a 2003 membership drive push. If you are not a member please visit our website at: http: www.nyscc.com to join. If you are a member please encourage others to sign up. These memberships would also make excellent gifts for friends and relatives – boys & girls. The cost is $25 for Guardian, $60 for Defender and $250 for Life Membership. This includes a monthly newsletter with your membership. Any Clubs that are interested in getting permits to hunt watershed lands should contact Jennifer A. Cairo, NYCDEP at (845-340-7517) or e-mail jcairo@dep.nyc.gov. Representative Ed Zamjohn (234-2098) Ed reported on the Trailblazer Adventure Program coming to New York for the first time. The U.S. Sportsman’s Alliance Foundation invites Boy Scouts and their families to join the fun at Thompson Lake State Park, on October 18. Families will be involved in a range of outdoors activities and can sign up to participate in the Trail Master mentoring program. Through Trail Master, they will work one-on-one with a local sportsman who can teach them the ropes of outdoor sports. Upon completion of the Trail Master Program, Scouts will be honored with a Trail Master Patch at next year’s Trailblazer Adventure Day. Volunteers are needed for the program to assist the young trailblazers in the archery program. The point of contact for the event is Frank Price at (614) 888-4868 ext: 202 and web site address is http://www.trailblazeradventure.org Fish & Wildlife Management Board – The meeting was held on Wednesday, August 27th at the Middleburgh Diner. Representatives Dave Wood (landowner) & Mike Zeh (Sportsmen) for Schoharie County were in attendance. They were informed about Steve Lawrence, the new fish manager for the DEC Region 4 –Stamford office. The venison donation program was also discussed. There are currently only five (5) counties that are not participating. This year a muzzleloader is being donated for a drawing, which will be held from all those individuals in Schoharie County that donate venison to the program. There will be no otter-trapping season in the northern zone this year because of low population numbers. They were also informed that no ATV’s are allowed on public lands in Region 4 unless posted for ATV use. NYSCC ALERT YOU DID IT!!! Bill S2725A, called the "canned shoots" bill was delivered to the Governor's Office on August 14, 2003 for signature after being passed by both houses, and the Governor…vetoed the bill. Bill S1977A, the “blaze orange” bill was delivered to the governor for signature as well and it was…vetoed as well. Bill S1068A- Provides that traps set for the taking of wildlife shall bear information that the department of environmental conservation determines is necessary Last Act: 09/09/03 VETOED MEMO.136 This bill was supported by NYS Conservation Council. Everyone who contacted the governor’s office in regards to these bills should be proud of their work and Thank You All WILL YOU BE MAKING THE CALL AGAIN NEXT TIME Montana Deer Tests Positive For Bubonic Plague A mule deer found near Montana's Big Hole River was diagnosed with bubonic plague, state officials announced last week. Officials say the discovery should make hunters take precautions, but shouldn't alter their hunting plans this fall. Bubonic plague can be passed from animals to humans through direct contact with infected blood or tissue. Human-to-human spread of the disease, however, is extremely uncommon. The infected mule deer was discovered by two state veterinarians in late July. The animal was congested, breathing rapidly and in very poor condition. It was killed and tissue samples were sent for testing. Colorado Goes High-Tech In Fight Against CWD Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) officials have begun using personal digital assistants (PDA) to record tissue sample information from deer and elk heads submitted for chronic wasting disease (CWD) tests. In related news, researchers have shifted to excrement and saliva in an attempt to determine how CWD is spread among deer and elk. For more information, visit www.huntingclub.com. Middleburgh Rod & Gun Club – The youth archery banquet was held on Wednesday Night, August 27 with trophies/awards being handed out. They had 30 to 40 children of all ages participating throughout the program. John Bloomer and Linda Rivenburg are running Trap Shooting on Friday nights. December 2003 Raffle tickets are available and you can call Bob Britton at 827-7024 for tickets or more information. The Rod & Gun Club has a new Internet website: http://www.middleburghrg.com and we need help with information to update this website. Call John Osisinki 827-5429 or Pete Lucas 827-7620. Central Bridge Fish and Game Club – Skeet shoots every Sunday morning, starting around 10:00 am. There is also shooting on Monday nights and Wednesday nights. Meetings are held the 1st Friday of each month. West Fulton Rod & Gun Club – Meetings are held every month on the 1st Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. The Tim Murphy Run is schedule for the Columbus Day weekend October 11. All members and others who wish are encouraged to lend a helping hand. The Big Buck Contest will be on again this year. SUNY Cobleskill Fish and Wildlife Club – The club is planning a lot for the year to come. One activity, which is being considered, is a club fishing trip. The wildlife club is raffling off an ATV to raise some money for the year’s expenses. Trouts Unlimited – Reported that students from SUNY Cobleskill would continue looking at the Upper Catskill Creek. Various things were being examined, with possible improvement projects to follow. Whitetails Unlimited – The annual banquet and Live/Silent auctions were held at the Best Western in Cobleskill on September 21. The banquet and auction were both enjoyed by all in attendance and a great success for the club. NRA BANQUET Foothills Friends of the NRA are having a banquet on October 1st 6:00 to 10:30 PM at the Johnstown Holiday Inn. For $25 tickets & information please call Dick Bumpus 518-725-1927 (address) 257 Co. HWY #154 Gloversville, N.Y. 12078 or Fred Maderic 518-762-4483. Pheasant stocking is about to begin for the year. The first stocking in Schoharie County will be Thursday, Sept. 25th. The meeting place is Taylor's Mobil-Mart on NYS Route 7 in Richmondville at 12:30. A total of twenty-four (24) boxes of birds will be released. More stockings will be occurring throughout the season, look for announcements weekly. Land has been found between Esperence and Sloansville for a boat launch. The areas are being reviewed currently. The Wildlife Festival is being held at the Power Authority on Saturday, September 27. Everyone is encouraged to bring family and friends to participate and enjoy the day.