The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame proudly announces that its class of inductees for 2013 will include seven members. They will be honored at the annual banquet April 27 in Canastota.
One that many visitors to the Central Adirondacks will be familiar with is Greg O’Hara of Inlet. Greg O’Hara, a licensed NYS guide, has been involved in search and rescue in the Adirondacks for many years. In 2003 he founded CASART (Central Adirondack Search and Rescue Team) which involved recruiting volunteers, fund raising efforts to provide necessary equipment, and training in many skills necessary for this mission.
In the past 10 years they have been involved in nearly 40 missions. Forest Rangers knew that they could always count on Greg for assistance and have utilized CASART in many areas of the Adirondacks. They have conducted joint training sessions with the DEC for new members, including basic wilderness search skills, orientation, radio operation, incident command system, wilderness survival and many hands-on scenario trainings
Greg has been a licensed hiking and camping guide for over 20 years and has developed courses to help other guides in their business. He presented the “Hug a Tree” program to many grade school children and has presented many seminars on his “Hiking Safely” program to schools, camps, and the visitors to the Adirondacks. For many years he has helped people safely enjoy the Adirondacks and for those who have not been as fortunate, Greg O’Hara and CASART have been there.
Others include Larry Becker of Gainseville is a longtime member of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) who served in various capacities, including president of the NYS Chapter of NWTF and a member of the NWTF Pro Staff. Through the years he has actively worked with youngsters in hunting and conservation.
Chuck Booker of West Amherst is a man whose love of fishing has led him to introduce others to success and spend his lifetime helping conservation causes. He spent eight years raising awareness and over $100,000 to the Town of Andover Wetlands Restoration Project. His volunteer efforts include the Pen Rearing Project for salmon at Olcott and offering fishing trips for many fund raising activities.
Diane Maciejewski from Elma has been active in Erie County sportsman’s organizations, particularly Trout Unlimited, for 25 years. She has served the Western NY Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) as secretary, president and delegate for 24 years and has worked tirelessly in many roles including fund-raising, stream improvement and teaching fly casting.
Frank Miskey, Sr. of Elma has been involved as a hunter safety instructor for 35 years and served as hunter education coordinator. He has brought Project Childsafe to Erie County and been responsible for the distribution of thousands of gunlocks free of charge
Stan Pascoo of West Nyack has been teaching hunter education courses for many years and has continually worked to open public lands to hunting in the Rockland County region. He has been instrumental in aiding the Wounded Warrior program and was the person most instrumental in bringing the venison donation program to the lower Hudson Valley.
Art Segool from Orchard Park is a certified instructor in hunter education who teaches several classes in hunter safety, archery, and trapping education each year. At Camp Hickory Hill in Western New York he teaches hunter safety and ran the rifle range, shotgun and BB gun shooting programs there
The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to honoring sportsmen who have made significant achievements in outdoors-related fields. More importantly, they are recognized for their long-time service in preserving our outdoor heritage and helping others experience it. The NYSOHOF is also involved in programs such as kids fishing clinics, youth hunts, seminars, and similar activities.
The annual banquet and induction will involve sportsmen and organizations from all across New York State. It will be held April 27 at the Rusty Rail in Canastota with registration and social hour beginning at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Guests and interested parties are welcome. For information or reservations call 363-3896 or 829-3588. RSVP by April 20.
SHORT CASTS
RV& CAMPING SHOW: The 43rd Annual Central New York RV and Camping Show will be held at the NYS State Fairgrounds this weekend. It will be located at the Center of Progress of Building and two other buildings with free shuttle service between. It will feature new and used campers and RVs, parts and accessories, campgrounds, and destinations.
Hours are today noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Today is bonus day with half price admission. Kids under 16 are free all weekend. See www.cnyrvshow.com for more information.
MEETINGS REGARDING LICENSE PROPOSALS: Governor Cuomo has proposed to change NY’s Hunting and Fishing Licenses. The proposal reduces the number of licenses from 17 to 7, and reduces costs for most license categories.
In an effort to inform the public about the proposal, DEC will be holding meetings around the state during the next two weeks. There will be a meeting in Utica tonight, February 28, from 7-9 p.m., in Room A and B, on the first floor of the Utica State Office Building, at 207 Genesee Street. There will be another meeting in Utica at the same location and time on Wednesday, March 6.
BASS PRO SHOPS COMING TO UTICA: Earlier this week Bass Pro Shops announced that they will be coming to Utica in 2013. Area sportsmen greeted the news with enthusiasm. The popular outdoor retailer will open its second New York State store at the Riverside Mall location late in 2013.
SPORTSMAN EDUCATION CLASS: There will be a Hunter Safety Class at the Vernon Rod and Gun Club, 4313 Route 31 on March 23 and 24. You must pre-register at the Eastern Crown Products Building at the Corner of Peterboro and Youngs Road in Vernon Monday – Friday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. or Saturdays 8 a.m. until noon.
NY SAFE ACT 2013: There are many questions regarding the NYS laws enacted Jan. 15. The laws affected many things and the original document is 73 pages. Some of the news articles created erroneous impressions in their condensed versions.
In an effort to help the public, a web site and hotline have been established by NYS to answer all questions about the SAFE (Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement) Act. The web site (www.nysafeact.com) attempts to explain in more detail and give timelines for various aspects to take effect. It will also have a section of frequently asked questions and answers.
The NY State police have also established a hotline: 1855-LAW GUNS (1-855-529-4867). It will be available Monday through Friday staffed by state police.