National Hunting and Fishing Day

Thanks to a recommendation from Congressman Jack Kemp in 1971, President Richard Nixon was the first to recognize hunters and anglers for their contributions to wildlife conservation and management. This special day promotes outdoor recreational sports and fish/wildlife conservation efforts, with a key focus on preserving natural habitats. Many conservation organizations across the country host special events and activities on NHF Day to educate the public about the importance and benefits of hunting and fishing and their role in wildlife conservation. Not to mention recreational fun and supporting the local economy.

Also, on this special day for recognition, New York state offers free fishing to all residents and non-residents. No fishing license is needed, no matter your age. If you’re new to fishing, don’t worry, the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen is here to help. They’re offering a free fishing clinic at the Elma Conservation Club from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at 600 Creek Road in Elma. This clinic is designed to teach beginners the basics of fishing, from setting up your gear to catching your first fish. It’s a great way to get started and join in the fun!

In Chautauqua County, the Hanover Fish and Game Club is offering its annual three-bird Fall Fun Shoot. It’s open to the public. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and the first clay bird shots start at 9 a.m. The club is located in Forestville at 780 Overhiser Road.

Related to NHF Day, New York also offers youth waterfowl hunting days in all upstate zones this weekend. DEC established youth waterfowl days in 1996. This special two-day hunt before the regular season in each waterfowl hunting zone provides young waterfowl hunters (ages 12-15) the opportunity to spend time afield with an experienced adult hunter pursuing ducks, geese and brant. Daily bag limits are equal to the maximum daily bag limit during the regular season. Junior hunters must be fully licensed and registered with HIP (a federal duck stamp is not required for 12-15 year-olds). The junior hunter must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter (including current HIP registration and duck stamp) in accordance with all New York state regulations. Only the junior hunter may take birds on these days unless the respective regular season is open.

Jerry Gorski joins to help the Messenger Woods Wildlife Care and Education Center at the Elma Conservation Club during National Hunting Day events, sharing details about birds of prey and wildlife rehabilitation.
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher

In the recent Southtowns Walleye Association of WNY Inc., one-day Lake Erie walleye tournament held last Saturday, Sep. 21, the club registered 68 entrants. The weigh-in was held at the STWA clubhouse at 5895 Southwestern Blvd., in Hamburg, from noon-2 p.m. The tournament allowed contestants to fish the U.S. waters of Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River. With a three-fish bag weigh-in, standard for many of the Lake Erie walleye tournaments, Jason Kenyon of West Valley took first place with 21.36 pounds. Second place was Craig Rejman with 20.16 pounds; third was Blake Casper with 18.30 pounds; John Woelfe was fourth with 18.08 pounds; Jeff Ebert, fifth with 17.86 pounds; Jeremy Shineburger was sixth with 17.82 pounds; seventh and last place for payouts was Corey Nati with 16.96 pounds. Most of the fish were taken in the offshore waters between Sunset Bay and Dunkirk, in 75 to 100 foot depths, using lead core line, diving planes and downriggers to present stickbaits and spinner/worm rigs. Tournament chair Paul Sanchez was very busy at the weigh-in.

“We had a lot of fish caught today, and we want to thank everyone who entered the tournament,” said President Jim Skoczylas. “This event keeps growing every year; next year, let’s try for 100 registrants.”

It’s this sense of community and shared passion that makes these events so special.

Next week, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, the world of hunting in Western New York begins in earnest. Several seasons are open to hunting that day, including the New York State small game seasons open for cottontail rabbit, ruffed grouse and coyote. The most popular, perhaps, is the opening day of the New York State Southern Zone early big game archery season that runs Oct. 1 through Nov. 15. Each big game hunting day is open from 30 minutes before sunrise through 30 minutes after sunset. Bowhunters may use a crossbow during the last 14 days of the Southern Zone bow season (Nov. 2-15). The crossbow season is open to bowhunters with a muzzleloader privilege and a crossbow qualification certificate as required by New York state law (see the Crossbow Hunting webpage on the NYSDEC website for details). New York still has those silly rules on length, width and draw weight for crossbows. See the website for the specifics. The early hunting season is a thrilling opportunity for hunters to kick off the season with anticipation and excitement.

“DEC’s early big game seasons are designed to manage deer and bear populations at levels that are in balance with available habitat and in alignment with hunter and New Yorkers’ recreational preferences,” said Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “By participating in these early big game seasons, hunters not only help manage wildlife populations, but they also get an early start on filling their freezers with sustainably sourced meat while enjoying additional time outdoors with family and friends.”

Next week, join me in welcoming several outdoor media communicators to Chautauqua County for a chance to visit our Chautauqua Lake and Lake Erie fishery scene. They are Jeff Frischkorn and James Proffitt from Ohio, Mike Joyner and Dave Figura from central and eastern New York, and Mike Schoonveld from Indiana. Their outdoor reporting helps our hotel bed tax coffers and local economy for visitors into the future. You’ll find their reporting in such publications as the NY Outdoor News, Ohio Outdoor News, Great Lakes Fisherman, and In-Fisherman.

Don’t miss out on these exciting opportunities to celebrate the outdoors and contribute to wildlife conservation. Invite your friends and family, and join in to make this National Hunting and Fishing Day a memorable one.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Sept. 28: NYS Bowhunter Ed Course, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free. Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Info: 716-366-3397.

Sept. 28: National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration

Sept. 28: Free Fishing Day in New York state; residents and non-residents.

Sept. 28: Hanover Fish & Game, three-bird fall fun shoot, Registration 8 a.m., Shooting begins 9 a.m.; 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville. Open to public.

Sept. 28-29: Western Zone youth waterfowl hunt, junior hunters 12-15 years, must be w/mentor; visit https://dec.ny.gov.

Oct. 1: Special early big game season (archery) begins in Southern Zone.

Oct. 1: New York State small game season opens for cottontail rabbit, ruffed grouse and coyote.

Oct. 1: Zoar Valley Public Education (Logging Plan), 6:30 p.m., Crane Branch Library, 633 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo; 716-903-5524.

Oct. 1: Final Day to apply for deer management permits. Leftovers available Nov. 1 at clerk’s office.