585-520-2630 - New York Bowhunters, Inc.

NewYorkBowHunter_NewYorkBowHunter 10/5/15 5:13 PM Page 1
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SUMMER 2016
New York Bowhunters
New York State’s largest bowhunting
organization since 1991
Box 1157, Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 229-7468
e-mail: nyboffice@newyorkbowhunters.com
web: www.newyorkbowhunters.org
www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-Bowhunters-Inc
OFFICERS:
Richard Kirschner, President
President@newyorkbowhunters.com
Al Bottari, Vice President
bluehillhunta@optonline.net
Andrew Cotraccia, 2nd Vice President
Acotraccia@gmail.com
Merritt Compton, Secretary
mcc11@cornell.edu
Jim Beltrami, Treasurer
jbells529@gmail.com
Annie Jacobs, Administrative Secretary
PO Box 1157, Canandaigua, NY 14424
nyboffice@newyorkbowhunters.com
phone/fax (585) 229-7468
Andrew Cotraccia, Editor
NYBFULLDRAW@GMAIL.COM
585-520-2630
Full Draw: Published quarterly by New York
Bowhunters, Inc. Contributions are very welcome and
are requested to be submitted to the editor strictly via
email or on disk. Please include telephone number
with all submissions. Photos may be mailed for scanning or digital. Include a self-addressed, stamped
envelope if photos are to be returned.
THE EDITORS of Full Draw reserve the right
to edit or reject any and all materials which may be
deemed undesirable to NewYork Bowhunters, Inc. or
to the sport of bowhunting.
Electronic files may be sent to:
NYBFULLDRAW@GMAIL.COM
Advertising inquiries:
Andrew Cotraccia, Advertising Editor
(585) 520-2630 • acotraccia@gmail.com
Deadlines for future issues:
Spring: January 1 • Summer: April 1
Fall: July 1 • Winter: October 1
NYB DOES NOT GUARANTEE SATISFACTION
OF ANY ITEMS, HUNTS, OR MERCHANDISE
PURCHASED FROM OUR PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
IN FULL DRAW. PLEASE RESEARCH ITEMS,
HUNTS, ETC. BEFORE YOU BUY.
© 2016 by New York Bowhunters, Inc.
All rights reserved. The use of excerpts is prohibited
without written consent by the President of New York
Bowhunters. NYB is a member of The North American
Bowhunting Coalition - www.nabowhuntingcoalition.com
3
Over the winter NYB had several
meetings with DEC officials. One of our
objectives was for them to lift the “no buck
rule - first two weeks” in the twelve WMUs
where this was imposed. Due to the fact that
bowhunters only account for 15% of the
total deer take, if an increase in antlerless
deer is desired, the bowhunters should not be the ones expected
to be the primary deer management tool. As of this writing,
we are still waiting to hear if our efforts were successful. I’m
sure those of you affected in those zones heard a fair amount
of complaining from fellow bowhunters. If this issue does
get resolved, make sure you let all the complaining non-NYB
bowhunters know that NYB protested from the beginning and
represented their objections. Remind them that NYB’s Board of
Directors (BOD) and several Region Reps spent much of their
time attending meetings in order to rectify this impractical issue,
and then fill out their NYB application and get twenty-five bucks
from them.
As far as the Antler restriction (three on a side) rule: by
now most of you probably know that the DEC has analyzed
their extensive hunter opinion survey and the results have led
them to leave all current policies in effect. Those WMUs that
currently have this in place, shall remain in effect, but there
will not be expansion of that policy into other areas of the
state at this time. The DEC plans to promote voluntary antler
restriction which will include educating hunters to the value
of passing up yearlings. Interestingly, NYB ran our own hunter
survey approximately two years ago and 75% of our respondents
felt the DEC should “Actively promote voluntary antler point
restrictions.” Furthermore, statewide data shows that the NY
hunting community is already taking fewer yearling deer each
year and the DEC hopes they can encourage that trend. This
issue may be revisited in the future but will remain in place for at
least five years.
Several of you have asked, why Full Draw in a digital version
is not offered. This topic has been discussed at great length at
many a BOD meeting, primarily as a means by which we could
save a lot of money. A large portion of your membership dues
goes to the publication and mailing of a hard copy. Here lies the
problem: Currently approximately 70% of you have emails listed
with NYB. That means we would still have to publish several
hundred hard copies of Full Draw for those members not online.
The fewer copies we print, the cost increases. Furthermore, there
is a fairly large percentage of members who would still prefer
to receive a hard copy as they do not desire to read an online
version (I fall into that category too!) Perhaps it might be a
cultural (dare I say age!) thing. Keep in mind that Full Draw is
our primary means of staying in touch with our membership.
Continues on next page
4
SUMMER 2016
We are very proud of what many call the most
quality newsletter / magazine produced strictly by
members in the entire state, if not most of the country.
What other organization has such a product? All the
commercial magazines you subscribe to are laden
with advertising. Their purpose is to make money
for their owners. Your Full Draw contains material
obtained from you. It is edited by members. Not one
contributor or staff member of Full Draw has ever
made a nickel off of it. It is a service you receive that is
unprecedented among all the hunting organizations.
Same goes for Spikes newsletter, also sent out
quarterly. I challenge anyone to produce a similar
quality newsletter aimed at young or new hunters.
Do yourself a favor and sign up for Spikes. You could
give away your copies to some local kid. I guarantee if
you read four issues, you will learn something related
to hunting, or wildlife or the outdoors that you don’t
already know! If not, I’ll give you back your
ten dollars!
NYB’s youth camps are gearing up for their
upcoming season. To date over 1800 kids have gone
through this free program. Offered in five regions (3,
4, 6, 7 & 8) to all NY residents between the ages of
eleven and fifteen. For more info see the ad elsewhere
in this issue or check the website.
A big thank you to all who joined (or renewed)
NYB over the winter, especially at one of the outdoor
sports shows. Those members who are in the booths
give up so much of their time in order to support NYB
and ultimately protect and promote bowhunting. I
can’t thank you new members enough for “giving us
a shot” for a year or two. Although you are welcome
to contact your NYB region representative or any
officer, or the main office and volunteer to help out
NYB at a local event, I only ask you to do one thing;
next year when it comes time to renew, if you decide
not to, please contact me. I promise this will not be a
“pressure to stay” discussion. I would simply want to
know how NYB could better serve the bowhunters of
NY. Your insight will be brought to the attention of the
BOD for discussion.
Thank each and every one of you, for your faithful
support of NYB as we cross over the 25th Anniversary
milestone,
Richard Kirschner - President NYB
New York Bowhunters Inc.
Membership Application
 YEARLY MEMBERSHIP - $25.00
 2 YEAR MEMBERSHIP - $40.00
 3 YEAR MEMBERSHIP - $55.00
 BOOSTER MEMBERSHIP - $30.00
 LIFE MEMBERSHIP - $400.00
 BENEFACTOR MEMBERSHIP - $250.00 (MUST BE A LIFE MEMBER)
 YOUTH MEMBERSHIP - $10.00 (BIRTH DATE REQUIRED)
 YOUTH LIFE MEMBERSHIP - $300.00 (CONVERTS TO ADULT AT 14)
PLEASE PRINT
NAME: _________________________________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________________________________
CITY: ___________________________________________________
ST: ______________________ ZIP: __________________________
PHONE: (
) ________________________________________
COUNTY: _______________________________________________
EMAIL: _________________________________________________
SIGNATURE: _____________________________________________
MEMBERSHIP SPONSOR: ___________________________________
MEMBERSHIP DUES ENCLOSED
ADDITIONAL DONATIONS FOR:
ANTI-CROSSBOW
FUND: _________________
Youth
Camp Fund:___________________
PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED FUND: __________
WOUNDED
WARRIOR
FUND:
YOUTH PROGRAMS:
____________________
TOTAL ENCLOSED: _____________________
MAKE CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO:
NEW YORK BOWHUNTERS, INC.
P.O. BOX 1157
CANANDAIGUA, NY 14424
VISA / MASTERCARD / PAYMENT OPTION
CARD #: ________________________________________________
CARD EXPIRES: __________________________________________
SIGNATURE: ____________________________________________
Vice President’s Report
It is with a heavy heart that I
write this column. My Dad, my hero
ascended into Heaven just a day ago.
He fought a long, miserable, and
inhumane battle against cancer. His
last weeks were the worst of his and
my life. A few days before he passed,
when he could still speak, albeit only able to give one
word answers due to fading inner light, I asked him
about crossbows. My exact question was this: “Daddy,
how do you feel about crossbow?” His one word
answer was: “Bloodsuckers!”
Dad knew that these so-called archery
abominations have no right whatsoever in ANY
archery season. He knew that it was the easy way. He
knew that it was mechanically superior to any handheld or hand-drawn piece of archery tackle. He knew
that the technology was limitless.
Now, Dad was not a bowhunter. He hadn’t hunted
with a bow since he was a young boy traipsing through
the woods in Columbia County. Dad hunted with a
shotgun. For over 50 years he hunted with a shotgun. He
killed many deer from his post. Most of them were killed
by a slug from his shotgun between 20 and 30 yards away.
Here is a gun hunter who gets it. Up close and
personal. You have to work to get that deer down.
SUMMER 2016
5
Nothing fancy with Dad. Just determination,
competency with your implement, and good
woodmanship. He would shoot clay pigeons through
the Summer. And in the Fall we’d run our killing
machine of an English Springer Spaniel, Rocky,
through stubble corn for pheasant and quail. He knew
how to shoot and he also had a respect for the game
he pursued. Never taking a “bad” shot. Never taking a
shot past his or his shotgun’s limitations.
Never killing for the sake of killing. Dad was a
consummate sportsman.
As I watched his downward spiral of fading
existence, I would relive our hunting memories with
him. All of the laughs, all of the food, and all of the
good times we had. Killing game was the goal, but if
years were lean, it did not matter to any of us. It was
the camaraderie that meant more to us. The bonds of
love between us grew each and every year.
Dad loved bourbon, and during his final days,
while he lapsed in and out of lucidity, I would give
some from a spoon or from my finger. I did not want
his taste to be that of pureed carrots or peas. The few
nights, Mom, my sister, and I slept at the hospital to
make sure he was comfortable. Ensuring that he was
pain free, we’d call the nurse to administer a booster
shot of morphine. When he took his last breath, I put
a little bourbon in his mouth and on his lips. I gave
Continues on next page
TUE - 5:00PM est
FRI - 2:00PM est
SUN - 11:30am est
TUE - 9:00am est
FRI - 6:30am est
Sat - 1:30pm est
season 5
LIVE THE WILD LIFE
WITH GUS CONGEMI
6
SUMMER 2016
him a big hug and kissed his forehead as he ascended
into Heaven. He can forever roam the cut corn, the
cow pastures, and the hardwoods on Hudson, trusty
Mossberg slung over his shoulder.
Ti volgio bene assai Papa!
The crossbow Bills are in again. Never satisfied
with what they have, and ignoring the fact that as
technology advances, their “choice” has been getting
further and further away from the “traditional”
crossbow of medieval times. With each new year, it
more and more resembles a sniper’s rifle or something
that special forces would use.
The Bills are A08021 (Gunther)/S05817 (Gallivan)
and A9623 (Gunther)/S7005(Gallivan). These bills
would seek to expand crossbow usage through the
entire archery season and would include upland birds,
small game, and fish. They would remove the 200#
maximum draw weight limitation and 17” minimum
width restriction. They would also allow 12 and 13
year olds to hunt with a crossbow and allow them to
hunt from an elevated platform.
Please contact your Assembly member and Senator
and tell them to vote “NO” on these Bills. Also contact
the Environmental Conservation Chairmen of both the
Assembly and the Senate. They need to hear from you.
May God Bless America and all who protect her,
both home and abroad.
All the best, Al.
}}}}---------------------------------------------------→
a
B
d River Club
a
M unters Fun
h
an
w
z
o
3D Archery Shoot
Help NYB fund its programs by donating or shopping our eBay site,
Help NYB fund its programs by donating or
CAN
shopping
our
eBay
site,
AUCTIONSFORNYB.
ACCEPT ALMOST ANYTHING; aluminum arrows, sights (even
AUCTIONSFORNYB. Items not limited to hunting gear. WE
Items not limited to hunting gear.
CONTACT KATHY
ARMSTRONG
WE CAN ACCEPT
ALMOST
ANYTHING:
585-794-7913 or KATHYARMSTRONG55@ROCHESTER.RR.COM
aluminum arrows, sights (even older ones),
quivers, used compound bows,
camo clothing, etc.
older ones), quivers, used compound bows, camo clothing, etc.
CONTACT KATHY ARMSTRONG
585-794-7913 or
KATHYARMSTRONG55@ROCHESTER.RR.COM
40 Targets - Modified IBO Rules
Sunday, August 28th, 2016
MAD River Club House
County Route 15, Lacona, NY 13083
Shoot is from 8am to 4pm
Registration is 8am to 12pm
Entry Fee is $20
for teens and adults,
Cubs $5
For more information
contact Bill Killam
@ (315) 387-3350
Keeping Kids on Target
TI YOGI BOWMEN
SUMMER 2016
7
By Amanda Kay Fleming
Ti Yogi Bowmen is an Archery club located in
Hyde Park, Dutchess County, New York. Established
in 1955, this historical small, yet progressive club is
home to approximately 60 members. Throughout
the year, Ti Yogi not only sponsors tournaments and
3-D shoots, but also offers a variety of leagues and
opportunities for members and non-members of all
ages. On top of the already long list of year-round
offerings, we also teach an Introduction to Archery
class for adults each month, with the hope to recruit
new Archers, and inspire those individuals to come
to love the sport as we all have.
One of our greatest contributions to the
community, one personally close to my heart, is our
Youth Education program. A program that has been
around for quite some time, yet has increasingly
thrived in the past few years, the Youth Education
program has brought together the members of our
community and their families to enjoy the sport of
Archery. For a small fee of $45, we offer three, six
week sessions throughout the fall, winter and spring.
Since Archery is a sport that most can enjoy, we have
coached a variety of students aged 10-17, including
those with special needs. We find this program to
have a strong and rewarding impact towards the
students, not only teaching them basic Archery
skills, but rewarding them with the confidence and
discipline you gain when becoming a part of a sports
league. Realizing that these children are the future
of Archery, we try our best to make it a fun and
enjoyable time for all.
Our Youth Education classes are held on Monday
and Tuesday evenings. We offer two classes: one
for beginners and less experienced Archers, and
another for our advanced “Seniors.” These one hour
sessions are taught by our USA certified instructors,
Tom Houston and Bob Colton, and all equipment
is initially provided. When the instructors feel as
though the students have reached the advancement
and maturity, we encourage them to test for our
Senior league. by this time the archer must have
his own equipment. The leagues become a friendly
competition between the students, one with the
potential for them to win medals and trophies
for their achievements. At the end of each six
week session, we offer a fun balloon shoot for our
beginning students, and a novelty shoot for our
Seniors. Throughout the years, the novelty shoot has
become a quirky challenge, featuring a variety of
targets including “floating” Ping-Pong balls, moving
targets, and even life-size animal targets.
I began the Youth Education program in the fall
of 2008, when I was a freshman in High School.
Personally, the experience for me was an incredibly
rewarding one, providing me with the skills and
discipline, I at first didn’t think one could achieve
by becoming an Archer. One could say it was an
accident the way I discovered Archery. When I
first saw my 11-year-old sister shoot during her
league night, I looked upon in awe, turned to my
grandparents, and immediately asked “Can I do that,
too?” I soon picked up my pink Genesis compound
bow, and knew I found a new passion in life. I
continued to shoot in the youth league throughout
High School, quickly advancing to the Senior level.
After I graduated out of the league, I continued my
experience at Ti Yogi, by joining the adult league,
taking part in the many tournaments, and even
eventually becoming an assistant coach in the youth
league. The experience of getting to help other young
students who are now in a place I once stood, has
alone been especially rewarding. The incredible
feeling of coaching young children, teaching them
to be patient with themselves and others in order
to grow, is something one can never get enough
of. I can say that becoming an Archer has not only
taught me patience, discipline, and persistence, but
it brought my family and me closer, as it’s a sport we
can all enjoy together.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our Youth
Education program, is the excitement on the parents’
faces, when they’re faced with the eagerness to take
part in the sport as well. Seeing their children take
part in a safe, disciplined and fun environment
while learning a new skill, persuades these adults to
try it out for themselves. This experience is a great
opportunity not only for the club, as we’re constantly
recruiting new members, but for these families,
bringing them closer together through a common
interest. Whether or not you come from generations
of Archers, you heard word from a friend, or your
interest was sparked from the latest blockbuster
movie, Archery is increasingly becoming a
worldwide popular sport, that I encourage you give a
shot! We hope that Ti Yogi, and our Youth Education
program continues to flourish throughout the years
and generations. Here at Ti Yogi Bowmen, we aim to
keep you on target.
8
SUMMER 2016
Spikes needs
your
help!
- NYB Youth
Membership
As you probably know, the earlier a youth is involved
in archery, the stronger their support for the sport will
be. NYB’s Youth Membership, “Spikes”, is available for
only $10/year and includes a quality quarterly
newsletter containing relevant archery and hunting
material. Youths up to age 17 qualify for
membership. We know the future of NYB is in the
hands of our archery youth and a Spikes
membership is a great way to keep them involved. A
membership to NYB Spikes will encourage archery
pursuits all year long. By supplying an interested boy
or girl with a membership, you are not only
encouraging them, you are helping to support
bowhunting in New York.
Can you show up early
to your retirement party?
Robert Ledrich Jr
Vice President - Investments
PIM Portfolio Manager
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845-483-7942
Robert.ledrich@wellsfargoadvisors.com
Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured
NO Bank Guarantee
Each 10-page
10-pagenewsletter
newsletter
is packed
archery
is packed
withwith
archery
and
and
hunting
are
of
hunting
relatedrelated
topics. topics.
Here areHere
some
of some
the articles
the
appeared
in past Newsletters:
that articles
appearedthat
in the
Spikes Newsletters
in 2014;
MAY Lose Value
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is registered broker-dealer and separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo
& Company. ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved 0709-2174 [74039-V1] A1016
Archery Tips
How to Find Antler Sheds
Archery Safety
How to Use Your Watch as a Compass
Basic Compass Reading
Archery Challenges to Improve Accuracy
Double Lung vs Heart Shot
Treestand Safety
Take Your best Shot (shot placement)
How To Age Living Deer in the Field
How Deer Survive the Winter
Post Season Scouting
How To Age Deer by Teeth Wear
Fun Activities for Junior Spikes
•
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Please consider gifting a boy or girl in your circle
of influence with a Spikes membership. You
never know, they just may be a future President
of NYB!
Check. out our website:
www.sportsmanssafaris.co.za
Safari Par Excellence
Come and hunt with the best and enjoy Africa
with Professional Hunter Clive Perkins:
P.O. Box 6 • Ellisras • South Africa
Tel: 011-27-14-7634967
Fax: 011-27-14-7634967
e-mail: clive@sportsmanssafaris.co.za
Send application to: NYB Spikes
PO Box 1157
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Spikes needs your help!
Spikes Name:____________________________________________________________
DOB:___________________ Parent/Sponsor Name:___________________________
As you probably know, the earlier a youth is involved
in archery, the stronger their support for the sport will
be. NYB’s Youth Membership, “Spikes”, is available for
only $10/year and includes a quality quarterly
newsletter containing relevant archery and hunting
material. Youths up to age 17 qualify for
membership. We know the future of NYB is in the
hands of our archery youth and a Spikes
membership is a great way to keep them involved. A
membership to NYB Spikes will encourage archery
pursuits all year long. By supplying an interested boy
or girl with a membership, you are not only
encouraging them, you are helping to support
bowhunting in New York.
Mailing Address:________________________________________________________
City_______________________ State______zip____________ phone______________
email address:________________________ county/region___________________
Each 10-page newsletter is packed with archery and
hunting related topics. Here are some of the articles
that appeared in the Spikes Newsletters in 2014;
Sponsor MAILING address (if different):___________________________________
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Archery Tips
How to Find Antler Sheds
Archery Safety
How to Use Your Watch as a Compass
Basic Compass Reading
Archery Challenges to Improve Accuracy
Double Lung vs Heart Shot
SUMMER 2016
New York Bowhunters Offers FREE Youth Archery Camps
In the fall of
1992, New York
Bowhunters
gave birth to
the idea that
a camp for
young people
could help
recruit new
participants
into the sport
of bowhunting.
Together with
a small group
of New York
State certified
Bowhunter
Education
instructors
and assistance
from the New
York State
Department of
Environmental
Conservation (DEC), a program was developed to bring
young people from all over the State to weekend-long
camps and instruct them in the ways of bowhunting and
archery.
In addition to a complete New York State Bowhunter
Education Course, young people are given instruction on
basic tuning of their equipment and arrow construction
from the raw shaft to the completed arrow. The attendees
are also schooled on the safe use of tree stands, the
difficult art of blood trailing, the effective use of maps
and compasses and the importance of ethical behavior
when afield. Local Environmental Conservation Officers
are often present to talk with the campers.
The NYB Youth Archery Camp program is provided
at no cost to any young person in New York State
between the ages of 11 through 15. To date, NYB has
hosted more than 1800 young people in an effort to
secure the future of bowhunting in New York. Camps
typically run from noon on Friday till noon on Sunday.
All food, lodging, equipment and related materials are
provided by NYB. Experience is not necessary and
equipment will be provided to campers who do not
already have their own gear. Campers who do have their
own archery gear are encouraged to bring it to camp
with them. Campers need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow,
towels and any personal effects. Both male and female
chaperones are present throughout the weekend and we
encourage any parents who would like to attend camp to
do so.
Youths throughout the state can experience many
different aspects of our sport. Activities that may be
covered at camp include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
lots of practice time on the archery range
aerial targets
bowfishing
seminars on turkey hunting
using scents/lures
how to build a bow
and more!
Since camp is for both girls and boys, we
sometimes experience some competition among the
sexes. We typically have from 2-5 girls who attend
each camp and many of these girls turn out to be the
best shots and game trackers in camp. We have also
had campers who were not interested in bowhunting
at all but just wanted to learn about archery.
Whatever a camper’s interest may be, we’ll find a
place for them at camp.
On the last day of camp, campers typically take
their NYS bowhunter certification course, which
will allow them to purchase their NYS bowhunting
license when they reach 12 years of age. Also on
the last day, campers receive nice gifts donated by
NYB and many of the seminar speakers or staff. All
campers receive an NYB Youth Camp T-shirt and
possibly other articles such as hats, compasses etc.
NYB’s youth camp program is put on by the most
dedicated archers in New York who want to see our
great sport passed on to future generations where it
will continue to grow and prosper for all to enjoy.
Region 3 - Camp Dates July 8 - 10 Contact: Harry
Walker (845) 794-6752 or bowbender@hvc.rr.com
Registration deadline June 30.
Region 4 - Camp Dates July 23 & 24 Contact: Ed
Gorch (518) 755-6263 or annaed@mhcable.com
Registration deadline July 15 (note no overnight)
Region 6 - Camp Dates July 22 - 24 Contact: Bill
Snyder (315) 415-0966 or bill4nyb@gmail.com
Registration deadline July 15
Region 7 - Camp Dates July 15 - 17 Contact: Jeff
Stewart (607) 849-6718 or jeff_13045@yahoo.com
Registration deadline June 30
Region 8 - Camp Dates June 24 - 26 Contact: Jody
Ferrara (585) 746-5097 or spoada237@gmail.com
9
10
SUMMER 2016
New York Bowhunter’s Boosters Tell ‘em NYB Inc. sent you!
The Bowhunter Booster Program was started in 1993. We are proud to list the clubs, businesses and individuals who
have become NYB Boosters to date. You can become listed as a Booster for a minimum of $30 per year by marking the
membership application as “Booster” or by calling 585-229-7468.
Jim McSwigin
78 Sunset Trail
Bronx, NY 10465
718-792-8132
Kristie Leigh Farm
182 Maple Avenue
Goshen, NY 10924
845-294-8041
John LaVelle
92 Strawtown Road
New City, NY 10956-6837
845-639-9526
jhl754@aol.com
Region 1:
Genus Logistics
76 Albany Blvd.
Atlantic Beach, NY 11509
matt@genuslogistics.com
Suffolk Archers & Bowhunters
PO Box 8087
Hicksville, NY 11801-8087
516-873-8898
Region 2:
John Jasilli, Esq.
708 3rd Avenue, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017
john@jajasilliesq.com
Pro Line Archery
95-11 101st Avenue
Ozone Park, NY 11416
718-845-9280
Region 3:
Backwoods Bass Guide Service
532 Peekskill Hollow Road
Putnam Valley, NY 10579
Paul Romanych
914-714-0838
fishnfinaddict@hotmail.com
High Woods Sportsmen’s Club
PO Box 93
Saugerties, NY 12477
845-246-4711
North Dutchess Rod & Gun
PO Box 728
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845-846-3711
nrdgc-pres@peoplepc.com
Ti Yogi Bowmen
57 Mill Rd.
Hyde Park, NY 12538
Deborah Houston
845-229-7570
tiyogi.bowmen.com
Wildlife Creations Taxidermy
Studio
3515 Route 82
Millbrook, NY 12545
845-677-6887
Email: brian@wildlifecreates.com
Walter Wissel
116 Cherry Hill Rd.
Carmel, NY 10512
Fox Studios Taxidermy &
Booking Agent
3 Old Postal Road
Cold Springs, NY 10515
845-265-2300
www.foxstudiostaxidermy.com
Region 4:
Wayne Girard
13 Russet Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845-473-3263
Green Island Rod & Gun Club
PO Box 25
Melrose, NY 12121
girodandgunclub@wildblue.net
Armstrong’s Elk Farm
936 Hervey Sunside Road
Cornwallville, NY 12418
518-622-8452
elkfarmerd@aol.com
Tupper Lake Archers
PO Box 752
Tupper Lake, NY 12986
Kathy Tessier
518-359-9715
www.tupperlakearchers.bravehost.com
West Falls Conservation Society, Inc.
Mike Ventre
55 Bridge Street
West Falls, NY 14170
716-652-4650
Middleburgh Rod & Gun Club
PO Box 24
Middleburgh, NY 12122
518-827-8440
mzeh4@nycap.rr.com
Norton Hill Wildlife Club
PO Box 652
Greenville, NY 12083
Phoenicia Fish & Game Club
c/o PO Box 563
Shokan, NY 12481
Lewis Berryan
lberryann@hvc.rr.com
Tri Village Bowhunter’s Club
PO Box 22
Nassau, NY 12123
518-766-4310
jmaczek@nycap.rr.com
Region 6:
Art’s Archery Shop
420 Williams Street
Oneida, NY 13421
315-363-1241
Ferari’s Archery
2243 County Route 42
Carthage, NY 13619
Michael A. Ferari
315-493-2295
mferari@twcny.rr.com
Lillie’s Agway & Archery
7794 Park Ave.
Holland Patent, NY 13354
Ian Brucker
315-865-8105
sales@bowguru.com
Region 7:
AJ’s Archery
3938 Nelson Heights Road
Cazenovia, NY 13035
315-655-2697
ajs@ajsarchery.com
Cortland Field Archers
2472 Stafford Road
Cortland, NY 13045-9708
607-849-6718
Flashing Feathers Bowhunters
258 Jersey Hill Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-277-1543
Knickerbockers Deer
Processing
683 Merrills Creek Road
Marathon, NY 13803
607-849-6580
Wayne-O’s Guide Service
85 Ft. Leazier Rd.
Mexico, NY 13114
Wayne Weber
315-529-3886
wayne@wayneosguideservice.
com
Region 8:
Buckskin Bowmen
2613 Durling Road
Seneca Falls, NY 13148-9713
315-568-5422
Bullzeye Archery
6550 Route 5 & 20
Bloomfield, NY 14469
Rich
585-657-7417
Dave’s Pop-up Scent Canisters
1215 Mosley Rd.
Victor, NY 14564
585-425-7526
delvec98@aol.com
Bill Fox & Son Construction
& Remodeling
9346 South Street Road
LeRoy, NY 14482
585-356-4992
foxfam@frontier.net
Dave Peck
6469 Stone Hill Rd.
Livonia, NY 14487
585-519-2360
Ronald Scardetta, DDS
632 Ridge Road
Webster, NY 14580
585-671-4420
Seneca Lodge, Inc. –
Motel & Restaurant
Watkins Glen State Park
South Entrance
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
607-535-2014
TDC Taxidermy
4159 Retsof Rd.
Piffard, NY 14533
585-519-1490
bulldozer4159@aol.com
Region 9:
Melvin Brand, Jr.
1371 Transit Rd.
Orchard Park, NY 14127
SUMMER 2016
Ike’s In the Wild
37 South Autumn St.
Williamsville, NY 14221
jimbats32@yahoo.com
Kishels Scent & Lurers Dealer
Daryl VerHague
234 Chestnut Street
Fredonia, NY 14063-1604
716-672-6757
Little Ridge Archery
8862 Ridge Road
Gasport, NY 14067
716-772-7753
Cos Cob Archers
PO Box 351
Cos Cob, CT 06807
203-625-9421
www.coscobarchers.com
Ronald Piontkowski
1964 Exchange Street Road
Attica, NY 14011
585-535-7185
pointhunter55@yahoo.com
Out of State:
Richard Jones
19 Fox Hollow Rd.
Pequea, PA 17565
747-284-3914
Hawkeye Bowman, Inc.
13300 Clinton St.
Alden, NY 14004
stickbowreed@earthlink.net
hawkeyebowmen.com
FaceBook: hawkeye bowmen inc.
Get custom NYB merchandise @
www.newyorkbowhunters.com
11
12
SUMMER 2016
REGION REPORTS
We have many new members from Region 3 (as well
as from all other regions and New Jersey) who signed up
at the outdoor show at Rockland Community College
in Suffern, NY. Thank all of you for joining our ranks.
As you read through this and every issue of Full Draw
over the course of the year, you’ll see examples of the
wonderful programs NYB runs. But more importantly,
by being a member you are telling the entire hunting
community, “I recognize all the accomplishments that
NYB has gained for bowhunters over the last twenty-five
years and want to assure I am part of protecting these
hard-fought benefits for the future.” If you would like
to write about a bowhunting experience, or share tips
or photos, the editor is always looking for material. We
signed up over a hundred members during the four days
of the “Suffern” show which could not have been possible
without the help of the following members; Jim Beltrami,
Adam Blakesley, Bob Bogusz, Rafael Bueno, Bob
DiGiacomio, Richard Chizzik, Ed Gorch, Rich Kirschner,
John Lavelle, Greg Masaitis, Jim & Chris McSwigin, John
Moylan, Anthony Picariello, John Polk, Chris Smith,
Harry Walker. And to those of our current members who
annually renew at “Suffern” thank you as well
Region 3 is one of the largest in terms of NYB
members. We’re very proud of that and if any of you
would like to help out at one of the functions that take
place throughout the year here, contact the representative
from that county or the Region Rep and let them know
to put you on their contact list should an event take place.
And remember, you can always call the main office and
Annie will put you in touch with the appropriate contact.
SULLIVAN COUNTY REPORT
Welcome to all the new members who signed up
at the “Suffern Show” in Rockland. Your membership
is very important to us and adds to our voice with the
DEC and Albany legislators. Don’t be afraid to contact
me with any archery-related topics or questions. Contact
information is at the end of this column.
Applications for the annual Archery Youth Camp
being held at the Sullivan County Conservation Club
outside Monticello on July 8, 9, and 10 have been printed
and are available thru me via phone or e-mail. Camp is
for 11 to 16 year olds from Regions 1, 2, and 3.
Catskill Mountain
Archers and the Sullivan County
Longbeards ran a raffle last year and the proceeds went
toward hog hunts for eight veterans. This year CMA is
running a raffle on their own with the proceeds going
to veterans in the veterans’ home or hospital to pay
some of their bills. First and second prizes are bows
and third prize is a muzzleloader. You can call me for
tickets if you would like.
Catskill Mountain Archers is also planning a 3-D
shoot early in June but the date and location are not
decided yet. Call Walt Travis at 845-443-3068 for
information. The Tri County Archers has 3-D’s every
weekend and you can google their organization and get
information on them also.
Hope we saw many of you at the NYB banquet in
May. Last year was great and this year was promising to
be even better with it being our 25th year anniversary.
Harry Walker, Region 3 and Sullivan County Rep.
149 South Shore Drive - Wolf Lake
Wurtsboro, NY 12790
bowbender@hvc.rr.com
845-794-6752
DUTCHESS COUNTY REPORT
We gained several new members over the winter
from Dutchess County, particularly after signing up at
the Outdoor Show at Rockland Community College.
Welcome!! Please drop me an email and introduce
yourself. Although there is not too much going on locally,
I like knowing who our members are.
The NYB website has been updated to include
Dutchess County 3-D shoots. Some are outdoors, some
are indoors, check it out.
Keep em Sharp,
Bob Ledrich, Dutchess County Rep
ledrich@optonline.net
845-266-0615
PUTNAM COUNTY REPORT
Greeting from Putnam County,
First off, it was great meeting so many people at
the Rockland Outdoor Sports show. It was nice seeing
so many new members signing up as well as those
renewing their memberships. The volunteers at NYB
work very hard to preserve the sport that we love. For
less than the cost of a three pack of broadheads you
are supporting an organization that is working hard
for you so you can continue to use those arrow heads.
If you have friends, family or even acquaintances
who are bowhunters and not members give them a
membership as a gift, as we need to continue growing
in size. Without your continued support the early
season woods will soon be filled with “hunters” who
are carrying high-powered rifles and air guns that
shoot bolts instead of a bullet.
A very common conversation theme at the show
was the lack of deer sightings during the hunting
season. It seems that the entire downstate area is
seeing the same thing that I am: nothing, the deer are
gone. The coyote boom may be attributed; however
there is another major factor. Fur prices are at an
all-time low and its not worth the trappers’ time to
run trap lines to keep them in check. The coyote
population is on the rise and will continue unless
measures are taken by the DEC.
On a personal note my African trophies finally
arrived at the taxidermist (Fox Studios) from
Johannesburg. After the whole Cecil thing the only
reputable airline that flies from Africa which is
accepting trophies for shipping is SAA. Luckily I had
a great shipping agent (Genus Logistics) to make
sure they got on a plane and arrived safely. It amazes
me that the other large airlines caved into the “antis”
and will no longer accept trophies for transport. As
a hunting community we need to be aware of these
issues and support the groups and corporations that
support us whether it is local or international. Start by
supporting our advertisers and boosters.
Good luck to anyone who is spending this month
in the turkey woods chasing those thunder chickens.
I for one look forward to this season every year and I
am sure there are a lot more like me who are reading
this publication.
Stay safe and shoot straight,
Richard Chizzik, Putnam County Rep.
Richietix@aol.com
SUMMER 2016
ORANGE COUNTY REPORT
13
Welcome aboard to all of those new members who
signed up at the Rockland Outdoor Expo in Suffern. NYB
greatly appreciates your support!! It was also great to see
current members stop by to renew their memberships.
The show was a great success once again and thanks to
all who take time out of their busy schedules to help run
the booth. NYB will continue to be our voice in Albany
and protect our seasons and rights as bowhunters in New
York.
Tri-County Archers have released their 3-D schedule
for the 2016 season. Please go to www.tricountyarchers.
org for the full schedule. A few dates to note: Father’s Day
Shoot June 19th @ Black Rock Fish and Game Club and
the Annual Josh Decker Shoot to Benefit Local Cancer
Patients September 4th @ the Otisville Sportsmen’s
Association. Come on out and show some support for a
great cause.
A special hello to new NYB member Kevin “Big Blue”
Mcgookin. Hopefully this year will be the year that you
actually eat venison from a deer you harvested!!!! Kevin
joined NYB and doesn’t even own a bow!!! I’m personally
going to make sure he takes a bowhunter education
course this year. A full list of upcoming courses can be
found on the DEC website @ www.dec.ny.gov.
Enjoy the nice weather and shoot straight. Any
thoughts, questions or stories please feel free to contact
me. God Bless America and the men and women who
protect us.
Chris Smith, Orange County Rep.
hosehead54@optonline.net
ROCKLAND COUNTY REPORT
Spring is here...finally. I love seeing certain birds like
robins that show up that remind us what season we are
in. Maybe you got out to look for sheds...maybe you
didn’t. As long as you got outside is what matters.
The Outdoor Show held annually at Rockland
Community College took place again during the past
winter. I know we signed up many new local members.
Welcome to all of you and thank you for your support.
Please shoot me an email and introduce yourself. Once
in a while we have some local events that I like making
sure all of our members are aware of. Hopefully you
attended our annual banquet which this year was held
in Greenville, NY. Curt Wells was our guest speaker…If
you read bowhunter magazine…he recently interviewed
Donald Trump Jr…who happens to be a HUGE
bowhunter…the Trump kids spent their weekends with
their gramps in the NY woods as kids. As uncle warmth
says…nuff said
Continues on next page
14
SUMMER 2016
REGION 3 REPORT - continued from previous page
DEC took a survey regarding state wide antler
restrictions and the public was told that DEC listened.
New leadership at DEC is bringing changes. Let’s hope
Bowhunters do not get the short end of the stick with
these changes. NYB sends out email alerts regarding
important issues that concern bowhunters...I urge
you to act on these alerts and pay attention to current
legislative issues which effect sportsmen and women.
Current politics have been theatrical...I hope everyone is
registered to vote, and they do so.
National hunting and fishing day is on again in
September at Congers Lake Park....watch for updates.
With the nice weather on its way...try to get a kid
involved in the outdoors. Be part of passing it on. If we
don’t do it…who will?
Be safe and God bless our brave men and women of
the armed forces.
Anthony Picariello
Anthony Picariello, Rockland County Rep
adjam5@verizon.net
I know the whole NYB family is grieving after
hearing the sad news of the passing of Al Bottari’s
dad this past March after a long illness, he was truly
a gentleman and all around nice guy, he always had
something funny to say. May God rest his soul and
hold him close… My report will be short. I’d like to
welcome all the new members who decided to step
up and support the largest bowhunting organization
in the state. At the Rockland Sportsman Show this
year, I noticed a lot of younger bowhunters joining
NYB and asking a lot of question about season dates,
three point rule and what changes are coming from
the DEC. It would be nice to think bowhunters are
starting to wake up and become more vocal about the
sport they all seem to love, I can only hope. By the
time you receive this Full Draw our 25 Anniversary
Banquet will be a memory. I’m confident everyone
who attended will be looking forward to coming back
to Sunny Hill Resort year after year. You can’t find a
WESTCHESTER AND
ULSTER COUNTY REPORT
Here’s the good news: As previously mentioned in the
R3 report, this region has a very large NYB membership
and that includes many members in Westchester (a bow
only county) and Ulster. Here’s the bad news: Full Draw
is in need of someone from each of these counties willing
to submit a little information every three months. The
office regularly receives inquiries from members living
in these counties questioning why they never see local
information or news published. The simple answer is we
have no members living there willing to do it. You joined
NYB to give back to our sport, this is another way to do
just a little more. If you would like to at least occasionally
see your county represented and wish to share with other
bowhunters living in your area, please contact me to
discuss.
Rich Kirschner
bowrichny@aol.com
or 914-793-1831.
better place
for a gettogether.
Our next local event
will be our Region 4 Bowhunter
Youth Camp at the Potuck Road & Gun
Club in Earton, Greene Co. on July 23rd and 24th. Call
or email me for info. We will also be setting up a shoot
for children at the Greene Co. Youth Fair again on July
30th and 31st. If you have time to help out please give
me a call. If any member has an event he would like to
post, check our web site for info.
Take Care,
Ed Gorch, Region 4,
Greene Co. Rep.
annaed@mhcable.com 518-634-7149
REGION 5 youth
archery program
…kids are our
future bowhunters…
Region 5 full report on next page
SUMMER 2016
Well the 2016 Tupper Lake Archers Camo to
Camo benefit shoot is now in the books with another
successful day of 3D archery for a great cause.
Shooters from all over the North Country gathered
once again for some fun times and the best way to
kick off the 3D archery season. One of the things that
stood out was the number of young kids that came.
Norfolk Rod and Gun Club showed up with a group of
the best behaved young pee wee and cubs I have ever
seen, not to mention our own here from Tupper Lake.
Speaking of our youth, our members and
volunteers had 45 kids participate in our youth
archery program spending several weeks learning
archery skills as well as having a great time. We as
archers need to understand that these kids are our
future bowhunters and leaders of the sport that we all
love. None of us are getting any younger!
A far as the 2015 deer season, it was by far one
of the worst I have ever seen. Deer seemed to be
nocturnal from the start and with the number of
black bears harvested I can see a real threat to our
herd. Within a 50 mile radius of here there were over
Enjoying your summer? Hope so. If not, you’re
doing something wrong. You’ve already been to the
sports shows. Maybe you have some new gear to help
your hunting prowess. Or you have an out of state trip
planned for hunting season to get that “wall hanger.”
Whatever it is, be sure to stay in shape with practice,
practice, practice. Join a local archery shop league to
get out and shoot your bow every week. Every month
you should be going to a 3D shoot somewhere in NY
State. There is a listing of almost 100 shoots across
NYS on our web page. Surely you can fit some of
those in your schedule. Need someone to go with?
Bring a youth: cousin, nephew, grandkid, or neighbor!
The memory, for you both, will last forever!
In our Region #6, we had our Youth Benefit Shoot
on Sunday, March 20th, at Lillies’ Agway & Archery
Shop in Holland Patent. Congratulations to Nick
Reale and Bill Wilcox who tied for first place with the
highest score of 396 in the Men’s division. Tony Pinto
came in second with a score of 391. Karen Wilcox
had the highest score for the Women with a 375, and
Samantha Chickonoski took second place with a 329.
Andrew Young took 1st place in the Youth division
with a score of 307. Wyatt Carroll took second place
with a 276. Each won a gift certificate to the Archery
Shop, as all proceeds were donated to our Region 6
Youth Camp. Thank you to all who participated this
15
25 bears
harvested.
Hopefully
the mild
winter
will help
increase the
herd and
bring back some of the
great hunting we once had.
Dave McMahon
Region 5
Shoots & Dates:
6/4/-6/5/16: JUNE STUMP SHOOT
6/26/16: EXTREME SHOOT
7/10/16: CHESTERFIELD
7/16-7/17/16: JULY FUN SHOOT
(16th Traditional, 17th All Classes)
7/24/16: FUN SHOOT
8/21/16: CHESTERFIELD
8/27-8/28/16: MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE
9/11/16: WEST CHAZY
year. Be
sure to put
it on your
calendar for next year.
We exhibited at the CNY
Sportsman Show at the Kallet Civic
Center in Oneida in February. It was a great show with
lots of Bow Raffle tickets sold to benefit our Youth
Camp, and some new memberships to increase NYB
ranks. A big thank you to all who participated and
gave of their time to support bowhunting and protect
our rights in NY State.
Yet to come this year in Region 6:
~ July 22, 2016 ~ Our Annual Youth Bowhunting
Camp is scheduled for July 22, 23, & 24, (Fri, Sat,
& Sun)! We currently have 6 confirmed students
registered, with another 12 members signed up, but
who haven’t returned the application. First come, first
served, so get those applications in today! We still
have lots of $5.00 tickets for the BowTech Carbon Icon
Compound Bow package. Contact me so I can send
you a few.
Region 6 continued on next page
16
SUMMER 2016
REGION 6 REPORT - continued from previous page
~ August 19-21, 2016 ~ NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days.
Contact me if you can spend a couple of hours helping
out with our booth.
Are you on Facebook? Be sure to “like” NY
Bowhunters and add them to your friend list. We
are currently trying to expand our social network
on Facebook in an effort to reach all NYB members
and enlist new members. To stay up to date on NYS
Bowhunting, check with us daily on Facebook.
by Jody Ferrara
Well to start off there are some changes in the region for
upcoming events. The Western New York Bowhunters
Festival at Swain Ski Resort has moved its date from
mid September to the end of August. The dates for this
event are August 26, 27, and 28, 2016. And once again
I am asking for some help in manning the booth at
this event. I will have use during this event for those
who come to help. Don’t forget Bullzeye Archery will
be having their customer appreciation day in late
August also.
The other information is that the Region 8 Youth
Camp will occur if it is not occurring as you read
this. There were some members who stepped up to
volunteer as our cooks and some parents of the youth
at camp has also volunteered. As I write this piece we
only have a handful of youth though by June I expect
to have it filled.
Due to some new event in my walk of life I have
not been as diligent with NYB though I try to promote
Thank you to all of our NYB Boosters for their
support of the NY Bowhunters. A better way to thank
them would be for you to visit their shop. If nothing else,
just stop in to say hello—they’ll appreciate it! Support
NYB any way you can and have a great time, too.
Bill Snyder bill4nyb@gmail.com
Region #6 Rep.
3012 Pine Ridge Road Cell #315.415.0966
Canastota, NY 13032
when I can
and I have
not heard
from anyone
lately on what else is going
on in the Region. With my retirement
and as I creep closer to that young age of
full retirement I am going to be stepping down from
this position which I have held for some 10 plus years
and enjoyed doing. I have a bucket list that will take
me on some adventures around the country over the
next year or so to visit old friends and to be with my
brothers of another mother. For this I am asking now
if there is anyone out there who would be willing to
step in and continue this position of Regional Rep. for
NYB? I will continue to run the Youth Camp as long
as there is support from others. Wishing you all well
for the summer and hope to see you at some events.
See you at ETAR.
NYB Officer Merritt Compton’s
6th Grade Science Adventure
NYB Officer Merritt Compton had the unique opportunity to teach a 6th grade science class (11-12 year olds). They
gave him “free rein” so his lesson was on geography, wildlife, conservation, and bowhunting! Had a great time and
the kids were really into it… as you can see!
In Memoriam
SUMMER 2016
A tribute to those we have lost…
In Memory of
Ty Moore
In Memory of
Philip Guarnuccio
Donated by
His NYB Friends
Donated by
David Klein
In Memory of Karl Lockwood
1950 – 2014
DO YOU HAVE A FRIEND OR FAMILY
MEMBER WHO HAS PASSED ON?
The New York Bowhunters’ “In Memoriam”
program offers a unique and meaningful way to
honor and remember a friend or family member
with a $400 gift to NYB.
Donation includes:
Custom plaque applied to an NYB Youth Camp
Genesis bow with the name of the individual
who passed, the deceased’s name is registered in
the “In Memoriam” section of FullDraw, and the
person purchasing the memorial will receive an
appreciation plaque.
For additional information contact: Annie Jacobs
585-229-7468
nyboffice@newyorkbowhunters.com
17
18
SUMMER 2016
Legislative Report
David Kosowski
The New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) implemented new antlerless
hunting rules for the 2015 season. Under the new rule
bowhunters could take only antlerless deer (no bucks)
during the first 15 days of the early archery season in
the twelve management units (WMU’s) of 1C, 3M,
3S, 4J, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8N, 9A and 9F. In addition
hunters could only harvest antlerless deer during the
late bow/muzzleloader season. In part because “this rule
was unpopular with hunters,” the DEC is considering
rescinding these rules for the upcoming 2016 season,
which if implemented, will again allow hunters in these
areas to take deer of either sex throughout the early
bow and late muzzleloader seasons. As predicted
and designed by the DEC, assessment of 2015 harvest
data showed that this antlerless-only rule did not
substantially improve the DEC’s ability to reduce deer
populations. However, the DEC is also stating that an
alternative strategy must be implemented to increase
antlerless harvest in these WMUs. The next stage of
the DEC’s deer plan calls for placing the muzzleloader
in the early archery season. The DEC has also stated
that they are seeking hunter opinion on the best
way to implement this early muzzleloader season or
implement an alternative strategy prior to having it in
place for the 2017 season. Because the DEC deer plan
calls for placing the muzzleloader in the early archery
season, you need to voice your opposition as well as
expressing your opinion on other alternatives.
There are a number of alternatives, that if
implemented jointly, could aid the DEC in meeting
deer management goals.
Alternative #1 - antlerless-only days during the more
productive regular firearms season. The DEC has
stated that they “agree that greater harvest of antlerless
deer might be achieved through an antlerless-only portion
of the regular season.” This is not a new concept as the
DEC used “doe-only days” at the end of the gun season
back in the late 1950’s or early 1960’s. Any hesitation
by the DEC with this option may revolve around the
fact that the DEC wants to use the overpopulated deer
issue as an opportunity to expand muzzleloader hunter
opportunity. The DEC may also fear facing opposition
from firearms hunters, of which bowhunters are a part
of that fraternity. However, the gun season in New York
is one of (if not) the lengthiest in the country and such
an option could easily be incorporated into a portion of
the regular firearms season.
Alternative #2 - use of baited sites during the
hunting seasons. Bait and shoot programs have
been used in the past and are presently being utilized
in urban/suburban areas of New York. It is far more
cost effective and user friendly to allow hunters to
use baited sites versus utilizing highly paid night
sharpshooters. This alternative would be especially
effective in the archery-only areas (Westchester,
Monroe, Albany and Suffolk Counties) where
firearms are not allowed. An article that appeared
in the Journal of Wildlife Management supports this
option. Howard Kilpatrick authored a publication
titled “Use of Bait to Increase Archery Deer Harvest
in an Urban-Suburban Landscape.” The study area
was in the town of Greenwich, Connecticut across
the border from Westchester County, New York. The
article states that “in 2003 in urban-suburban deer
management zones hunting over bait on private land
was legalized to increase harvest opportunities. Most
hunters (98%) using bait believed baiting increased
their chances of shooting deer. The year baiting was
allowed deer harvest rates increased 16.8% in zones
where bait was allowed and increased by only 1.4%
in zones where bait was not allowed.” In addition
“Winterstein (1992) reported that bait played an
important role in the harvest of antlerless deer during
the early archery season in Michigan. Similarly,
hunters using bait in Connecticut harvested 3 times
more antlerless deer than antlered deer.” Kilpatrick
further states that “Because of concerns relating to
wildlife diseases, state wildlife agencies should consider
advantages and disadvantages of using bait as a
management tool and may want to impose restrictions
on the amount of bait used by hunters or methods in
which bait can be placed to avoid distributing large
quantities of supplemental food.” In 2015, seventeen
(35%) of the lower 48 states allowed for the use of
baited sites, including the neighboring states of
Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, and
Pennsylvania. The vast majority of the states allowed
for the use of bait only on private land. States
such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and
Connecticut, that have detected Chronic Wasting
Disease (CWD), have allowed for bait in only those
zones free of the disease. In addition rules have
been designed to limit the potential spread of disease
with regulations that limit the quantity of bait (e.g. 2
gallons), limit the number and distance between sites
(e.g. only 2 sites per 100 yards) and the manner of
bait distribution (e.g. spread over a minimum of 10’ x
10’ foot area).
…if other alternatives are not
adopted, the DEC will place
muzzleloader rifles in the early
archery season…
Alternative #3 - allow hunters the use of unlimited
numbers of antlerless-only deer management
(DMPs) and deer management assistance (DMAPs)
permits in their possession. The DEC has stated
that allowing hunters to use additional tags is not a
limiting factor in taking more deer. However, the
DEC has to realize that they need to get additional
permits into the hands of those hunters who are
willing, able and have the capability to gain access
to private lands. It makes no sense to leave unused
DMPs sit in the licensing agents drawers or DMAPs
in the pockets of landowners when there are hunters
willing to fill more tags. Alone this alternative may
be ineffective, but combined with others, including
eliminating the $10 DMP application fee, it will help
meet management goals.
Alternative #4 - allow hunters to harvest only one
buck per year. The DEC dismissed this option stating
that harvest data indicates that a small minority of
hunters shoot two bucks.
That may be true, but once a hunter shoots a buck,
they may be more willing to harvest a doe if the option
to shoot a 2nd buck is no longer in play. Again, alone
this alternative may be ineffective, but combined with
others it could help meet management goals.
Alternative #5 - implement an earn-a-buck
program. The DEC has stated that “an earn-a-buck
system may be necessary at some point in the future.”
However, the DEC is not embracing this alternative
because as they further state “such a strategy has been
generally unpopular with hunters and entail high
logistical costs to implement and enforce.”
If other alternatives are not adopted, the DEC
will place muzzleloader rifles in the early archery
season. Each member must voice their opinion on the
matter with the DEC by contacting them at:
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation
Bureau of Wildlife
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, New York 12233-8925
e-mail: wildlife@dec.ny.gov
(Subject Line - Deer Hunting Changes for 2017)
SUMMER 2016
19
Senate bill #S7005 and Assembly bill #A9623 have
been introduced with the following language:
• expand crossbow use through the entire archery
season,
• no longer need to purchase a muzzleloading license,
• need to purchase an archery license, which will not
allow for an accurate tracking of crossbow harvest,
• take the bowhunter education class (whether bow
instructors are proficient or not in the unique safety
issues with a crossbow, which will result in a major
decline in bow education instructors),
• will allow 12 and 13 year olds to hunt with a
crossbow with little concern of major safety issues,
• eliminate the current 200 pound maximum draw
weight and 17 inch minimum width requirement,
thus allowing for unlimited draw weights and size
of crossbows,
• permit crossbows within 150 feet of a dwelling,
eliminating the current 250 foot requirement,
• permit bow fishing for carp with a crossbow.
Please voice your opinion with your local state
legislators as well as the chairmen of the
Environmental Conservation Committees at:
Senator Thomas O’Mara
NYS Senate
Room 848
188 State Street
Albany, NY 12247
e-mail: omara@nysenate.state.gov
phone: (518) 455-2091
Assemblyman Steven Englebright
NYS Assembly
Room 621
172 State Street
Albany, NY 12248
e-mail: engles@assembly.state.ny.us
phone: (518) 455-4804
20
SUMMER 2016
d River Club
a
M rchery Sh
oo
A
t
3D
40 Targets - Modified IBO Rules
Saturday and Sunday, July 30th & 31st, 2016
Vendors Welcome at
Sportsman’s Swap Meet
MAD River Club House
County Route 15, Lacona, NY 13083
Fish Fry Friday, July 29th • 5pm to 7pm
Meals & Fun • Open to the Public
50/50 Drawings both days, Raffles & Drawings each day
Registration Saturday, July 30th & Sunday, July 31st from 8am to 10am
Shoot both days for an entry fee of $20 for teens and adults - Cubs $5
Dry camping available on-site.
For more information contact Bill Killam @ (315) 387-3350
(207) 267-0884
PO Box 251, Patten, ME 04765
Email: info@bowlincamps.com
www.bowlincamps.com
Bird, Deer, & Bear Hunts, Landlocked Salmon, Small-mouth Bass Fishing
Remotely situated on the East Branch of the Penobscot River
Four Season, Year Round Lodge and Cabins
A Maine Tradition Since 1895
SUMMER 2016
21
22
SUMMER 2016
On The Year That Was by Willem Frost • www.matlabas.co.za
The past year was certainly not one without its
challenges. The West African Ebola scare has come and
gone, the anti-hunting fraternity made more noise than
ever, the El Niño effect in the Pacific has caused a serious
drought in southern Africa, the hunting industry and the
game breeders are still arguing over intensive breeding for
specific morphological characteristics, and new record
prices for top quality animals are still being achieved. In
general terms though, the wildlife industry is doing quite
well despite concern over the rest of the economy. This
year we have given our bow hunting blinds some rest and
have done a bit more rifle hunting than before. Next year
we will be back with our usual focus on the bow and we
expect much action at the waterholes, especially in view of
the climatic conditions. We enclose a few pictures taken
during the 2015 season.
During the past year we have seen an intensified
attack on our right to utilize our wildlife resources in
a sustainable manner. The anti-hunting community
has now become a serious threat to Africa’s wildlife.
The hunting of Cecil the lion and the anti-hunting film
“Blood Lions” have provided the antis with much needed
momentum for their heinous campaigns. Not surprisingly
they have nothing to say about the real causes for the
decline in Africa’s wildlife numbers: growing human
populations; loss of habitat to agricultural and urban
development; increasing numbers of cattle, donkeys,
camels and goats; deforestation; poaching; the bushmeat
trade; poor management of existing conservation areas;
corruption amongst the politicians, bureaucrats, military,
police and conservation officers; etc. This year hunting
became outlawed in Botswana, a country with a huge
surplus of elephants. One estimate puts the surplus at
70,000 elephants. Now, elephants are extremely destructive
animals. The Limpopo Valley in South Africa is now
also feeling the consequences of the overpopulation as
elephants are streaming across the Limpopo in search
for food. The consequent destruction of the Limpopo’s
riverine bush has become a major conservation issue. The
only solution would be to shoot the elephant, but whether
the politicians will have the guts to allow this remains to
be seen.
Following the Cecil incident, the antis had a lot to say
about the ‘endangered’ status of lions. Fact is, however,
that lions are NOT endangered. The IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species gives their status as ‘Vulnerable’ only.
It would be considered ‘Endangered’ if numbers were
to decline by at least 50% over three lion generations.
A report just recently released by an international
research team from several universities and conservation
authorities, found that
(i) Lion populations are declining everywhere except
in four Southern African countries, namely South
Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The
reasons given for the decline in lion numbers
north of the Zambezi river are: widespread
habitat loss, extensive prey base depletion,
indiscriminate retaliatory or pre-emptive killing
to protect humans and their livestock, demand
for traditional African and Chinese medicines,
and poorly regulated hunting. Lion populations in
West, Central and East Africa are likely to suffer a
projected 50% decline over the next two decades,
whereas lion populations are increasing only in
southern Africa.
(ii) Africa’s total lion population is estimated at
between 32,000 and 38,000.
(iii) All West African populations, other than Pendjari,
are declining. The same is found in East Africa
except the Serengeti population.
(iv) South Africa is the only country where all subpopulations are growing and the country is now
considering downlisting its lions from ‘Vulnerable’
status to ‘No concern’.
(v) Many lion populations are now either gone or
expected to disappear within the next few decades
to the extent that intensively managed populations
in southern Africa may soon supersede the iconic
savannah landscapes in East Africa as the most
successful sites for lion conservation.
Lion conservation is clearly a far more complex matter
than what the antis make it out to be. It is noteworthy that
lions (as well as the lion prey base) are doing best in those
countries that offer sport hunting. The recently released
film “Blood lions” calls for the banning of all captive bred
lions in intensive systems. Such a step will, however, do
nothing for lion conservation and will bring about only
further pressure on the remaining wild populations.
Having said this, though, we are not in favour of
canned hunting as the ethics and sportsmanship can be
questionable.
See photos on next page…
SUMMER 2016
Chuck Arney Waterbuck
NEEDED
PHOTOS &
ARTICLES FOR
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ISSUES OF
“FULL DRAW”
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of Full Draw
want your
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and stories!
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