Erie County Federation of Sportsmen`s Clubs ECFSC June 2015

Rich Davenport, 2015 ECFSC Recording Secretary
Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs
ECFSC June 2015 General Meeting Minutes
Date: June 25, 2015
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Hamburg Rod & Gun, Hamburg, NY
Meeting called to order – 7:07 p.m.
Pledge to Flag
Roll call – Officers and Directors: Excused: Joe McAdams, Larry Jones, Rich
Davenport, Frank Miskey Sr., Steve Aldstadt
Quorum of member clubs – Present:
YES
Guests: Troop 59, Scoutmasters Don
Lombardo (right), Wayne Dieter (left),
restored 5-station sporting clays trailer
run by Boy Scouts for rent at your club
or any facility. Received a tour of this
device that was originally manufactured
by the NRA and has been restored to
near new condition by this energetic Boy
Scout group. Donations are needed and
appreciated to maintain operations.
Motion by Jeff Jondle for donation of
$250, 2nd by Hope Melnyk, unanimous
approval.
Approval of previous month’s minutes
Motion to approve - Minutes not yet
posted. TBD
Membership report – Antoinette Grote:
42 clubs have paid their dues, 9 clubs
are still unpaid for 2015.
Treasurer’s report – Rose Barus
Formal 2-page written report of all account activity and balances have been e-mailed to
the officers and directors.
Motion to approve – Dave Wharton, 2nd Debbie Godfrey
Correspondence report – Dave Barus
Dave announced that he and Rose Barus will allow their officer terms to expire and not
run for re-election at the end of December, 2015. Requested that nominating committee
consider requesting members to consider filling the position of Corresponding Secretary
and Treasurer, as well as the Fish Committee Chairman. Rose Barus said she would be
willing to train someone in the next 6 months as co-treasurer to learn the easy-to-use
software (Quicken) that we use to keep the ECFS books. Chuck requested that we form a
multiple person Fish Committee for fishing program event planning into the future. Tom
Fischer volunteered to be a part of that committee.
Letters received:
1) Crow’s Nest with $200 donation to be used for ECFS Youth Fishing Programs
2) East Aurora Moose Lodge 370 thank you letter for our donation of 6
rods/reels/tackle for their youth fishing tournament held on May 30, 2015
Letters Sent:
1) Thank you letter to Crow’s Nest
2) Thank you letter to Erie County Conservation Society for hosting the last meeting
See attachments for copies of letters.
President’s Report – Chuck Godfrey
1) State Police Foil request response written. see attachments for copy of letter.
2) Sent letter requesting that micro-bead products to EC legislator Patrick Burke
with copies to Mark Poloncarz - county executive, John Mills - majority leader,
Betty Jean Grant - minority leader, regarding letter that ECFS supported sending
at last meeting in May.
3) EC Fair coming up August 12-23. New hours this year, starting at 9AM and
running thru 10PM each day except first day, August 12, which is 12 noon thru
10PM.
Next meetings;
Date
7/23/2015
-
BM
Time
6:30
-
GM
Time
7:00
Location
Gen Meet
August
Niagara River Station, Grand Island, NY
No Meeting
9/10/2015
-
6:30
-
7:00
Gen Meet
Springville Field & Stream, Springville, NY
10/8/2015
-
6:30
-
7:00
Gen Meet
Hawkeye Bowmen, Marilla, NY
11/12/2015
-
6:30
-
7:00
Gen Meet
TBD
12/10/2015
-
6:30
-
7:00
Gen Meet
Bison City Rod & Gun, Buffalo, NY
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SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Nominations – Paul Stoos
Looking for nominations for President, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Nominating
Committee Chairman, Fish Committee Chairman, Big Game Committee Chairman and
FWMB Representative.
Awards – Frank Miskey Sr. N/A
Banquet – Frank Miskey, Jr. N/A
Fund Raising – Larry Jones N/A
Educational Opportunities – Chuck Godfrey
1) Have received thank you letters from the last 3 recipients
2) Dve Barus reported that East Aurora Fish and Game will sponsor their 15th annual
NRA Youth Sportsfest at their club location on Luther Road in East Aurora on
July 25th for kids aged 12 to 18. Only 75 spaces are available, call Dr. Conrad
Boyle to register. Kids will learn about how to reload a shotgun, then shoot trap,
skeet, small bore rifle, black powder, long bow, recurve bow, crossbow and learn
about dog training. To register and find out more information, contact Dr. Conrad
Boyle at 716-652-0229.
FWMB - Paul Stoos
1) No news, all old business rehashed
Shows – Dave Wharton
1) Erie County Fair- Chuck has schedule
2) Dan Tone mentioned that new fish tanks are installed and are functional in the
Conservation Building for this year and they look real good. So lve fish will be
returned to the fair this year.
National Hunting and Fishing day – Rich Davenport
1) Meeting held last week at Smokey Bones, Event will be held last Saturday in
September at Elma Conservation Club. Dave and Rose will be in Minnetonka,
MN during this event and wil notn be able to participate.
2) Next meeting for ECFS on Friday, July 29, 7PM, meet at, Smokey Bones parking
lot near Cabela’s
3) Tom Fischer and Chuck Godfrey shared that the 42 year heritage NHF Day that
was held in Region 8 in Avon, has been cancelled by the Region 8 NYSDEC
office. The Region 8 director is not a particularly big fan of hunting and the
Region 8 wildlife resources director, a woman, is a proponent of anti-hunting.
The Region 8 NHF Day is being considered to be held by the Livingston County
Federation at a private club in Region 8.More later.
WNY Environmental Federation – Dan Tone
1) Rich Davenport has minutes to be published.
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2) Question on the floor from Tony Gonello regarding use of crossbow for 12 yr
olds. DEC not opposed, but requires legislator hold up in Assembly with
Sweeney and New York Bowhunters support.
3) John Susz reminds us that this WNFEF next meeting is Sep. 13 at Hoaks, agenda
includes election of officers.
Youth Lifetime License – Chuck Godfrey
1) Raffle tickets for same $5 ea or 3 for $10. Heavy prize list.
2) Drawing to be held at Bison City in December
Budget and Finance – Rose Barus – (motion to pay bills)
1) Motion to approve - no bills to pay currently, reimbursements to pay for usual
expenses related to ECFS events with receipt provided do not require a vote.
Website – Joe McAdams - eriectyfsc.org
1) Website has been redesigned by Joe and the format is warm and complete.
2) Joe McAdam requested historical pictures from previous ECFS events be sent to
him for posting on the new ECFS website.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Law enforcement – Jeff Jondle
1) Not too much this month. New Region 9 Lieutenant is Bruce Hummel, now has
taken his position.
Archery & Bowhunting – Jim McCann
1) No news
Crossbow –Frank Miskey, Jr.
1) President of NY Bowhunters sent a letter out to NYSDEC opposing the
possibility of using crossbows during the NYS archery season. Quite a few
inaccuracies were in NYB letter and NYSDEC Jeremy Hurst responded to point
out corrections, with regulations implemented by legislature, not DEC. Comments
also included kinetic energy for arrow weight and stroke of bow differences.
Hurst point of letter was to identify that DEC did not do what the NYB letter says.
Fish – Dave Barus
1) NYSDEC - Free Fishing Weekend, On June 27th and 28th, anyone (resident or
non-resident) can fish the fresh or marine waters of New York State and no
fishing license is required! Since no license is required, it’s the perfect time to
take a friend or relative fishing. Anglers must still abide by New York State
fishing regulations during the free fishing weekend.
2) Walleye Reward Tag Program, The New York State DEC Lake Erie Research
Unit, along with other fishery management groups around Lake Erie are
conducting a walleye movement study. If you catch a tagged walleye, there is a
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$100 reward for the return of the whole fish and its internal transmitter. Tag
handling and reward information are displayed on an easily visible orange-colored
external loop tag on the back of each tagged walleye.
Chautauqua Lake , DEC reports that lake temperatures have climbed to above 70
degrees in south basin, slightly less north of Long Point. Muskellunge anglers
have enjoyed good action along weed lines, with several musky caught that
measured more than 50 inches, true trophy fish and most anglers are measuring
and releasing these legacy fish after a picture. According to DEC fisheries
biologist, Mike Todd, the musky folks are trolling at around 2 mph or casting with
large stickbaits. Bass fishing is hot around the docks and near shore while fishing
from a boat with tube jigs and plastic worms.
Musky Season Changes, Statewide (general) regulation changes for muskellunge
covering most inland waters were revised with the 0pening date moved to the last
Saturday in May (May 30, 2015), the minimum length limit increased to 40
inches, and then anglers need to check their specific waterway for special
regulations. For the Great Lakes and tributaries, the opening date remains
UNCHANGED: third Saturday in June (June 20, 2015), but the minimum size
limit has been increased to 54 inches on Lake Ontario and the Niagara and St.
Lawrence River, this makes regulations consistent with Lake Erie.
Lake Erie Border Check-In, Anglers fishing in boats on Lake Erie need to be
aware that they need to check into Canadian waters by calling the Canadian
Border Service agency at 1-888-226-7277 and when returning to USA waters,
need to check back in to the United States Border Patrol by calling 1-800-8272851. Failure to do so may result in a Homeland Security issue.
Record NYS Walleye Identified, While assessing Ashokan Reservoir in the
Catskills in a late April study, NYSDEC fisheries biologists and crews recorded a
whopper walleye that measured 32 inches and tipped the scales at 17 lbs-7oz.
That would be a new state record! The current NYS walleye record is 16 lbs-9oz,
34 inches long, caught by Thomas Reed in January 2009 on Mystic Lake in
Cattaraugus County. The nighttime fish survey crew carefully released the
potential new record fish back into the Ashokan Reservoir east basin and there
will likely be more fishing activity on that waterway in the future.
Erie County Fish Habitat Restoration – At the Erie County Fish Advisory Board
meeting in June, guest V. Haas reported that she is managing two county-owned
habitat park restorations funded by the US EPA/Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
at Red Jacket Natural Habitat Park (foot of Smith Street) and the Bailey Peninsula
Natural Habitat Park. Both projects are being restored post-dredging of toxic
sediment with the goal of restoring fish and wildlife to the Buffalo River. While
these are public parks, there is going to be a balance between limited public use
and fish/wildlife conservation. Concept plans are underway with 30% plans
expected in July 2015. She would like to return to a future meeting to review the
draft plans and get the input from this board as to any ideas that could improve the
projects.
Teach Me To Fish Report - East Aurora Fish and Game, We had a beautiful day
on Saturday, June 6, with 87 kids registered and with parents we had about 160
people around the pond. Kid’s ages ranged from 3 - 15 years old. We had a good
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amount of fish caught including several bass over the 12" mark. From East
Aurora Fish and Game we had about 18 volunteers. Elaine Winter and her kitchen
crew put on a great spread with Sahlen’s hot dogs, grill and tent donated by
Sahlen's for use in this event too, and all of the sides dishes and fixings
including a great cake!!!
9) Teach Me To Fish Report - Tifft Nature Preserve, The NYSDEC/ECFS Kids
Teach-Me-To-Fish family fishing clinic at Tifft Nature preserve took place on
June 13th and was a nice success. Some 81 children attended and the good news
is that they were all new to the event, so we reached a lot of new people.
Volunteer staffing was extremely low with only 6-10 ECFS people on hand. Tifft
staff helped out, it went smoothly. Extreme hearty thank you to those ECFS
volunteers that were on hand: Tom Fischer, Jeff Jondel, Joe Fischer, Paul Stoos,
Hal Lawrence, Rose Barus, Joe McAdam and Willie Sieber. Special thanks to our
resident 85 year old volunteers from East Aurora Fish & Game: Russ Johnson and
Bob Carlson. See event summary report in the ECFS newsletter.
10) Buffalo Harbor State Park (old Small Boat Harbor) Launch Access - Offers New
Problems, Bass professional anglers and recreational anglers alike have been
voicing complaints about the revised boat launch service at Safe Harbor Marina at
the Buffalo Harbor State Park (old NFTA Small Boat Harbor). Recently, New
York State transferred management of the marina and boat launch access.
According to bass pro, Scott Callen, “The shuttle bus that ran to assist the speed
of launching during busy boat launch ramp periods was terminated. The shuttle
was also a nice security measure, because it ran much of the time. The close-tolaunch parking areas have also been reduced or eliminated, and now only parking
lot E is allowed for boat trailers (a ¼ mile walk).” Notable improvements are in
the works. The shuttles are proposed to return if the NYS will agree to a $1
launch fee increase from $7 to $8, competitive with other WNY marinas. A
special meeting was held at Southtowns Walleye clubhouse on June 24 at 7PM, to
discuss the issues of interest. Callen is asking anyone with boat launch issues to
contact legislator Mike Kearns at kearnsm@assembly.stat.ny.us to help with
collecting data and making improvements to the new procedures in place right
now. The small boat harbor launch site is the only viable boat launch for high
numbers of weekend recreational boaters and anglers to launch their boats.
Continued inefficiency and restrictions would also reduce or eliminate tournament
fishing opportunities for the Erie County and Western New York regions,
affecting economic impact. Interested boaters can talk directly with Callen at
https://www.facebook.com/scott.callen.737?fref=ts or by phone at 716-481-4434.
Additionally, see the attached Harbor Minutes report in this newsletter.
11) Remaining Erie County Federation & Clubs Youth Fishing/Outdoor Events for
2015
• June 27: Family Fishing Clinic, Teach-Me-To-Fish, Erie County Federation of
Sportsmen, PO Box 560, East Aurora, NY, Chestnut Ridge Park Commissioners
Cabin Lake, 150 kids, Info: Dave Barus, 716-597-4081
• June 27: Southtowns Walleye Kids Fishing Derby, Tifft Nature Preserve, 10AM2PM, Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo, NY, info: Ron Wutz: 716-649-8202
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June 27/28: Family Fishing Weekend, Youth Fishing Program, Buffalo kids, Foot
of Ontario Street, Black Rock Canal Park, estimated 5,000+ kids, info: George
Johnson, 716-818-3410
• July 17-19: Fishing With Heroes, SPECIAL ADULT MILITARY WOUNDED
VETERAN SURVIVOR PROGRAM, open program for USA purple heart award
military personnel from any era, includes all accommodations, food, charter
fishing services, fishing gear, beverages, all inclusive, FREE to attendees, info:
Captain Fred Forsythe, 716-560-9216
• July 31-Aug. 2: The 21st Annual Youth Archery Camp, FREE for kids 12-15
years old that want to learn about archery and the outdoors, kids with NYS
Bowhunter Ed Certificates are NOT eligible, West Falls Conservation Society, 55
Bridge St., West Falls, NY, contact Jerry Lewandowski via email at
r9yac@roadrunner.com
• Sep. 19: Kids Fishing Derby, East Aurora Fish & Game, 1016 Luther Rd., East
Aurora, NY, 11AM-12:30PM, 75 kids, info: Dave Smyczynski, 716-364-9082
• Sep. 26: National Hunting & Fishing Day, Elma Conservation Club, fly tying,
trapping, casting, dogs, trap shooting, NYSDEC, more, 200 kids, info: Rich
Davenport, 716-510-7952
• CALL Dave Barus: 716-597-4081 for additional INFO
ECFS is now the HQ for rods/reels for 10 organizations, including Chautauqua
County (Zen Olaw), Niagara County (Bill Hilts) and 8 additional organizations in
Erie County that include Rushford Conservation (Rick Walczyk), Southtowns
Walleye (Ron Wutz), Bison City Rod & Gun (Dave Barus), East Aurora Fish &
Game (Dave Smyczynski), ECFS (Dave Barus), Ducks Unlimited (George
Rockey), Buffalo United Front (George Johnson) and Fishing With Heroes (Fred
Forsythe). The new Fish Committee Chairman will need to reconsider continuing
this practice to discount purchases and free shipping for the other groups.
12) Wiscoy Creek Angler Diary Program, DEC Region 9 Fisheries Unit is again
conducting an angler diary program for Wiscoy Creek in Allegany and Wyoming
Counties during 2015. DEC is currently looking for anglers to keep diaries. If you
fish Wiscoy Creek (even once) and would like to keep a diary, please call DEC
Fisheries at (716) 372-0645 or email at fwfish9@dec.ny.gov. The program will
run March 1st through October 31st. This program duplicates the 2012 dairy
program on this waterway (see 2012 Survey at:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/92948.html) and will be used in conjunction with
a late-summer electrofishing survey to evaluate the fishery's overall quality.
13) DEC Looking for Fishery Info from ANGLERS, Anglers that need more fishing
information or would like to contribute to the weekly Lake Erie or WNY Fishing
Hotline report, please call or e-mail Mike Todd (716-851-7010;
michael.todd@dec.ny.gov). Good Luck Fishing! The fishing hotline audio
version can also be heard at (716) 679-ERIE or (716) 855-FISH.
MOTION: Paul Stoos - ECFS write a letter of support for $1 increase in boat launch fee
increase if the shuttle is returned to service to improve efficiencies there. 2nd Dave
Wharton. Unanimous approval. Tom Marks suggests copies to all WNY legislators.
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Comments on economic advantage for putting the shuttle back into service. Will notify
Scott Callen of intent and request best time to do this.
ACTIVITY: Chuck mentioned that ECFS needs to set up a new committee for youth
fishing events. Tom Fischer volunteered to be a part of that committee.
Small Game – Dan Tone
1) Chuck noted that the forms for the youth pheasant hunt have been sent in,all OK.
2) Dan reported that 600 pheasant chicks given out to 4H youth raising pheasants.
Also reported that a single beautiful bird was turned in after getting hit by a car in
Niagara County, it was a bird that was stocked in fall of 2015.
3) Have received donations from Murray Roofing, Collin Borngraber and others in
support of this program. ECFS will reapply to Friends of NRA for grant for 2016,
this was not filed in time for 2015.
Big Game – Paul Stoos
1) Discussion in NYSCC regarding expanding antler restrictions in NYS for the
2015 season. Rich Davenport is on top of info for this. DEC has indicated that
there are so many minor changes to this legislation that it was not possible to get
it into the syllabus this year. It will more likely be started in 2016, following a
series of public meetings starting in July 2015 (per NY Outdoor News, says Tom
Fischer).
2) Antlerless deer hunt for Region
Trapping – Rick Wattengel
1) Rick motion for request ECFS consider a $250 donation to the Pat Arnold Youth
Trapping Camp set for July 30 to August 1. Motion was 2nd by Tom Fischer.
Unanimous approval.
Waterfowl – Paul Pietraszewski
1) Our dry/wet spring will likely results in a good hatch of waterfowl for this year.
Nothing else.
Conservation Council - Dan Tone
1) There are 5 other region in NYS that are conducting fund-raising or are sending
donations to NYSCC in support of the operation. This is encouraging.
2) The Federation has decided to promote the voluntary “Buck A Member Program”
proposed by the Council. This, if successful, will insure a reliable source of
income to meet the future needs for our only “conservation rights” lobbying
organization in our state. For those clubs who feel this is a worthwhile cause,
please make checks payable to - “New York State Conservation Council” and
send to – NYSCC, 8 East Main St., Ilion, NY 13357. To those clubs that donated
last year, we hope that your commitment will carry on. Please don’t wait until the
Council solicits for your help. They need the resources now to fund the year’s
budget needs. Also, to those clubs who chose not to participate, please consider
what the Council is asking for: “a dollar a member.” A buck doesn’t buy much
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these days, not a beer at a bar, not a pack of cigarettes or a good cigar, not a
decent fishing lure, or even a couple dozen worms. Perhaps it’s time we
sportsmen and women consider putting this all in perspective! Clubs wishing to
receive the Council’s “Grass Roots News” monthly publication, which gives
updated information on state legislation and conservation issues, should contact
the Council at 315-894-3302. You can also e-mail them at - nyscc@nyscc.com
with the information. Clubs can send their “club’s news” for publication to NYSCC, 8 East Main St., Ilion, NY 13357 - or e-mail them by the 2nd Monday of
the month. The Council also has a policy of not arbitrarily giving or selling
private club information. Finally, there is an ongoing new member/renewal drive
for individual Council memberships, with prizes available. Contact the Council
or visit their website for details.
Environment & Pollution – Tom Marks
1) No changes and no additional news.
Legislation – John Susz
1) The legislature has voted out all calls to repeal the NY Safe Act.
2) Dave Wharton said that Steve Aldstadt indicated that other firearm bills are in
limbo as the legislature is busy with the new rent control bills that are tying up
both the house and senate in Albany.
3) To keep in touch with what’s going on with firearm legislation in New York,
check out SCOPE’s website at - www.scopeny.org
Resolutions – Rich Davenport 1) All clubs and representatives should have received copies of this year’s NYSCC
proposed resolutions. Roll call vote for all clubs that have paid dues can vote
ballots due to ECFS Chuck Godfrey by next meeting, 7/23/15 at Niagara River
Station. OK to send by mail to Chuck Godfrey at 29 Yvette Dr., Cheektowaga,
NY 14227, or by email to Chuck at steelheader03@hotmail.com. Results will be
available within the following week.
2) LIST OF RESOLUTIONS:
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2015 NYSCC Resolutions
Crossbows
2015-01 CROSSBOW USE TO ARCHERY PRIVILEGES
2015-01 ERIE COUNTY FEDERATION OF SPORTSMEN’S CLUBS
Whereas, a crossbow propels its projectile in the same fashion as a compound or recurve
bow,
and;
Whereas, the effective hunting range of a crossbow is similar to that of a compound
bow, and;
Whereas, the minimum age to hunt big game in NYS with a compound or recurve bow is
age 12
under supervision of parent, legal guardian or qualified mentor, and;
Whereas, a muzzleloader is a firearm, and;
Whereas, the minimum age for youth hunters to hunt big game under supervision with a
firearm
is age 14, and;
Whereas, under Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Hunting and Fishing initiative the
muzzleloader privilege now carries a cost lower than the archery privilege, and;
Whereas, maximizing revenue into NYS Conservation Fund helps maintain the
operational
health of fish and wildlife work done by NYS on behalf of the People;
Therefore, be it resolved: That the NYSCC pursue legislation to amend the NYS
Crossbow
Law to change the requirements for crossbow use from the muzzleloader privileges, and
to
require archery privileges for lawful hunting with a crossbow, and to provide youth
hunters
age 12 and 13 the same opportunity to hunt big game with their parent, legal guardian or
qualified mentor as they have with compound or recurve bows, while strengthening
revenue into
the NYS Conservation Fund.
Contact:
Dan Tone, fishhillrd@gmail.com, (716)655-0975
Firearm Committee: support; Big Game Committee recommends SUPPORT, vote
was 7 For, 1 Opposed, 1 Abstain
2015-02 Move the Southern Zone late muzzleloader and late bow/crossbow season to
the end of December.
Yates County Federation of Conservation Clubs
Whereas, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible
for regulating hunting within New York State, and;
Whereas, the NYSDEC sets regulations, quotas, and seasons to help manage our natural
resources, and;
Whereas, the NYSDEC employs trained wildlife biologists and managers and they have
years of experience managing our fish and game resources, and the expertise to do so,
and;
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Whereas, the White-tailed deer is primarily crepuscular, active at twilight. Deer activity
changes with the length of the day peaking during the rut. Hunting pressure, the rut
nearing its end and short days cause deer to become more nocturnal, and;
Whereas, moving the late muzzleloader and late bow season, which run concurrently,
would allow the deer population over two weeks to go back to normal activity. Deer in
December, during many hunting seasons, appear to be much less active during daylight
or to seemingly have become nocturnal, and;
Whereas, other states Pennsylvania and Ohio already have a successful late hunting
season during the last week of December and/or into January, and;
Whereas, a late season in the last week of December when sportsman have time off
from school and work will allow college students hunting opportunities they otherwise
may not have during their college years. This would put more hunters afield and prevent
some from giving up hunting entirely. This would be a time when three generations of a
family are able to hunt together,
Therefore be it resolved: that the NYSCC seek to change legislation to move the
Southern Zone, 9 day late muzzleloader and late bow/crossbow season from its current
dates on or about December 8th to the 16th to a new season of on or about December
26th to January 3rd in order to give late season hunting opportunities to sportsman and to
meet the deer management goals of the NYSDEC.
Contact:
Steve Weckelman, weckpyny@gmail.com, (315)526-3788
Big Game Committee: OPPOSE, vote was 0, 7, 1 – really revolves around trail
usage and snowmobile rules, which falls under the Parks Dept. We do recommend
that a summit between NYSCC and NYSSA be conducted to discuss changing of
trail rules to allow for snowmobile trails open when the regular big game season
closes, rather than when the last big game season closes.
2015-03 Allow muzzleloader or archery big game tag to be used with crossbows
New York State Muzzleloaders Assoc.
WHEREAS, Hunting with a crossbow as a legal implement for big game was passed
into law in 2014 under Environmental Conservation Law, Article 11, and;
WHEREAS, Hunting with a crossbow outside of the regular firearms or early bear
seasons requires a “Muzzleloader Privilege” to participate, and;
WHEREAS, Archers have the ability to harvest a deer with a Bow tag and then also
purchase a “Muzzleloader” tag which could be used to harvest another deer during the
defined special crossbow seasons, and;
WHEREAS, Muzzleloaders have long been denied comparable opportunities for special
use seasons when compared to the archery hunters despite paying the same fees for
privileges, and;
WHEREAS, Muzzleloaders who have an interest in hunting with a crossbow must now
choose to harvest a deer with either a crossbow or muzzleloader, and;
THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED: that the NYSCC support a change to
Environmental Conservation Law to allow crossbow hunters to be able to use either a
Muzzleloader Privilege tag or an Archery privilege tag instead of being limited to the
current “Muzzleloader” tag allowing more flexibility for tag use and not making the
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muzzleloaders choose between taking a deer with a crossbow OR taking one with a
muzzleloader.
In addition, this resolution in no way proposes to change the existing season structure or
dates, only the tag structure for use of the crossbow.
Article 11 Title 7 (New language is in bold italics)
11-0701
3. A bowhunting privilege when included on a hunting license entitles a holder:
(4) who is fourteen years of age or older to hunt wild deer and bear
with a crossbow, in a special muzzle-loading firearm season, as provided in title 9 of this
article.
Contact:
NYS Muzzleloaders Assoc
Eric Bratt, grizekb@aol.com, phone (518)895-8551
Firearm Committee: support; Big Game Committee: SUPPORT, vote was 5, 2, 1.
It was discussed that this would be unnecessary if the Erie County Resolution is
acted upon by the Legislature (bills in both houses already exist to do this, sent
along that info earlier), and the DEC agrees the Erie County Resolution would be a
“cleaner” way to go.
COYOTE SEASON
2015-04 EXTENSION OF CURRENT COYOTE SEASON
ERIE COUNTY FEDERATION OF SPORTSMEN’S CLUBS
Whereas, Predator‐prey relationships between the white‐tailed deer/turkey and the
coyote have been extensively studied throughout the United States, and;
Whereas, Studies in Texas have shown 70% of a coyote’s diet during the months of June
and July to consist of fawns and that fawn survival in a coyote proof enclosure was
significantly higher than outside the enclosure. Maine food habitat studies showed that
white‐tailed deer make up 50‐60% of the coyote’s diet and this predation had the
potential to have significant negative effects on the deer herd. Fawn survival studies in
Centre County Pennsylvania during 2000‐2001 showed that of the 218 fawns that were
followed with telemetry equipment, predators killed 22%, the leading source of mortality.
Of the fawns killed by predators, most were killed by coyotes (49%). Studies in Northern
Alabama and Southwest Georgia studied fawning on similar parcels of land, one where
coyotes were aggressively removed during fawning season and the other where no
removal was done. The results showed a staggering difference. In the removal areas, 2
out of every 3 does were observed with fawns and in the non‐removal areas, only 1 out of
28 does were observed with fawns, and;
Whereas, The impacts of predation on turkey populations vary by season, location and
land use patterns but, predation may significantly impact these populations when faced
with our State’s growing problems of poor nesting cover, exposure to severe weather for
extended periods of time and a growing predator population. Studies conducted on
stomach contents of coyotes taken in Mississippi and of coyote scat have shown that the
coyote’s best chance for a turkey dinner is during the poult‐rearing season when the
young poults are unable to fly, and;
12
Whereas, By extending a portion of the coyote season out into the more favorable spring
weather
conditions of April and May would help to put more hunters afield in search of coyotes.
Actively removing coyotes during the critical fawning period for the white‐tailed deer
herd will help to reduce predation on the herd’s fawn population. Having the coyote
season available during the entirety of spring turkey season would create opportunities
for Spring turkey hunters to harvest a coyote whether actively in search of them or as a
consequence of a coyote coming in to attack a turkey set‐up. Actively removing coyotes
during the critical nesting period for the wild turkey flock will help to reduce predation
on the flock’s poult population.
Therefore, be it resolved: That the NYSCC pursue legislation to amend the NYS
furbearer hunting regulations to extend the coyote hunting season from its’ current
October 1st – March 31st time frame to an October 1st – May 31st timeframe, thereby
creating additional protections from predation for our white‐tailed deer herd and wild
turkey flocks and creating additional opportunities for hunters to harvest a coyote.
Contact:
Dan Tone fishhillrd@gmail.com (716)655-0975
Bear Season
2015-05 Spring Bear Season
Delaware County Federation of Sportsmen
WHEREAS: The negative impact to agriculture has increased with the increased
population of black bears in NYS, and;
WHEREAS: Human/bear conflicts have increased with the increase in the population of
black bears in NYS, and;
WHEREAS: We believe this would increase opportunities for sportsmen to harvest
bears and reduce the number of unwanted bears killed with nuisance permits, and;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The New York Conservation Council
pursue the necessary legislation and regulations to develop and implement a spring bear
season in New York State.
Contact: Daniel Owen, dowen@mkl.com
Firearm Committee: support; Big Game Committee: SUPPORT, vote was 7, 1, 1
Rifle for Big Game in Onondaga County
2015-06 Expand the types of wildlife that can currently be hunted with centerfire
rifle in Onondaga County to include big game.
Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs
Whereas, centerfire rifles have been a legal hunting implement for the taking of small
game (with the exception of migratory fowl and turkey) and varmints and predators for
many years in Onondaga County, and;
Whereas, centerfire rifle cartridges have been legal for use in pistols with a barrel length
of less than 16 inches for many years for the taking of big game in Onondaga County,
and many of these pistols are ballistically superior to some of the banned centerfire rifles,
and;
Whereas, in all of the counties contiguous to Onondaga County, centerfire rifles are
classified as a legal hunting implement for the taking of big game, and;
13
Whereas, there was never any published scientific evidence presented to show that
banning rifles as a legal hunting implement for the taking of big game would improve or
increase public safety, and;
Whereas, current regulations, banning centerfire rifles as a legal hunting implement for
the taking of big game, were created under the assumption that shotguns are always safer
than rifles, a scientifically conducted, peer reviewed study done for the Pennsylvania
Game Commission proved that assumption to be incorrect (Do Shotguns and
Muzzleloaders Pose Less Risk Than Centerfire Rifles for Hunting Deer in Pennsylvania?
March 2007), and;
Whereas, Counties that have a higher population density allow the use of centerfire rifles
for hunting big game (Orange County has a population density approximately three (3)
times that of Onondaga County), and;
Whereas, open big game seasons are the only time, in Onondaga County, that centerfire
rifles are not allowed to be carried afield, with the exception of centerfire rifles less than
.22 caliber, and;
Whereas, New York State Department Of Environmental Conservation and other law
enforcement agencies records show no increase in number, or severity, of firearm related
hunting incidents attributed to centerfire rifles as a legal hunting implement for the taking
of big game in counties which have recently changed to allowing centerfire rifles for big
game hunting, and;
Whereas, all current state and local laws pertaining to use of shotguns would, also,
pertain to use of centerfire rifles, and;
Whereas the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, passed a resolution
requesting that centerfire rifles be allowed for hunting big game in Onondaga County in
April 2013, and;
Whereas, NYSCC Policies on resolutions state that "Resolutions are policy declarations
and are not meant to solve local problems unless all other avenues of remedy have been
investigated on the local level,” and;
Whereas, the Onondaga County Legislature has failed to propose a "home rule"
resolution asking the state legislature to "Expand the types of wildlife that can currently
be hunted with centerfire rifle in Onondaga County to include big game" even after
several requests over several years from the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen's
Clubs,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York State Conservation Council
support legislation to amend the New York State Environmental Conservation Law,
§ 11-0907, relating to allowing the use of centerfire rifle for hunting big game in the
County of Onondaga.
Contact Information:
Stephen Wowelko, wowelko@juno.com, (315) 506-2117
Big Game Committee: SUPPORT, vote was 7, 1, 1; Firearm Committee:
unanimously support
Membership Outreach –
1) The membership secretary would like all club presidents to consider attending at
least one regular Federation meeting a year. This might not only prove to be a
learning experience, but may also provide a better insight as to the importance of
14
having representation on behalf of their clubs. If any club would like a visit from
a Federation spokesman, please contact President Chuck Godfrey at 440-6995 or
steelheader03@hotmail.com . The president will also try to visit one club or so
per month.
2) IF ANYONE KNOWS OF AN ERIE COUNTY CLUB WHICH IS NOT A
MEMBER, PLEASE LET THE PRESIDENT KNOW SO HE CAN
CONTACT THEM ABOUT MEMBERSHIP
Sportsman/woman Education – Frank Miskey Sr.
1) Calendars are out and on-line schedule is at NYSDEC website.
Old Business:
1) Nothing that has not been covered tonight.
New Business:
1) East Aurora Fish and Game offers Civilian Marksmanship Program training
(CMP) at their rifle range, open to the public, from May to September on the 2nd
and 4th Wednesday of each month. $20 per session includes rifle and 50 rounds
of amo. $5 for session with your own rifle and ammo. Rifles used are M1 Garand
and participants can learn standing, sitting, prone positions and basic care and
maintenance and disassembly and reassembly of this rifle. For info call Jim
Dobies at 716-937-6235, Dave Zell 716-649-2926, or Dave Dudziak 716-6755860.
2) The Niagara County Tourism group has provided ECFS with 1,000 tickets that
provide a $1 discount for those attending the Niagara County Winter Outdoor
Show in January 2016. If they use the card, $1 will be sent to ECFS in support of
ECFS Youth Programs for each card sent in. Attendees can take 50-100 cards to
their clubs today.
Good and Welfare of the Organization:
1) Joe McAdam requested more help for Teach-Me-To-Fish events, especially for
this weekend at Chestnut Ridge.
50/50 Raffle
1) Winner: West Falls
Motion for Adjournment
Motion to adjourn – Hope Melnyk, Debbie Godfrey
Thanks to Host Club!
Hamburg Rod and Gun
Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Barus
Cell: 716-597-4081
15
Kids Learn “All about Fishing” at Bison City Rod & Gun
192 Kids Learn About the Fun of Fishing!
April 26, 2015; 465 Total Attendance; 38 volunteers; 6-Learning Stations and live Sheriff Horses!
Warming sunny
skies helped bring
kids and families
from Buffalo and
all over Western
New York to the
Bison City Rod &
Gun Club to learn
all about the
outdoors through
the fun of fishing
at the 11th Annual
Memorial Jimmy
Griffin Teach-MeTo-Fish event at
511 Ohio Street, located directly on the
rejuvenated Buffalo River.
Kids, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles,
even single adults, all came ready to discover
the fun and adventure of “how-to-fish”.
Retired NYS Environmental Conservation Officer,
Jeff Jondle, assisted Rose Barus, Katherine
Voss and Lynda Cooley at the registration
station where the entrance line went right out
into the parking lot for over 45 minutes.
Master youth
fishing
educator,
Tom Fischer,
had pre-set
the rods,
reels,
bobbers,
hooks, split
shot and
plenty of
night-crawler
bait supplied
by Weekley’s
Worms in
Blasdell, New
York, for use at the Bison City fishing pier.
Western New York bass pro, Scott Gauld,
conducted the “How-To-Fish” learning station
and took time to assure each and every adult
and youth in the program, that catching a fish
with the right rod and reel and an artificial lure
was not only possible, it was easy. Gauld
provided a level of confidence that only a
professional angler might be able to share with
onlookers.
There were Cub
Scouts and Boy
Scouts that
attended in
uniform, some of
them working
toward their
fishing merit
badge.
Craig Meyers and
Joe Mills were
assisted by two
young 80-year old
gentlemen
anglers, Russ
Johnson and Bob Carlson - members of the
East Aurora Fish & Game Club, who have
perfected the system of educating kids and
parents on how to tie the Palomar Knot using a
training rope tool.
After they completed a simple 5-minute learning
station on how to set up a weedless plastic
worm and make it fun to fish on a large
inverted hook, teacher mentors, Mike Smith
and Collin Voss – a junior master angler,
provided each youth with a souvenir plastic
bait sample to fish with later. Given a choice
of plastic bait forms, including grubs, worms,
crayfish and
other types of
plastics, most
girls choose
the brightly
color baits,
the guys
picked the
bigger and
darker
colored
artificial
molded
creature
baits. Go
figure!
Lifetime youth
outdoor license program supporter, Paul
Stoos, provided details and opportunity for kids
to enter a free raffle for a free NYS lifetime
fishing or hunting license, through the Erie
County Federation of Sportsmen.
With instruction from
Jerry May and Ted
Malota and others,
kids used a spincast
rod and casting plug
to learn about
casting a fishing line.
After a few minutes
of instruction, the
kids were sailing
their hookless
casting baits a very
long way toward
hula-hoop targets.
Was fun for everyone!
Kids visited the "Feed-The-Fish" station with Earl
Farrel Sr., here they learned about the Bison
City floating fish pens and the 5,000 steelhead
maintained this year. The fish “scent-imprint” to
the Buffalo River waterway as the fingerlings
grow from 3 inches to 7 inches before they are
released to the river. After 3 years, they will
return each year to swim far upstream to spawn
and procreate, helping with the fish restoration
and conservation effort.
The "Fishing Pier" experience provided the kids
hands-on time with everything they had learned
during their learning station sessions. Donna
and Stacey Kayes assisted kids with putting on
mandatory life preservers before providing a
loaner rod/reel and bait from "Fishing Pier"
Captains Larry D. Jones, Earl Farrel Jr., and
multiple Bison City volunteers on the fishing pier
team. At the end of the session, with over 70
ides in a constant
show-n-tell
program displayed
on the auditorium
screen, folks totally
new to fishing
asked lots of good
questions about
the small things
they wanted to
know more about a sure sign they
plan to return to
the friendly
waterways of Western New York with their new
rods and reels.
Over 75 youths were awarded a free rod/reel
combo, where-to-fish maps and tackle to take
home. Every youth took home a fishing prize
from the Bison City Tackle Treasure Chest.
The kids and parents were ALL WINNERS!
This special youth event was coordinated by the
Bison City Rod & Gun Club with extra special thanks
and support from Cabela’s, the Erie County Federation
of Sportsmen, WNY Safari Club, Crow’s Nest Fishing
Club, East Aurora Fish & Game, First Ward Community
Center, Sahlen's Meat Packing, the Future Fisherman
Foundation of America, the Norby Antonik family, Pure
Fishing, Weekley’s Bait and 38 volunteers who
donated their time to help our youth and their families
learn more about fun of the outdoors through fishing!
Thanks TEAM!
Dave & Rose Barus 2015 Program Chairpersons
Teach-Me-To-Fish Clinic at Tifft Nature Preserve 2015
Magical Fishing Moments for 241 Learning To Fish!
June 13, 2015; 81 kids registered; 11 volunteers; 7-Learning Station format!
There was excitement! There
was expectation! There was
also a nasty forecast of
possible rain, thunder and high
wind too that held youth
attendees this year to under
100. Some 81 girls and boys
from the Buffalo urban area
challenged the weather
ringmaster and were wide-eyed
and ready for the outdoor
action challenge of Fishing.
The clinic challenges kids to
encounter the adventure of a
series of 7 Learning Stations.
Encouraged by the adults, the
kids learned about the science,
biology and physics that
comprise the basic secrets of
how to catch fish. They
explored the exciting life cycles
of fish, arthropods,
invertebrates and other pond
life at Lake Kristy, part of the
246 acre Tifft Nature Preserve.
Attendees lined up right out the
main entrance door to the
registration station in the lobby of the new and
exciting Tifft Nature Preserve Learning Center
Lodge. Rose Barus and Evie Derry provided
free fishing beads to all the kids with information
of the good news for outdoor adventure and
happy fishing fun just ahead.
The Learning Stations were expanded to include
“Tifft Goes Green”, with Tifft Learning Facility
Director, Meghan Dye, who explained the
modern efficiency of geothermal and solar
energy with LED light bulbs and other manners
of the evolution for modern energy saving.
Kids learned about Knot-Tying,
learning to tie a Palomar Knot
with Russ Johnson and Bob
Carlson. At the Plastic Baits
station, kids learned to rig a
Cabela’s plastic worm and jig tail
on a hook with master-angler,
Paul Stoos.
“At the “Fish & Fauna” station,
DEC Biologist Mike Todd and
intern Alex Kulakowski explained
identifying traits of common fish
species, aquatic insects and
other pond life in a friendly faceto-face discussion”.
Joe Fischer provided Where-ToFish details for Erie County sites
and answered curious questions
from the kids and adults too.
Jeff Jondle taught kids the right
way to cast a fishing line, then
the kids tried it until they were
satisfied they could achieve the
same feat on the lake.
Bass Angler Professional, Scott
Callen, provided the kids and
adults hands-on lessons on HowTo-Fish, explaining bobber stop adjustments,
hook size choices and fishing essentials, all
from his 18-foot bass boat, where parents had
lots of questions about modern electronics.
At the Live Bait Station, Tom Fischer provided a
fresh supply of more than 500 worms to the
youngsters where they were also offered a free
rod/reel to borrow for the day. Here too, the
kids learned how to bait a hook with live worms
all donated by Weekley’s Wholesale Bait in
Hamburg, New York.
Junior Bassmaster, Collin Voss, helped kids find
their confidence as he provided hearty
congratulations and identified, measured,
recorded and placed the fish that kids caught
into the aerated Lunker Pool. Kids that did not
catch a fish could view fish that lived in the lake.
The Lunker Pool was hopping with fish! The kids
caught yellow perch, bluegills, sunfish, rock bass
and largemouth bass, mostly using live worms.
More than 100 fish were measured through the
event, including nearly 50 kids who caught their
first fish ever! At the end of the 4-hour session,
kids that did not catch a fish were asked to help
put the fish from the Lunker Pool back into the
lake, instilling the idea of “Catch & Release.”
The “biggest fish” landed was a 14-inch
largemouth bass, the “smallest fish” was a 3-3/4”
sunfish, that viewers had to search to find! Both
youth catch entries were judged to be an instant
winner and the kids that landed these fish were
awarded a brand new rod/reel rig to a rousing
round of audience applause.
Every boy and girl that attended the outreach
fishing event was awarded a Shakespeare,
Mitchell or Zebco rod/reel rig drawn by random
raffle. That kept the kids who successfully
completed the expanded program on the edge of
their seats until their name was picked, followed
by yelps,
screams and
verbal
expressions of
complete
happiness from
the kids as their
names were
drawn.
Parents and kids all enjoyed Sahlen's backyard
barbecue hot dogs,
thanks to chefs Hal
Lawrence, Joe McAdam
and Willie Sieber.
Special thanks to our
event sponsors at Pure
Fishing, Cabela’s, WNY
Safari Club, Weekley’s
Wholesale Bait, TripleS, Crow’s Nest, Bison
City Rod & Gun, Will
Elliott (Buffalo News),
the Future Fishermen
Foundation of America,
to moms & dads, and
most of all, to our
determined volunteers
who donated their
Saturday to help kids learn more about how to
have fun in the outdoors through fishing. God
Bless!
Thanks TEAM!
Dave Barus 2015
Federation
coordinator.
Mike Todd 2015
NYSDEC coordinator.
Buffalo Harbor State Park – Access
Improvement Meeting
Meeting Minutes
Date: June 24, 2015. Meeting started: 7:06 p.m.
Location: Southtowns Walleye Clubhouse, 5895 Southwestern
Blvd., Hamburg, NY, 14075
Objective: Discuss CHANGES MADE that have created safetyrelated distress for taxpayer shareholders with specific concern for
security, cost and user well-being for trailered recreational boat
access and accident-free parking at Buffalo Harbor State Park.
Attendees:
Scott Callen - Erie County Bassmasters, Bass Pro; Chris
Guenther – director, Southtowns Walleye; Dave Barus - Erie
County Fish Advisory Board, Erie County Federation of
Sportsmen, Bison City Rod & Gun, East Aurora Fish and Game,
Northern Chautauqua County Conservation Club, Syndicated
Outdoor Columnist as AKA Forrest Fisher: affiliated with
Professional Outdoor Media Association, Outdoor Writers
Association of America, Association of Great Lakes Outdoor
Writers, New York State Association of Outdoor Writers,
others; Scott Gauld - ECFAB, WNY Bassmasters, Bass Pro;
Patrick Slosser - WNY Bassmasters; Kent Kaczowski Secretary Erie County Bassmasters; Mike Schmidt – President,
Erie County Bassmasters; Larry Ash – President, Niagara
Frontier Bassmasters; Kent Christy – Treasurer, New York
State B.A.S.S. Federation., Niagara Frontier Bassmasters; Ed
Gwynn, director, Southtowns Walleye; Dave Gwynn –
director, Southtowns Walleye; Rob Crowe - director,
Southtowns Walleye; Paul Stoos – Erie County Fish Advisory
Board, NYS Region 9 Fish & Wildlife Management Board,
Alden Rod & Gun Club; Dave Signs - Regional Manager for Safe
Harbor Marina; Cody Meyers - representative for NYS
Assemblyman Sean Ryan; Tom Marks – Erie County Fish
Advisory Board, director Great Lakes Sportfishing Council;
David Woodworth – President, Southtowns Walleye
Association; Jack Schultz – Secretary, Southtowns Walleye
Association; Bob Merritt – Treasurer, Southtowns Walleye
Association; Franklin Thompson – director, Southtowns
Walleye Association; Ron Wutz – director, Southtowns
Walleye Association; Several others - various organizations
Information Shared
Dave Signs is regional manager for SAFE HARBOR
David Sign, Safe Harbor
MARINA and addressed the group with a brief
Marina Manager
statement of how the marina is coordinated as follows:
“Safe Harbor was awarded the NYS contract in late 2014
and has observed function of the old NFTA operation
from September 2014 through the end of the season.
The SAFE HARBOR MARINA contract includes the
property area from the Freezer Queen building to the
north to the “C-lot” parking area to the south. The “Blot” and “D-lot” parking areas are officially part of the
State Park. The marina is operated with paid staff, staff is local. Safe Harbor Marina was accepted by
the State of New York as the contractor for leasing the marina function and operation of the State
Park, and this includes boat launch portion for angle boaters and recreational boaters and the boat
slip-holder portion of the State Park to safely operate the facility for a profit. The Marina is operated
as a private enterprise, not as a part of NYS Parks, as per the negotiated contract. Safe Harbor Marina
will regulate cost fees for recreational boaters and slip holders, and organize function of traffic flow,
suggest and recommend improvements for security, parking, operational efficiency and safety. Buffalo
State Park Marina is home to 1,037 boat-holder slips. Please note that the NYS State contract with
Safe Harbor does not call for Safe Harbor Marina to run a shuttle. Safe Harbor must allow free
launching for holders of Empire Pass, Veteran Pass and Golden Pass. In 2017, there is a plan to build all
new docks that will not be required to be removed during winter,
improving the operation.”
Rich Davenport and Scott Callen stated: “Erie County is home to more
than 105,000 registered boat owners. Buffalo Harbor State Park boat
launch is the singular boat launch facility in Erie County capable of
handling state, regional, national and international angler fishing
tournaments and waterway events, such as B.A.S.S., FLW, Crappiethon,
Redman BassEye, Bass America, Cabela’s, many other types of
organized watercraft-related activities. Inefficient operation of this
facility will generate a negative economic impact for Western New
York. If Safe Harbor Marina is here to make a profit and make money,
it is the responsibility of the management to make sure that their
Scott Callen, Bass Pro
operation is maximizing the potential for successful investment. Use of
multiple shuttles would help improve the boat launch traffic flow and
positively affect the economic impact possible.”
Specific Concerns Discussed
1) Boat ramp use, inbound and outbound confusion (8 ramps in and 8ramps out): new system
red/green is non-standard with buoy marking systems; long delays at ramp, long boat in/out
lines
2) Lack of personnel shuttle - was previously utilized to transport anglers to and from boat
launch to parking lot D. Older or handicapped anglers are delaying efficiency of boat launch
3) Traffic flow changes - Safe parking for tow vehicle and boat trailer.
4) Property location of State Park Land vs leased land for marina operation not well known or
misunderstood by Marina personnel
5) Assemblyman Sean Ryan has responded to coordinate communication with other legislators
and NYS Parks. Lack of response from legislative supporters of the State Park operation.
Congressman Brian Higgins, Assemblyman Michael Kearns, Senator Tim Kennedy, local Erie
County legislators.
6) Need a “Prep-Area” to be identified, not at the boat ramp.
7) The “C-lot” is too big and is designated for slip holders only.
8) Need better signage all the way around.
9) Be great to drive in past “A-lot”, allowing anglers to buy bait, stop at restaurant for breakfast
sandwich, etc., launch. More for discussion.
10) Some boat-slip holders and non-angler recreational boaters dislike trailered angler boats
because they say it ties up the marina and they do not like it.
11) Consider raising the price of the launch from $7 to $8.
12) Consider offering clean-fish vendor to allow station to stay open later and not close at 6:00
p.m.
13) Restrooms in fish cleaning building is open to boat launch users 24 hours a day.
14) Clients of charter captains are now required to park in “D-lot” with no shuttle. Inefficient,
unsafe. Consider revise to parking area, consider use of slip-holder parking area (C-lot).
15) Concerns for late night launch site delay, and related loss of security, to reach parking lot and
return, takes 20-25 minutes and there is $20,000 of gear that could be taken in short order
during that time.
Conclusions/Agreements:
1) Dave Signs officially requesting a representative person or persons of boat launch user groups
to walk through the marina function for traffic flow, parking efficiency and related concerns
the week of July 15th (2015). He wants to identify and make improvements.
2) User groups said, “Tentative agreement reached for increase in boat launch cost of $1, from
$7 to $8, to allow function of a transportation shuttle for boat launch users.”
3) Boat launch user groups may need to help Safe Harbor communicate $1 cost fee increase with
NYS and local WNY legislators and, also, to negotiate possible contract change with NYS to
allow users of special pass to consider compensation for these pass types to Safe Harbor
Marina.
4) Dave Signs said, “New signage is planned.”
5) Dave Signs said, “If we can raise launch fee $1, we will have 4-man shuttles operational by July
4th weekend (2015).”
6) Dave Signs said, ”Re-striping of parking areas this week, parking flow efficiency will improve
this week.”
7) Dave Signs said he truly appreciated the professional style review of the situation by all usergroups present.
8) Consider official “Activity Communication Form” on website for announcement to Safe Harbor
Marina staff that a public-use event is planned. Announce activity dates, expected boater
attendance, related information.
Respectively submitted,
Dave Barus, cell: 716-597-4081