This April will be my 46th consecutive year of writing the Sportsman Outdoors column for the Democrat newspaper.

Back in 1978 I called Freddy Stabbert’s father and said to him that I would like to write once a week a column in the Democrat newspaper pertaining to mostly hunting, fishing and conservation happenings, and I have many contacts in the county for information. I am not a professional writer, but I know a lot about hunting, fishing and conservation.

Mr. Stabbert said let’s give it a try and just write what you feel would be of interest to our readers. So, for 46 years I have been writing and reporting on mostly hunting, fishing and conservation topics and enjoying doing it.

When I was president of the Sportsmen’s Federation of Sullivan County, I had over 100 clubs representing every section of Sullivan County, I could tell you what was happening throughout the county and, if I didn’t know, I could find out very quickly by asking the delegates of each club.

In fact, the Sullivan County Tourism Department would refer many inquiries to contact Jack Danchak, and we are sure he can help you.

Writing the Sportsman Outdoors column was very easy for me having all this information at my fingertips and I enjoyed doing it. I will continue to write the Sportsman’s Outdoors column in the Sullivan County Democrat newspaper. 

I also had a radio program on WVOS out of Liberty for 6 years. Once a week I would report on what is happening in Sullivan County with hunting, fishing and conservation. People loved to hear their names mentioned on the radio and would bring their fish catches and game takes to me quite often.

I would end each broadcast by saying, “This is Jack Danchak and until next week, I hope you are enjoying Sullivan County as much as I am.”

Youth Hunting Could Begin at Age 10!

New York Assemblyman Robert Smullen has introduced legislation that, if passed, would significantly change the ability of young people to get started in hunting, including possessing a firearm when afield. 

Smullen’s bill is called the Apprentice Hunting Bill, if passed it will allow a person who is at least 10 years of age to hunt small game, foul, deer or bear during applicable seasons without obtaining a hunting license or hunter’s education course certificate, and to possess or control a firearm if the person is within arm’s reach of a qualified hunting mentor.

Smullen said, “This bill will help foster genuine interest and appreciation for the outdoors and the tradition of hunting in the next generation, and that is very important to me.”