The Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County held their December monthly meeting at the White Lake Firehouse on Route 17B. President Jack Danchak opened the meeting and asked for a moment of silence in memory of Sharon Puerschner, wife of Bob Puerschner and mother of Mark Puerschner. Bob and Mark are members of the Buck Ridge Hunting Club.

Retired DEC Conservation Officer Carl Lindsley presented a check of $350 to the Federation from Glenn Horton, to be used to sponsor a child to DEC Camp DeBruce in memory of Glenn's father Cliff Horton. Carl also said that Marcia Fink, one of the ladies that the Federation sponsored to Becoming a Woman in the Outdoors, has donated a new Huffy Mountain bicycle that will be raffled off at the Federation's Coyote Banquet in February.

Retired DEC Conservation Officer Deming Lindsley reported that there will be two new DEC Conservation Officers coming to Sullivan County. Leo Cecil gave a fine report on the Retirement Banquet Dinner held in honor of Judge Frank LaBuda. Leo said it was a great banquet and an outstanding turnout for Judge LaBuda.

John VanEtten reported that the Conservation Club's King of the Ice tournament will be held on Sunday, February 16, on White Lake.

President Danchak called for a break in the meeting for members to enjoy the food that was brought in for this special Christmas Holiday meeting.

When the meeting resumed Big Game Chairman, John VanEtten reported that Sunday hunting in PA will be open for three Sundays during the 2020 deer season. He also stated that the new NY DEC regulation on deer-feeding states, “Do not intentionally feed deer.” This regulation will take effect in the fall of 2020.

Conservation Education Chairman, Keith Krauss reminded members to submit names of children for Federation sponsorship to DEC Summer Education Camp in DeBruce. Registration starts on January 26, call Keith at 845-932-8923.

Harold Buley reported that Herb DeWitt will be giving up the chairmanship of the NY City DEP because of health reasons. President Danchak appointed Harold to be the chairman.

Youth Ice Fishing Derby Chairman Carl Lindsley reported that this event, providing there is safe ice, will be held on Saturday, January 25 on the Ten Mile River Boy Scouts private Crystal Lake.

President Danchak turned the meeting over to the Acting Chairman of Elections Fred Bosch. The Federation's 2020 Officers and Trustee elected are: President-Jack Danchak¸Vice President-John VanEtten, Secretary/Treasurer-Linda Loughrey and Trustee for three years Harold Buley.

President Danchak congratulated the other officers and trustee elected and thanked the members for electing him to his 30th consecutive year as president. Jack wished everyone a Merry Christmas Holiday and a Happy New Year.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Jack Danchak is the President of the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County.