As president of the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County, I have decided to retire at the end of this year. I have served as their president for the past consecutive 30-years and prior to that 10-years as a member.

I remember 30-years ago when I was elected president, County Clerk at the time was Joe Purcell, who was also a dedicated fame sportsman, called me to congratulate me being elected as the Federation's president. Joe told me to get rid of the cliques in the Federation and treat everyone equal, and you can stay as their president as long as you want to. And when the time comes for you to retire, you will know it.

Joe was absolutely correct, because I know this is my time to retire. This was a great ride and it was an honor and pleasure to serve this Federation that is one of the largest organizations in Sullivan County if not the largest. It is also the largest Sportsmen's Federation in the State of New York. We have a great relationship with state and county public officials, legislators and NY DEC personnel.

It was a lot easier for me when I had my right hand, partner and loving wife by my side. Kay and I worked as a team and she made my duties as president a lot easier. I will miss the Federation and the many friends that I have made over the years. But like they say, “adjustments in life have to be made accordingly, and life goes on.”

Sportsmen's Federation!

The Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County held their November monthly meeting at the Conservation Club's Clubhouse, 18 club delegates were present. VP John VanEtten presided over the meeting. A moment of silence was held in memory of dedicated member Bill Buddenhagen.

In attendance were retired DEC personnel Carl and Deming Lindsley. Carl said the state's bear take could possibly turn out to be the highest it has ever been. He reported about the EAD virus (Hemorrhagic-midge disease) that affects deer. When a deer is bitten by these midges, they usually die within 36 hours. The disease is non-transferrable and the tiny midges die off as colder weather sets in.

Deming Lindsley reported that there are currently four DEC officers covering Sullivan County and because of the current virus conditions, there will be no overtime for these officers and 1/3 of the officers in the state will be off on weekends.

Gary Muthig reported that fish stockings were held at Swinging Bridge Reservoir, Morningside Lake, Mountaindale Lake, Lake Huntington, White Lake, Lake Wanata, Lake Superior and Silver Lake.

Nominations for the 2021 officers and trustees were presented by acting nominating chairman Carl Lindsley: President-John VanEtten, Vice President-Hank Samyn, Secretary/Treasurer-Linda Loughery and 3-year Trustee-Keith Krauss. Trustee Harold Buley, for health reasons, is resigning and Carl Lindsley will fill out Harold's term.

Next Federation meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at the Sullivan County Conservation Club's Clubhouse.

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