The Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County held their December monthly meeting at the Sullivan County Conservation Club's Clubhouse. The meeting began at 7:30 PM with a salute to the flag. A moment of silence was taken in memory of Federation members Becky Myers and Harold Buley who recently passed away. Fourteen delegates were present.

President Jack Danchak, who could not attend, asked Vice-President John VanEtten to preside over the meeting. Guests in attendance were retired NYS DEC officers Carl and Deming Lindsley.

Carl reported that there is no currently bear biologist available and there is no new hiring at this time. Carl said that many bear are now in hibernation. He heard the deer harvest is quite low but the final deer-take figures are not out yet. Hunter Safety courses can only be completed on-line. Carl went on to say there is a shortage of ammo at most retail stores and they don't expect to be getting any in soon.

Secretary Linda Loughrey said that 2021 club membership applications will be enclosed with the December minutes and asked clubs to update their current officers.

Gary Muthig reported that most of the fish for the fall stocking in Sullivan County public access waters is completed, but the fish hatchery did not have any channel catfish this year.

Big Game Chairman John VanEtten reported on the DEC's 10 year plan to improve hunting in NYS. Clubs should let the DEC know ASAP of their concerns.

Keith Krauss, Conservation Education Chairman, said he hasn't heard if the DEC Summer Camps for children will be open in 2021. The Federation's feelings are that the children, who wanted to go this year, should have preference to go in 2021.

Under Old Business, a motion was made to nominate Carl Lindsley to fill the unexpired term of Trustee Harold Buley, motion was carried.

Under New Business, Acting Nominating Chairman Carl Lindsley presented the slate of officers to be voted on to serve the Federation in 2021: elected were President-John VanEtten, Vice-President-Hank Samyn, Secretary/Treasurer-Linda Loughrey and Trustee for 3-years-Keith Krauss.

Next Federation meeting will be held on Wednesday January 13, 2021 at 7:30 PM at the Sullivan County Conservation Club's Clubhouse.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Joyous and Healthy New Year!

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