ROSCOE — Every year around October, sportsmen from around Sullivan County gather at the Rockland House for the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County (FOSCOSC) annual dinner.

Members of the Federation, families and local politicians make their way to Roscoe to share in each other’s company. A fantastic meal, raffle prizes and awards are just a bonus.

Awards are given to members of the Federation for their hard work throughout the year, and the Sportsman of the Year is also announced at the dinner.

A committee is put together to select a recipient for the Sportsman of the Year each year, with the award winner being recognized for their contributions to the local sportsman community.

This year’s award winner, Conservation Officer Ricky Wood, has been working in Sullivan County since 2009. From K-9 demonstrations to hunter safety courses to fishing and wildlife enforcement, Officer Wood exemplifies what it means to be a sportsman and do things the right way.

“Sullivan County is one of the best places in the state for the type of work that I do,” Officer Wood said. “We have one of the busiest counties during deer season.”

The 2021 Sportsman of the Year Gary Muthig said, “The dinner is a great way to recognize everyone that has helped throughout the year. It’s a nice get-together and we had a great turnout. We sold out and had to increase the limit, and I was still getting calls this afternoon for tickets.”

President John Van Etten said, “It was a packed house tonight. There’s a lot of comraderie from like-minded sportsmen. I’m very happy with the award going to Ricky Wood, he’s a great guy and a friend to the sportsmen. It was an excellent choice by the committee.”

When it comes to being a sportsman, whether you work in law enforcement or volunteer your time with clubs and events, being afield is one of the best parts of it. Officer Wood took his son out deer hunting for the youth weekend, and just before sunset they were able to take a beautiful 9-pointer.

“Being considered a sportsman you’re someone involved in the community lawfully and ethically, and being selected as the Sportsman of the Year makes me think I do that well. It’s all about being able to pass on that type of knowledge and experience,” Wood said. “I love working up here, that’s why I took this job. All the activity, the hunter safety classes and outreach, people and kids see us in the community. It’s nice to have a base of younger folks getting into the sporting community.”