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Current News Updated June 1, 2009 Legislative Alert
Thank you letter from CANY Letter To Commissioner Grannis To Get Archery Season Opened Oct 1st, 2009 Letter To Commissioner Grannis From President: Gary Socola
Legislative Alert There are currently 28 schools from 21 school districts in the pilot program for the National Archery in Schools Program of New York (NASP-NY). There are a total of 127 NASP Basic Archery Instructors (BAI) trained so far here in New York in 8 NASP training classes. There are currently 14 Basic Archery Instructor Trainers (BAIT) in the state and five have volunteered to help train this past year. NYB region 8 Representative Larry Hilderbrant assisted in 4 out of the 8 NASP training classes. Melissa Bailey, NASP-NY Coordinator, is hoping to have a BAIT training class in the next six months and will be looking for new BAIT candidates soon. Therefore, any interested NYB members looking to become NASP certified Basic Archery Instructor Trainers should be contacting Melissa by email at mrbailey@gw.dec.state.ny.us or by phone at 315-793-2269. Melissa reports that there is also going to be the First Annual NYS NASP (virtual) tournament this year. To date, four schools have signed up. Schools will be shooting at their school locations in March and will be sending Melissa their scores in order to compete against one another. There currently are eight additional schools that have teachers trained that are looking for funding for NASP equipment. Herm Trombley a physical education teacher from Sandy Creek Central School (SCCS), located in DEC region 7, was trained to be a NASP Instructor. Due to budget constraints, Sandy Creek Central School was unable to purchase equipment for the program. New York Bowhunters, Inc. (NYB) along with other concerned sportsmen's groups covered the cost of the NASP equipment. When asked what the donation is being used for, Trombley said “This will help put a bow in the hands of about 800 students this year and into the future at SCCS. In the NASP program all the children shoot the same bow at the same distance and using finger release. This is a great opportunity for our children to learn a life long skill.” NYB President Gary Socola stated “We have been extremely excited about the NASP program and what it has done for our youth in other states and in the countries of Canada and Australia. We’re glad it’s finally in New York, a state rich in archery tradition”. The SCCS program will be offered in grades 4th thru 12th. The NASP program cost about $2800.00 for all the equipment with the largest donation to SCCS of $1400.00 coming from New York Bowhunters. The Oswego County Federation of Sportsman worked together with NYB and other organizations within the region to make additional donations. NYS Schools currently in the NASP are as follows: Washington Middle School- Jamestown Jamestown High School- Jamestown Persell Middle School- Jamestown Jefferson Middle School- Jamestown Frazer School K-8- Syracuse Nottingham High School- Syracuse Fabius Pompey- Fabius Groton CSD- Groton Jordan Elbridge CSD- Jordan Holy Cross Academy- Oneida Oneida CSD- Oneida South Lewis CSD- Turin Cazenovia CSD- Cazenovia Adirondack CSD- Boonville Franklin CSD- Oneonta Little Falls High School- Little Falls Cato-Meridian CSD- Cato Richfield Springs High School-Richfield Springs Sandy Creek CSD- Sandy Creek Brookfield CSD-Brookfield Baldwinsville CSD- Baldwinsville Rome Free Academy- Rome Strough Middle School- Rome Staley Upper Elementary School- Rome Colton-Pierrepont CSD- Colton Pierrepont Cooperstown CSD- Cooperstown Camden CSD- Camden Anyone having further questions about the NASP program in New York State should contact Melissa Bailey by email at mrbailey@gw.dec.state.ny.us or by phone at 315-793-2269.
ACT NOW Letter to Senator Gillibrand
Letter To Commissioner
Grannis From President: Gary Socola Join NYB in Supporting Our Troops In the last 3 years, NYB members and friends have donated 406 gift boxes (2,000 lbs) to our overseas troops. NYB is once again asking for your support by bringing a gift box to our annual Banquet on April 4th. The boxes should be the size of a shoebox or larger, filled with items that might be needed, such as prepaid phone cards, hygiene products, reading material, snacks, etc. Gift boxes should be unwrapped, taped closed, labeled for man or woman, with a brief description of contents. If you cannot attend the Banquet, but would like to make up a gift box or a cash donation, please contact your County Rep for pickup. “Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.”
Thank you. Ed Gorch, Board Of Directors
LEGISLATIVE ALERT Enclosed is a generic response letter from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), regarding our request to open the southern zone archery season on an earlier date in October and the New York Bowhunters (NYB) response letter to DEC Commissioner Grannis. It is obviously apparent that the DEC is not going to respond in a positive manner to our request. Therefore it is necessary that we now go up the chain of command and contact our state legislators. The DEC regulatory authority has been grated to them via the privilege of the state legislature. The state legislature updates this privilege every three years and what has been “giveth” in the past can be “taketh” away in the future. In other words our elected legislators have leverage on the DEC to grant this well justified request. Therefore it is imperative that we do the following; #1. Contact the chairmen of the
Environmental Conservation Committees in the New York State Senate & Assembly.
Enclosed is a generic letter for these chairmen, Senator Carl Marcellino and
Assemblyman Robert Sweeney. If you send these letters, remember to place your
address and date at the top of page and sign the letters at the bottom. You can
also contact these gentlemen at the following; #2. Contact your individual legislators, as they will respond positively to the constituents that vote them into office. You can obtain the addresses, phone number, office locations and e-mail addresses via the following web sites; #3. Flood the DEC wildlife e-mail address with your comments at fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us #4. Spread the word at your clubs, to fellow bowhunters and at local DEC offices. Remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so start squeaking and keep at it as our persistence will inevitably pay off! Senator Carl MarcellinoLegislative Office Building, Room 812 Albany, New York 12247 Dear Senator Marcellino, In 2005 the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) enacted a regulation change, contrary to my concerns, that opened the southern zone, early archery-only season on the Saturday after Columbus Day, ending on the 3rd Friday in November. As a result of this regulation change the 2008 early archery season in the southern zone opens on October 18th, resulting in a shortened 28 days as compared to a 35 day season in 2007. Thus the 2008 season is seven (7) days shorter than the 2007 season and up to ten (10) days shorter when compared to the old season structure that always opened on October 15th and ended on the Sunday before the regular gun season. Prior to enactment of this regulation change, DEC officials gave bowhunters their assurance, that in exchange for our support to open the regular big game southern zone season on a Saturday, as opposed to the then current Monday opening date, we would be compensated for this loss of hunting opportunity by opening the early archery-only season on October 1st. NYB gave their support and the DEC eventually reneged on their promise. Many attempts to engage the DEC in a working dialog on this issue has been frustratingly fruitless. I am asking you for your assistance to annually open the southern zone, early archery season at the beginning of the license year on October 1st with a season closure on the 3rd Friday in November. Thank you for listening to my concerns and I am hopeful that your office can assist bowhunters in our justified quest to restore weekend hunting opportunity to the southern zone archery-only season.Sincerely yours,
Assemblyman Robert K. Sweeney Dear Assemblyman Sweeney, In 2005 the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) enacted a regulation change, contrary to my concerns, that opened the southern zone, early archery-only season on the Saturday after Columbus Day, ending on the 3rd Friday in November. As a result of this regulation change the 2008 early archery season in the southern zone opens on October 18th, resulting in a shortened 28 days as compared to a 35 day season in 2007. Thus the 2008 season is seven (7) days shorter than the 2007 season and up to ten (10) days shorter when compared to the old season structure that always opened on October 15th and ended on the Sunday before the regular gun season. Prior to enactment of this regulation change, DEC officials gave bowhunters their assurance, that in exchange for our support to open the regular big game southern zone season on a Saturday, as opposed to the then current Monday opening date, we would be compensated for this loss of hunting opportunity by opening the early archery-only season on October 1st. NYB gave their support and the DEC eventually reneged on their promise. Many attempts to engage the DEC in a working dialog on this issue has been frustratingly fruitless. I I am asking you for your assistance to annually open the southern zone, early archery season at the beginning of the license year on October 1st with a season closure on the 3rd Friday in November. Thank you for listening to my concerns and I am hopeful that your office can assist bowhunters in our justified quest to restore weekend hunting opportunity to the southern zone archery-only season. Sincerely yours, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bowhunters Send Gift Boxes to Troops Serving in Iraq LaFayette, NY - 4/10/07 - New York Bowhunters, Inc. (NYB) just held their 12th annual Banquet in Syracuse, NY on March 31st. This is the organizations biggest fund raiser of the year. For the second consecutive year, NYB members have collected Gift Boxes to be forwarded to troops serving in Iraq and other countries around the world. Boxes contain hygiene products, socks, magazines, etc. for the troops and cost NYB about $1/lb to ship around the world. The program within NYB was the brain child of NYB member Ed Gorch. This year Ed enlisted the help of friends, neighbors, churches and organizations in NYS to assist the members of NYB bringing Gift Boxes to the 2007 Banquet. Donations were received from Troop 4 Cub Scouts from Schoharie, Sunny Hill Golf Course, Norton Hill Wildlife Club, Greene County Federation of Sportsmen, Catskill Wal-Mart and the First Church of Albany, along with many individuals and NYB members. Ed states “Last year we collected 85 boxes, which totaled 420 lbs. This year at this time we have 170 boxes and counting. The men, women and children that collected these boxes are trying to let the troops know they support and care for them.” Ed explains that there is a website www.anysoldier.com where individuals can go to learn more or to help directly themselves. New York Bowhunters, Inc. was formed in 1991 to promote bowhunting, educate hunters and non-hunters, and to fight anti-hunting legislation. NYB’s Banquet helps to raise money for the various programs NYB runs throughout the year such as their youth archery camps, youth hunts, physically challenged program and supports special projects such as the “Boxes for Troops” and the establishment of an archery range for troops serving in Iraq. NYB can be contacted at P.O. Box 619 LaFayette, N.Y. 13084 or by phone at 315-696-6365.
The North American Bowhunting Coalition (NABC) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CD On Assisting The Physically Challenged and Aging Bowhunter Released Chatfield, MN - 4/3/07 - The North American Bowhunting Coalition has released their educational CD entitled “Adaptive Equipment for the Physically Challenged and Aging Bowhunter”. The creation of the CD took well over a year to produce and includes hundreds of hours of research time. The CD is based on successful Physically Challenged programs being run in New York and Montana with its funding being provided by New York Bowhunters, Inc. The adaptive equipment depicted and described in the CD are currently in use throughout North America. Many states and provinces have set up Physically Challenged programs through their bowhunting organizations. These programs utilize the adaptive equipment to assist bowhunters both within and out of their respective states. The CD provides aging and Physically Challenged bowhunters the direction required for them to once again enjoy the outdoors with bowhunting gear. NABC Physically Challenged Chairman Gary Socola states “There is a misconception by aging bowhunters or bowhunters that have gone through a life changing injury that they can no longer hunt with conventional archery gear and therefore, need a crossbow or firearm to continue to hunt in the outdoors. This CD provides the tools and direction to get these individuals back into bowhunting”. NABC Chairman Denny Ballard commented that “The outdoor bowhunting community was in dire need of an educational tool which could assist game agencies, bowhunting organizations, legislative representatives, archery related businesses, physical therapists, medical professionals and the general public about the adaptive equipment available to assist bowhunters of all ages and physical challenges”. A horrific car accident left George Bolender of New York a quadriplegic, but his passion for bowhunting didn’t stop. Using adaptive equipment, George has successfully harvested several big game animals with his bow while seated in his wheelchair. George believes this “CD is the most comprehensive information available on assisting the physically challenged bowhunter”. The North American Bowhunting Coalition (NABC) was formed in 2005 and is comprised of state, provincial and national bowhunting organizations and works on behalf of current and future generations of bowhunters to promote, preserve and defend the ideals of bowhunting. The Adaptive Equipment CD can be ordered directly from the NABC, free of charge at PO Box 493 • Chatfield, MN 55923. The educational program can also be viewed in its entirety on the NABC website at http://www.nabowhuntingcoalition.com/. For additional information, please contact Gary Socola, NABC Physically Challenged Chairman at 585-624-2419. The organization’s next major project will be a similar educational CD on Urban Deer Management Programs. BOWHUNTING COALITION MEETS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dennis R. Ballard (573) 696-3202 August 18, 2006Forty representatives of 30 state and provincial-level bowhunting organizations attended the annual meeting of the North American Bowhunting Coalition held at the Pope & Young Club's headquarters in Chatfield, Minnesota on August 12-13. Conferees discussed important bowhunting issues and charted action on a number of concerns including assisting the aging and physically challenged bowhunter, Sunday hunting, crossbows in bow seasons and high fence hunting. Rick Story, Senior Vice President of the U. S. Sportsmen's Alliance, updated the group on anti-hunting initiatives of the Humane Society of the United States and the pressing issues of state-level sportsmen's organizations. Story highlighted legislation that would expand bowhunting in some states and legislation that would restrict bowhunting in others. He illustrated the need for members to get involved locally, as well, by focusing on anti bowhunting ordinances that have been passed in several cities. The state of Alaska will become the 40th state to implement the National Archery in the Schools Program, so reported Roy Grimes, NASP National Director. The rapidly growing school archery program is expected to reach 700,000 students by the end of next year. Kevin Stay, NASP coordinator for Brennan Industries, maker of the Genesis bow, said nine additional states have a NASP program in the planning stages. Wisconsin Bowhunter Association's Mike and Rose Brust unveiled the NABC's new website with a live Internet download from www.nabowhuntingcoalition.com. Coalition project directors reported on the completion of important action items. Gary Socola, New York Bowhunters, briefed the coalition members on the CD-formatted "Adaptive Equipment for the Aging or Physically Challenged Bowhunter" program. The CD illustrates the different ways conventional bows can be adapted for use by disabled and aging bowhunters. It will be widely distributed and is currently available for download on the NABC website. Steve Link, Washington State Bowhunters, outlined how state/provincial organizations can increase their productivity and effectiveness. Link's 14-point presentation emphasized the best practices that have been utilized by successful bowhunting groups. Terry Receveur, Indiana Bowhunters Association, presented a descriptive seminar on high fence hunting and David Tetzlaff, president of the Traditional Bowhunters of Florida, directed a lively discussion following his presentation on the World Hunting Association's concept of competitive, televised hunting. NABC members universally condemned the WHA's plan to shoot whitetail deer with tranquilizing darts within fenced enclosures, labeling this venture as an affront to fair chase hunting.
Chatfield, MN - A meeting of the state and provincial-level bowhunting organizations was held at the Pope & Young Club’s headquarters in Chatfield, Minnesota on August 6th & 7th to further address important bowhunting issues that were identified at the National Bowhunting Summit held in Springfield, Missouri last April. Attended by 41 representatives of 33 organizations in 29 states and Canadian provinces, the Minnesota conferees completed a crossbow position statement, were taught by experienced bowhunting activists how to strengthen their political skills and how to build a more effective bowhunting organization. They addressed the increased anti-bowhunting threat, began work on a program to assist physically challenged archers to shoot modified conventional bows and developed plans to prepare a position paper on high fenced hunting. Dr. Dave Samuel served as moderator for the conference. The attending organizational reps of the National Bowhunting Summit group established the North American Bowhunting Coalition (NABC). Denny Ballard, of Missouri, was elected chairman of the coalition’s steering committee. A significant action taken was to assign boundaries to four NABC regions that encompass the entire North American continent. All state and provincial-level bowhunting organizations are automatically part of the NABC by virtue of their status as a state or provincial-level bowhunting group. The overall purpose of the NABC is to provide a communications link and organizational structure whereby the state and provincial organizations can effectively work together to provide strong support for the welfare of bowhunting throughout the United States and Canada. Denny Ballard, NABC’s new chairman says, “It’s hard to believe that, up to now, three million bowhunters in the U.S. and Canada have had no national level representation in matters that have directly affected their sport. That day has passed as the North American Bowhunting Coalition will provide a forum for bowhunters, through their state and provincial-level bowhunting organizations, to protect and support bowhunting as national issues are deliberated. It’s only fair and right that the men and women that have been pulling the load for bowhunting over the years have a say in where their sport is heading.” As the result of the National Bowhunting Summit meetings it was abundantly clear that the organized bowhunting community is strongly opposed to the growing trend by game agencies of permitting crossbows to be used in bow seasons. A position statement on the crossbow issue was developed and was signed on to by 72 bowhunting organizations and bowhunting related businesses. The position taken is that, “crossbows are not bows and therefore should not be permitted in bow seasons or in archery-only hunting areas.” “Our coalition organizations are the bulwark of bowhunting,” Ballard said. “They have opened the entry gate for thousands of new archers to enter our sport throughout decades of service to their local communities and have been reliable partners of our state game agencies as well. We know bowhunting and have earned our place at the table. Crossbow hunting has not.” “We see dangers, too, in promoting the commercial profiteering of crossbows at the expense of our natural resources,” Ballard said. “It’s a slippery slope. No user group exists for crossbow hunting and yet the public trustees of our natural resources are being pandered to by crossbow manufacturers and the commerce of hunting to allow crossbow hunting in bow seasons when no public interest exists. For the protection and welfare of bowhunting’s future, the North American Bowhunting Coalition looks forward to working with the many entities that comprise the continent’s bowhunting community NABC chairman Denny Ballard can be contacted at twangdrb@earthlink.net.
Aug. 5, 2005 To Whom It May Concern, The representatives of 32 state and provincial-level bowhunting organizations met on April 17-18 in Springfield, Missouri at the first “NATIONAL BOWHUNTING SUMMIT”. The purpose of the summit was to share information and develop strategies to resolve issues of greatest concern and to establish a permanent communications network of bowhunting organizations that will work together on behalf of bowhunting. A major issue addressed by the summit attendees was the use of crossbows during archery-only hunting seasons. It was immediately apparent that the attendees were unified as being strongly opposed to the use of crossbows in any bowhunting season. State and provincial representatives unanimously agreed that crossbows are not bows and should not be allowed in archery-only seasons. A hunting bow is recognized as a compound, recurve or longbow that is hand-drawn and that has no mechanical device to enable the hunter to lock the bow at full or partial draw. Crossbows, on the other hand, are locked at full draw by a trigger, utilize a rifle-like stock, have rigidly controlled internal ballistics, can readily be shot from a rest and typically use a telescopic sight. A crossbow’s characteristics are so vastly different from those of conventional bows that summit attendees agreed that crossbows would negatively impact bowhunting seasons if allowed in archery-only seasons. While the group recognized and supported the rights of hunters who choose to use other legal weapons in separate hunting seasons, they stood unanimously opposed to any effort to establish hunting season regulations where the ultimate aim is the inclusion of crossbows in bowhunting seasons or in archery-only areas. The below signed organizations and bowhunting-related businesses have joined the National Bowhunting Summit conferees in believing that, in order to preserve the integrity of bowhunting, it is vital that crossbows not be permitted in bow seasons or archery-only hunting areas. Respectfully,
Alabama Society of Traditional Bowmen May 2, 2005 |
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