2026 GREENE COUNTY YOUTH FAIR ANGELO CANNA PARK, CAIRO, NEW YORK
Runs from Thursday July 23rd until Sunday July 26th.
Open 9AM - 9PM Thursday through Saturday with FIREWORKS AFTER DARK ON SATURDAY NIGHT
Open Sunday from 9AM - 3PM
Greene County Legislators Harry Lennon, Jay Lucas, and Matt Luvera recently gathered with members and volunteers of the Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs for the Ray Brooks Memorial Youth Fishing Derby at Catskill Point. Providing essential support were Rose Brooks, widow of the late Ray Brooks, alongside NYS Environmental Conservation Officer Frank Keegan and Mellisa Penate representing Greene County Tourism.
Last month, a number of Greene County Legislators attended the Greene County Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs annual Ray Brooks Memorial Youth Fishing Derby at Catskill Point. The free event had kids eating hot dogs and refreshments, all while enjoying fishing at the historic location.
Members of the Greene County Legislature were on hand to support the fun while paying tribute to their late colleague, Ray Brooks. They’re continuing his legacy of support of sportsmen and women, and especially the youth of Greene County. Ray’s widow, Rose Brooks, was present once again this year to show her support.
As a legislator representing the Town of Athens, Ray Brooks worked closely with the sportsmen’s federation to initiate the youth event and a number of other youth programs many years ago. Brooks was key among a number of county legislators who saw the value in getting kids outdoors hunting, fishing, and trapping as a means to connect with nature. The late former Chairman of the Legislature, Wayne Speenburgh, was another. He is the namesake of grants that support such activities. Current Greene County legislators like Harry Lennon of Cairo and others are absolutely keeping that tradition alive with their constant support of sportsmen who get kids outdoors. They provided funds from the Wayne Speenburgh Grant which provides funding for youth, senior, veteran and other eligible not-for-profit organizations which paid for an event tent used for the first time at this year’s Youth Fishing Derby.
Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs President Jim Lee, expressed on their website, “Thanks to the Greene County Legislature, the Office of Tourism, donors, and volunteers for making the annual Youth Fishing Derby a success!” Their website at www.greenesportsmen.net goes on to state the organization’s mission (to serve), “…as a unified voice for conservation, natural resource stewardship, and the promotion of the hunting and fishing heritage across the Catskill region.” The Ray Brooks memorial Youth Fishing event is one of many they conduct in the county. Visit their website to view more information and to see photos of this year’s youth fishing derby.
There’s no rest for the weary as the sportsmen’s organization and area legislators gear up for the 2026 Greene County Youth Fair scheduled to run from Thursday, July 23 through Saturday, July 26. Federation sportsmen and women will once again be manning tables under the Trade Tent across from state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the trout tank. Look for the display of interesting wildlife pelts including otters, coyotes, bears and much more. If you do, eligible youths can sign-up for this year’s Youth Pheasant Hunt scheduled for September 26. So, save the date for kids between 12 and 15 years old on that opening day of the Youth Pheasant Hunting Season. All kids hunting need to have a valid junior hunting license and be accompanied by an adult on the day of the hunt.
Right now, is the perfect time to get your hunting license certification if you don’t already have one. The number of courses available between now and September is at its peak. Go to the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov and search for Hunter Education Program Courses and Certifications - NYSDEC to sign up for a class near you. So, if you want to hunt in the fall of 2026, hurry because in-person classes fill up quickly since they offer hands-on training including real-time firearms handling safety and familiarization including live fire instruction. An online hunter safety course is also available and can be found on DEC’s website.
See you at the homespun, all-American event at the Greene County Youth Fair!
Happy hunting, fishing and trapping until next time!
A resident of Durham, Larry is a retired captain with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Veterans and community volunteers gathered for the 2026 Veteran's Turkey Hunt finale at Greenville's Norton Hill Wildlife Club. This meaningful event was hosted by the Northern Catskills Longbeards (NWTF) alongside their dedicated partners. Looking closely at the group portrait, a black bear makes an unexpected appearance just to the left of NWTF Chapter President Bob Monteleone. Marine Veteran Kyle Abbott, shown kneeling third from the right, harvested that black bear during a chapter-led hunt in September. Also featured is Army and Marine Veteran Mick Devlin, seen kneeling second from the left, who claimed top honors for this season's finest gobbler. We extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt gratitude to all participating veterans for their dedicated service to our country.
This year’s spring turkey season closed at noon on May 31, just one week after we celebrated Memorial Day and honored those who gave “the last full measure” for our freedom.
As we approach Flag Day and the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country, it’s a good time to reflect and give thanks to those who fought and continue to fight to protect our great nation. I’m speaking of course of the men and women of our military: our veterans.
The Northern Catskills Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) along with its parters, extends their thanks each year to veterans who have sacrificed their wellbeing by taking them turkey hunting in May, and bear hunting in September. NWTF Chapter President Bob Monteleone gathers his fellow chapter “Longbeards” and other volunteers to put on world class, free, guided spring wild turkey and early season bear hunts for disabled veterans.
This year’s veteran’s turkey hunt took place at the beginning of May and was particularly successful. Nine veterans harvested nine toms over the first weekend of the season.
Congratulations are in order for their success, which was not only due to their patience and skill, but to the hard work and woodsmanship of local NWTF Longbeards chapter volunteers. The Northern Catskills Longbeards NWTF Chapter sponsors the annual veteran’s turkey and bear hunts providing all the logistics and meals for veterans who are gathered from across our nation by organizations like Break of Day Outdoor Ministries and Band of Heroes Outdoors. Free lodging is provided for the vets by the folks at Sunny Hill Resort and Golf Course in Greenville. NWTF and New York Bowhunter member Ed Gorch has helped the Nicholsen family at Sunny Hill coordinate their generous donation to the event for quite a number of years now. The vets need only to get themselves to Greene County and the volunteers take care of the rest.
The final gathering of the weekend was hosted by the Norton Hill Wildlife Club. It was a cold, windy morning hunt followed by a brisk afternoon lunch. Harvested turkeys were officially scored and in the spirit of friendly competition, awards given to the two veterans with toms with the longest beards and spurs. First place went to Mick Devlin of Delaware. A veteran of both the Marines and the Army, Mick received a beautiful knife, hand-forged locally in Saugerties by master craftsmen then donated by Gunpowder Pro Knives.
Second place went to Marine veteran Kyle Abbott of Jacksonville, North Carolina. Kyle had also attended the bear hunt with Northern Catskills Longbeards volunteers back in September where he harvested a bear, he actually brought with him to the spring turkey hunt! Well at least he brought a nice mount of the bear he took!
All veteran hunters received calls made by Mountain Hollow Game Calls of Potsdam.
When handing out the awards, Bob Montleone prefaced his presentations to the veterans with a simple yet heartfelt message of thanks to all veterans present for their extraordinary service to our country. He got a bit emotional as he sincerely expressed how we owe our freedom, safety, and security, to them and all veterans, especially those still suffering from the trauma of their war experience. The 50 or so people attending in the cold signaled their agreement with his well-expressed sentiment with a resounding round of applause.
At this and last year’s event, I found the topic of conversation among veterans was once again about next steps they can take for future hunts. Ways they can individually give back to their fellow veterans which is inspiring considering how much they gave of themselves already.
So, as we approach the commemoration of our 250 years as a nation, let us honor their sacrifice, and thank a veteran when you get the opportunity.
Happy Flag Day, and happy hunting, fishing, and trapping until next time!
News and Notes
Annual Ray Brooks Memorial Youth Fishing Derby at Catskill Point is June 13th
This year the Ray Brooks Memorial Youth Fishing Derby at Catskill Point, sponsored by the Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, will take place on Saturday, June 13. Registration is at 9 a.m. with fishing for kids 5-15 from 10 a.m. to noon. There will be prizes, refreshments and lots of fishing fun. Members of the Greene County Legislature will also be on hand as the honor the memory of their late colleague, Ray Brooks, as they continue to sustain his legacy by supporting youth fishing, hunting, and getting kids and adults outdoors.
Black Bass Season Opens on June 15
The season for keeping legal size black bass, (both largemouth and smallmouth) opens each year on Monday, June 15 and closes on November 30. For more information on regulations concerning bass and other freshwater fishing go to Statewide Freshwater Fishing Seasons, Sizes, and Catch Limits - NYSDEC.
Father’s Day BBQ/Cookout at the Earlton Fish & Game Club is June 20
The Earlton Fish & Game Club is hosting their annual Father’s Day Steak and Chicken BBQ at its facility at 56 Potic Creek Road in Earlton on June 20 from 2-6 p.m. You can eat-in or take out. For adults, cost is $25 for steak and $20 for chicken. Cost is $15 for kids under 12. Meals include choice of steak or chicken entre’ with potatoes, vegetables, salad, dessert and beverage. Music and Karaoke will be provided by “Mountain Man DJ.” Reservations are recommended. Raffles will be available and winners need not be present. For tickets and more information, call and leave a message at 518-694-8323 or email Info@Earlton GunClub.com You can also get more information on their Facebook page @EarltonGunClub.com.
A resident of Durham, Larry is a retired captain with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of long time and dedicated Federation member, Jim Volker. You will be missed, Jim.
James “Jim” Alexander Volker, age 85 of Athens, NY passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center with his loving family and friends at his bedside.
He was born on March 4, 1941, in Kingston, NY, a son of the late Elizabeth and James Volker.
Jim grew up in Kingston where he worked on local dairy farms while attending Kingston High school, going on to attain a degree in Dairy Technology at Cobleskill College.
He proudly served in the United States Army for two years during the Vietnam Era as a clerk typist and range safety officer. He then spent three years of service in the United States Army Reserves.
Following his honorable service, he returned home to continue protecting others.
Jim channeled his deep respect for nature and discipline into a distinguished 32-year career as a NYS Environmental Conservation Officer, dedicating his life to preserving the State's wildlife and natural resources. He served as a member of the honor guard, instructor at the NYS ECO academy and attended multiple NAWEO conferences in the US and Canada with his wife Janet.
After his retirement from the Department of Environmental Conservation in 2006, he continued his journey of public service serving as a Town of Hunter judge for 12 years―fulfilling another dream of service to his community.
Jim was also a proud and dedicated member of the Catskill Mountain Fish & Game Club in Hunter. He focused on engaging the area youth in the summer and winter fishing derbies, hunter safety courses and sending local children, including his grandchildren, to the NYSDEC summer camps.
Jim and Janet were fortunate to spend the last ten years enjoying life as snowbirds escaping the cold winters to soak up the warmth in Okeechobee, Fl. Jim enjoyed playing pool with his cronies and fishing on Lake O! Jim loved nothing more than sharing his great stories, possibly sipping on a sweet Manhattan on the rocks with a captive audience.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 29 years, Janet Volker; son Brock Volker and Mary; grandchildren Emily, Nate and Finn; great grandkids Grayson and Charlotte; daughter Cynthia and Edward Ortlieb; grandson Alexander; step-children Heidi and Mark Lewis, grandchildren Jayden and Zane, April Ruoff, grandsons Elijah and Logan and great grandson Levi, Jessie Ruoff, grandson Isiah, late James Ruoff, Jr., grandsons Nelson, Daniel and great grandson Jaxtyn.
In addition to his loving family, Jim leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful friends whom he deeply cherished and loved.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday July 6, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, 139 Jefferson Heights, Catskill, NY 12414. Funeral services will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday July 7, 2026, at 11 a.m., burial will follow in the family plot of Maplewood Cemetery in Jewett, NY with military honors.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in memory of James to the Catskill Mountain Fish & Game Club, P.O. Box 848, Tannersville, NY 12485.
To share a memory or for more information please visit www.millspaughcamerato.com.
PHOTOS FROM THE 2026 RAY BROOKS MEMORIAL YOUTH FISHING DERBY
Thanks to the Greene County Legislature, The Greene County Office of Tourism, donors and volunteers for making the annual Youth Fishing Derby a success!
Greene County Federation of Sportsmens Clubs
Conserving the Wild,
Honoring Tradition
The Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs acts as a unified voice for conservation, natural resource stewardship, and the promotion of hunting and fishing heritage across the Catskill region.
Dedicated to the Heritage and Legacy of Greene County
Founded as a unified voice for conservation, the Greene County Federation of Sportsmens Clubs has evolved into a vital pillar of our local environment. For decades, we have partnered with state and local agencies to advocate for the sustainable management of our forests and waterways. Our history is a testament to the power of collective action in safeguarding the traditions that define our region.
Today, we continue to uphold our commitment to sportsmen and women by protecting the wildlife habitats that make Greene County unique. We believe that ethical stewardship is the key to ensuring that our natural treasures remain accessible and thriving for the hunters, anglers, and conservationists of tomorrow.
Our Member Clubs
The Greene County Federation represents a diverse network of sportsmen's groups united by a common goal: protecting our heritage and conserving our natural resources for future generations.
Earlton Fish and Game Club
Dedicated to local environmental stewardship and habitat protection efforts.
Fostering excellence in angling and ethical hunting practices across the region.
Catskill Mountain Fish & Game
Athens Sportsmen Association
Engaging more local residents in wildlife preservation and outdoor traditions.
Rip Van Winkle Rod & Gun
Advocating for sportsman rights and providing community safety training programs.
Coxsackie Sportsmens Club
New York Houndsmen Conservation Association
Hunter Tannersville Archery Program
Promoting the heritage of archery through competitive leagues and coaching sessions.
Norton Hill Wildlife Club
R-C Sportsmens Club
Stony Clove Rod and Gun Club
Greene County Ducks Unlimited
Northern Catskill Longbeards - NWTF
Trout Unlimited - Columbia - Greene #569
Sunrise Fish & Game Association
Upcoming Events
Youth Turkey Hunt Scheduled this April in Greene County
The Norton Hill Wildlife Club (NHWC) in conjunction with the New York Conservation Officer’s Association (NYCOA) and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is holding the 2nd Annual Greene County Youth Turkey Hunt on April 26 with hunting in the AM, followed by a BBQ 11 a.m. to 2 PM. at the Norton Hill Wildlife Club at 946 Big Woods Road in Greenville. There is a safety briefing presentation that includes hunting tips and tactics and shotgun patterning at the NHWC on April 19 at 10 AM Properly licensed youth’s aged 12-15 can either hunt with their families and friends or, those in need of a mentor can contact the organizer of the event, ECO Lucas Palmateer (518-478-1698) or Lt. Anthony Glorioso (518-755-9242) for more information and to sign up for this event no later than April 17, 2025.
Recreational Striped Bass Fishing Season Began on April 1
The striped bass fishing season in the tidal Hudson River shares its opening day with the trout opener on April 1. DEC says now is the time to sign-up for the Hudson River Cooperative Angler Program, whether you catch-and-release or take home a keeper. Share your fishing trip information and help biologists understand and manage our striped bass fishery. For more information on the angler program and instructions on installing the Survey123 App, visit DEC’s Hudson River Cooperative Angler or email hudsonangler@dec.ny.gov.
*Remember, all boat operators, regardless of their age are now required to take a class and possess proof of being certified in safe boat handling while operating any motorized vessel in NY.
Our Key Initiatives
Wildlife Conservation & Habitat Restoration
(01)
Youth Education & Mentorship Programs
(02)
Sportsmen Advocacy & Legislative Action
(03)
Hunter Safety & Ethics Education
(04)
Initiatives
Thanks to our generous supporters!
Preserving Our Natural Legacy Together
The Greene County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs is dedicated to wildlife protection and advocacy. From sportsmen traditions to land stewardship, your involvement—as an individual or a club—powers our mission to safeguard the wild spaces we cherish.
Become a member club or individual supporter today.