Thanks to the Federated Sportsman’s Clubs of Ulster County and NY State Senator Peter Oberacker, young and older anglers can now borrow a rod & reel just as easy as borrowing a book, and both come from local libraries.

The Ulster County Federation and Senator Oberacker recently unveiled a new program called “Lend-A-Pole,” located at the Wallkill Public Library. Fishing poles and tackle can now be borrowed by anglers, especially by young anglers, and upon return are serviced by federation members and prepared for the next angler. Tackle and poles are provided by the Ulster County Sportsmen’s Federation.

The Federation’s President Ray Valk said, “It is vital that we teach our young people about the importance of our natural resources and provide them with opportunities to pursue the many great sporting activities we have here in Ulster County and throughout New York State. Opening our latest Lend-A-Pole program at the Wallkill Public Library continues our commitment to educating our youth and helping them appreciate the role they play in conserving wildlife for the betterment of all.”  

Senator Oberacker said, “Upstate New York is steeped in sporting traditions and fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. The members of the Federated Sportsmen’s Clubs of Ulster County are constantly working to educate and engage the next generation of sportsmen and this incentive program is a prime example of the work they are doing to foster a life-long love for the outdoors.” 

The Federated Sportsmen’s Clubs of Ulster County is an organization of independent hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting clubs throughout Ulster County, funded by sportsmen’s clubs throughout the county and the Ulster County Department of Mental Health.

The Federation supports several youth programs including the Fish and Wildlife Coalition for Youth and the Future Fisherman Foundation. Money raised by the Federation’s member clubs is also awarded through grants. 

The Federation also recently held their first Meet and Greet session, where members of the Federation showed new hunters how to butcher a deer and process venison. 

Judge Strikes Down NYC Gun Regulations!

A federal judge has struck down recent provisions in New York City’s gun restrictions as unconstitutional, saying officials have been allowed too much discretion to deny gun permits to people deemed “not of good moral character.”  

Judge John P. Cronan, in Manhattan, said in a written ruling that the magnitude of discretion afforded to city gun licensing officials under facets of the city’s administrative code violated the Constitution’s Second and 14th amendments. In particular, the judge cited provisions empowering officials to evaluate an applicant’s “good moral character” and whether “good cause exists for the denial” of a gun permit.

The regulations Judge Cronan found to be unconstitutional have since been amended, and the judge said he was not yet ruling on the wording of the new provisions. 

Wishing all a Merry Christmas!