Greene County Legislature supports sportsmen and youth

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!

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A resident of Durham, Larry is a retired captain with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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