THE SEPTEMBER MEETING WILL BE IN CAIRO ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH AT 7:00 PM
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR THE YOUTH PHEASANT HUNT ON SEPTEMBER 26TH.
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.
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.
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.