The Latest Federation News and Events

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National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day brings together sportsmen and women to celebrate the rich tradition of hunting, target shooting and fishing with national, state, regional and local organizations hosting related events.

All attendess, kids and adults will SAFELY learn how to handle a bow, crossbow, rifle, air pistol and shotgun. All hands-on activity is closely monitored by experts.

This years event is on September 27th at Elma Conservation Club.

More info coming soon…

Vendor Registration

Deer Search Blood Tracking Seminar

Is your best friend’s favorite pastime chewing on the furniture? Do they just stare at you when you say fetch? Do they walk you instead of the other way around? If so, this seminar is for you.  Leave your dog at home and learn how to track blood without a dog. Learn from the pros on what techniques to use to be successful.

Held at Hawkeye Bowmen on September 21st.

 

SEMINAR FLYER

Upcoming Events

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3 Day Fly Fishing Trip for Combat Vets

Rivers of Recovery is a non-profit organization that provides an all expenses paid outdoor adventure to combat vets as a therapeutic get-away and learning experience.  In October they are offering a 3-day/2-night fly fishing trip for FOUR vets.

Supported by member club Trout Unlimited and other groups, they are looking for donations to help offset costs.

DETAILS
COMMENTARY

Governor Signs Crossbow Bill

In a rare moment of clarity and common sense, Governor Hochul signed a bill allowing crossbows to be utilized as a legal archery hunting implement during archery season by any legal hunter that has completed an archery training course.

The Erie County Federation has supported this bill for sometime.  Thanks to the efforts of all, including the NY Crossbow Coalition and the New York State Conservation Council, we finally can make a choice to use a crossbow, priviously limited to seniors or handicapped individuals.

 

ECFSE and NYSCC Explain Crossbow Bill

Jack Coad and Diane Steel answer questions.

Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs President Jack Coad and New York State Conservation Council Treasurer Diane Steel explain the recently signed crossbill bill signed by Governor Hochul August 26, 2025.  This bill was co-sponsored by the Erie County Federation, NY Crossbow Coalition and the New York State Conservation Council and supported by sportsmen across the state.

Video
Youth Lifetime License Entry
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Youth Pheasant Hunt - FREE!

October 11, 2025

Open to any youth hunter, ages 12-15, this FREE event is sponsored by Wood & Brook Sportsman’s Club in Alden.

Youth hunter must possess a valid NYS hunting license and ne accompanied by a licensed adult hunter.

Lunch provided.

REGISTER ONLINE

Sportsmen Flock to Erie County Fair

Pheasants and turtle big hits.

Another great year at the Erie County Fair. The Conservation Building featured displays from member clubs, demo days presentations – where groups showcased what they are about with informative handouts and participation events, wild game mounts, 4H pheasants, live local fish and a big ole snapping turtle named Homer.

Check out the videos.

 

FAIR EVENTS

Federation Articles & Information

Keeping you updated with the latest conservation news.

Erie County Federation Community Programs

Teach-Me-To-Fish applies the knowledge and experience of seasoned anglers and volunteers for everyone.

License awards FREE lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to youths residing in Erie County and under the age of 16.

ECFSC awards two $500 college scholarships yearly.  Applicants must reside in Erie County and pursue education in conservation.

This event allows attendees to participate in a variety of events including fishing, trap, small bore rifle shooting, air guns and archery.

Active in our Community

The best way to teach children how to conserve is to start young.  Education and empowerment are the gifts we must give our children and the tools they will use to make the world a better place for generations to come. The Erie County Federation of Sportsmen‛s Clubs sponsors youth programs designed to teach conservation and how to respect and preserve our natural resources.

Past Events

Conservation education for future generations.

Find Out How

New York State Conservation Council

The Council’s members are a dedicated group of volunteers who donate their time and resources to advocate for their fellow sportsmen and women, tracking bills affecting the sporting community, and following issues like land use throughout New York State. As new concerns arise, the NYSCC is a consistent voice for conservation and wise land use in the hearing rooms of the NYS Legislature. 

Fish & Wildlife Management Board

The State FWMB meets biannually to consider issues submitted by Regional Boards, advisory members and others that pertain to fish and wildlife management in the state. Over the years, the role of the State FWMB has become that of a citizen forum for examination of such issues, with a particular slant toward the viewpoint of the private landowner. The power of the Board consists solely of the advocacy of its resolutions.

ECFSC Involvement

We support many conservation groups – from Fishing with Heroes helping disabled vets gain access to sport fishing, to West Falls youth archery camp where camp attendees get hands-on training and earn a NYS Bowhunter Certification. Youth trappers are trained by experienced mentors.  We sponsor NYS High School Clay Target League teams in Erie County. 

Officers:

President – Jack Coad

1st Vice President – Ken Delano

2nd Vice President – Joe Fischer

Treasurer – David Rosner

Recording Secretary – Rich Davenport

Corresponding Sec. – Diane Steel

Membership – Joe McAdams

Sergeant-At-Arms – Tom Fischer

COMMITTEES:

Archery & Bowhunting – Tom Fischer

Awards – Chuck Godfrey

Banquet – George Rockey

Big Game – Rich Davenport

Budget & Finance – David Rosner

Bylaws – Dave Rosner

Council Resolutions – Rich Davenport

Crossbow – Tom Fischer

Education –  Amy Plecas

Environment – Chuck Godfrey

Exhibits / Shows – Amy Plecas

Facebook – Rich Davenport/Diane Steel

Fish – Joe Fischer / Tom Fischer / Larry Jones

Fund Raising –  Jack Coad

FWMB – Chuck Godfrey

Hunter Education – Ken Delano

Internal Controls – Tom Fischer / Bob Avery

Law Enforcement – Carl Leas

Legislation – Carl Leas

Membership Outreach – Joe McAdams

 

NHFD – Rich Davenport

Nominations – Fred Wymer

NYSCC – Dan Tone

Small Game – Dan Tone

TMTF –  Bob Avery &  Tom Fischer co-Chairs

Trapping – Patti & Rick Wattengel

Waterfowl -George Rockey

Website – Joe McAdams

WNY Environ. Fed. – Dan Tone / Joe Fischer

Youth Lifetime License – Joe Fischer

Address: P.O. Box 11

Alden, N.Y. 14004