Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Kids Fishing Derby at Catskill Point Honors Former Legislator

CATSKILL -  The Greene County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs (center) who sponsor the Annual Ray Brooks Memorial Kid's Fishing Derby, are joined by members of the County Legislature to honor a former colleague as they got kids out fishing at Catskill Point. Pictured here left to right are, Greene County Legislators Jay Lucas, James O'Connell, Mike Bulich, Federation Treasurer, Bill Burger, President, Hank Coons, and Greene County Legislators Mike Lanuto, Matt Luvera, and Sherry True.

Maggie Geiger, 13, of Athens, won a fishing pole and earned a trophy for catching the most fish in the Senior Division at the Ray Brooks Memorial Kid's Fishing Derby put on by the Greene County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs at Catskill Historic Point on Saturday. 

The Ray Brooks Memorial Kids Fishing Derby was held at Catskill Historic Point on Saturday, June 21st. Hank Coons, President of the Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, said 32 kids took part on a beautiful, sunny Saturday. While the weather got a bit warm, kids and adults enjoyed drinks and a hot dog lunch as a good time was had by all. 

Members of the Greene County Legislature were on hand to support the event, and honor the memory of former legislator, Ray Brooks. Ray was elected to the Greene County Legislature, representing the Town of Athens in 2003 and 2006. He was a big supporter of veterans, area sportsmen and women, and fostered sponsorship of youth fishing and hunting events. Before Ray passed away in 2023, he had formed a luncheon for veterans, which was held annually at the Catskill Historic Point. The luncheon is still supported by the Greene County Legislature and on Friday, the day prior to the kid’s derby, the Third Annual Ray Brooks Veterans Memorial Luncheon and Fishing Event took place at the same location at Catskill Point. 

NYS Environmental Conservation Officers, ECO Darren Milliron of Greene County, and ECO Frank Keegan, who’s assigned to Columbia County, were on hand to help out. They represented both the Division and the NY Conservation Officer’s Association who supports the annual event. 

Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs members, Bill Burger, Tom Holleufer, Dana Hanusik, Gene Salvino, and Jeremiah Vermilyea, joined club president, Hank Coons and his wife in the planning and ‘game day’ execution of the annual youth event. 

While none of the kids went home empty handed as each got a prize, a few got a trophy to go with it for achievement in their respective categories. 

Here are the winners:

In the Senior Division, Maggie Geiger, 13, of Athens caught the most fish, while 14-year-old Desmond Connolly of Yonkers caught the largest fish. Emily Roberg, 15, of Coxsackie took the prize for catching the smallest fish. 

 For the Junior Division, Luca Gobertson, 7, of Valatie caught the most fish, while Kelly O’Connor, 6 took the honors for catching the lunker. Gavin McSorley, 8, of Leeds caught the smallest fish in the Junior Division. 

Congratulations to all the winners and all those present supporting this worthwhile outdoor event. 

Happy hunting, fishing, and trapping until next time!

News and Notes 

Crossbow Bill Awaiting Governor’s Signature

The Crossbow Bill passed during the waning hours of the close of the 2025 NY legislative has yet to be signed by Governor Kathy Hochul. Among other things, the measure expands legal use of crossbows to take deer and bear during all archery seasons and repeals many obsolete specification requirements.

Norton Hill Trap Shooting Program is Underway/ 3D Archery Starting Soon

The Norton Hill Wildlife Club’s Sunday Trap Program is underway. Remaining dates are: July 20th, August 10th, and September 7th. Trap begins at 10:00 am and the cost is $5.00 per round. Bring your own ammo and ear and eye protection which is required. Breakfast sandwiches will be available starting at 9:00 am for $5.00. For further information call Chad at 518-291-3784. 

The Norton Hill 3D Archery Program began on June 7th, with subsequent dates on July 12th and 13th, August 23rd and 24th, and September 13th. A chicken BBQ will be available from 7:00 am until Noon. Cost for adults is $15.00, youth 12-17 at $7.00 and kids under 12 are free. For more information call Eric at 518-646-6338. 

*The gun range will be closed on the dates listed above.