The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame (NYSOHOF) proudly celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its founding with the induction of 11 new members for 2008. This group represents 10 counties and all areas of the state. It is also a diversified group representing outdoorsmen, media professionals, and outdoor professionals. Inducted this year were Raymond "Mick" Elliot, Dr. John Braico, Rudy Hektor, Harry "Bud" Woodfield, Ron Kolodziej, Bill Wellman, Charles Godfrey, Mike Zagata, Don Bronson, C. Scott Sampson, Timothy Noga. As the code of the NYSOHOF states: “These individuals are honored not for what they have taken, but for what they have given.”
On a personal note, I've had the pleasure of knowing the majority of these class-act individuals over many years, and the common threads that join them are their lifelong dedication to making the New York outdoors a better place and their unselfish willingness to preserve and defend the best interests of all New York outdoorsmen and women. For those who hunt, fish, trap or just ultimately love to spend time outdoors, we often take it for granted that ìsomeone elseî will step forward to safeguard these activities for us as well as future generations. A visit to the NYSOHOF room at Gander Mountain in New Hartford and its array of inductees' plaques garnishing the walls will tell you who's been on the front lines doing just that.
Raymond “Mick” Elliot has been a long time youth mentor in hunting and fishing and has served the Saratoga County sportsmen as a representative to the NYSCC, and FWM Board, as well as on many committees. Dr. John Braico of Queensbury was a founder of the Adirondack Chapter of Trout Unlimited and has led the effort to restore portions of the Battenkill and East Branch of the Ausable River. He developed the field guide for stream restoration and led the effort to restore the eastern brook trout.
Rudy Hektor of Binghamton has probably taught more youngsters hunter safety than anyone in the country. He was one of only six people nationally who was honored for teaching the entire first 50 years of the program and he still serving as instructor and Master Instructor, as well as Broome County Coordinator. Harry “Bud” Woodfield has served on the Conservation Fund Advisory Board, Region 7 Fish and Wildlife Mmanagement Board, and has been president of Broome County Federation of Sportsmen for 20 years. His lifetime of service to many conservation organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation has earned him many awards.
Ron Kolodziej from Montgomery County has been an award-winning writer for over 30 years and a past president of NYS Outdoor Writers Association. He has been active in many sportsmen’s organizations, especially with bowhunter safety education and organizing kids fishing derbies. Bill Wellman of Plattsburgh has worked tireless to keep rivers running free and pure through his work with Trout Unlimited and regional organizations. He serves as regional vice president and is currently active with programs like Trout in the Classroom, and brook trout restoration.
Charles Godfrey has devoted many years of service to the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen and Trout Unlimited. He has been recognized for his efforts by the NYS Conservation Council and is currently a member of the Erie County Fisheries Advisory Board. Mike Zagata of Otsego County has served as DEC Commissioner and was a strong supporter of programs to increase participation in outdoor sports by youth and women. He served as CEO of the Conservation Alliance of NY and is currently Executive Director of the Ruffed Grouse Society.
Inducted posthumously were three outstanding sportsmen: Don Bronson of Niagara County, C. Scott Sampson of Seneca County, and Timothy Noga of Cayuga County. Don Bronson was a long time instructor in hunter safety and bowhunter education and impacted many students to love the outdoors as well as enjoying those sports. He was also a Western NY Waterfowl Task Force member and a Leopold Education Project facilitator.
Scott Sampson had been a deputy US Game Warden, an outdoor writer for over 35 years, and active in several conservation organizations. In addition to being a mentor to countless people, he was a leader in many conservation issues including protection of wetlands, waterfowl, and the Seneca white deer.
Tim Noga was a person who avoided the limelight but took on any task that the Falcon Sportsman Club, the Cayuga County Federation of Conservation Clubs, or Region 7 of the NYSCC needed. In addition to being a waterfowl education and hunter safety instructor, he was a founding member of Finger Lakes Chapter of Pheasants Forever and Friends of Montezuma Wetlands Complex.
The inductees have all made significant achievements in many fields of conservation and outdoor sports. But equally important they have given of themselves and contributed much to the outdoor heritage and the enjoyment of it by future generations.
The New York State Outdoor Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to preserving our outdoor heritage and recognizing the people who have made important contributions to it. It recognizes these individuals for their long service to the cause of conservation and the continuation of outdoor sports such as hunting, trapping, and fishing. These individuals were honored at the annual banquet April 26 in Canastota, NY and have their plaques added to the Hall of Fame Museum's Wall of Fame, located in the Lodge at the Gander Mountain store in New Hartford. Visit the Hall's web site at http://www.nysohof.org.

Oxford Rod & Gun Club 3D Shoot on May 11
To celebrate Mothers' Day the club will host a special 3D Shoot where all ladies get to shoot free. Registration is 7-11a.m. The 3D league at the club starts in June. Sign up at the May 11 3D shoot or call 244-1818. Day and Time to be determined by majority.