NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame Inductee Details

NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame Inductee Details – Part 1

N.Y.S. Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame

Utica, New York --(Ammoland.com)- The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame proudly announces that it will induct eight new members at the Annual Banquet, April 30, 2011 in Canastota, NY.

The eight individuals represent a cross section of interests and achievements from various regions of New York State. What they do have in common is a lifetime of dedication to conservation and improving participation in outdoor sports.

Robert Fields
Robert Fields has been an active member of the Mohawk Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited and has served in many capacities, including managing the web site and the annual Trout and Salmon Expo. But it is his work with the “Trout In the Classroom” program that sets him apart and has earned him a place in the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame.
During Bob Fields’ involvement with the program, the number of local schools participating in “Trout In the Classroom” went from one to 42. He has spent considerable time at local schools to convince school administrators and teachers of the value of the program. The students involved get hands on experience in raising the trout from eggs and learning valuable lessons in conservation.
Derwood Say
Derwood Say has been active in outdoor sports and helping others enjoy them for several decades. As an avid outdoorsman himself, Derwood has helped influence others on everything from trapping and hunting to camping and whitewater rafting. He has done this through his writing, his involvement with youth groups, and leadership in sportsmen’s organizations. His dedication has previously been recognized by awards from Allegany County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Safari Club International, and the New York State Conservation Council.
In addition to the Outdoor Program at Cuba-Rushford Central School and the Youth Program at the Cuba Rod & Gun Club, he has been an instructor for Hunter Education and Trapper Education for over 35 years. Derwood has served as an officer of many sportsmen’s organizations including Cuba Rod & Gun Club, Enchanted Mountain Beagle Club, Cattaraugus County Trappers Organization, and as the sporting representative to many task forces in southwestern New York. He has been active in New York State Conservation Council, Allegany County Federation, and Conservation Alliance of New York, of which he was a co-founder.
Ed Pugliese
Ed Pugliese has a long history of involvement in conservation and sportsmen’s organizations, including the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. One of his major volunteer projects is coordinator of the Onondaga County Federation’s pheasant program. This is a major undertaking that requires organizing labor, materials, and all of the details that go into successfully raising 4,000 birds.
Ed Van Put
Ed Van Put has served the Catskill trout fishery in many ways. As a DEC fisheries Technician his relationship with landowners was a major force in securing 52 miles of public fishing rights on the fabled Catskill trout streams. But to many others it was his writing and expertise that helped publicize the Catskill fishery and gain widespread attention to the resource and the issues.
His extensive diaries and records of fishing on the Delaware River, along with his reputation, were major factors in securing cold water releases from New York City reservoirs to protect that fishery. Ed has been a volunteer and ambassador for the Catskill Fly Fishing Center Museum for many years and has been selected for the CFFCM Hall of Fame. He personally raised the funds, wrote the text, worked with the foundry, and installed the historical markers along the Beaverkill. Ed Van Put continues to volunteer his time to Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Open Space Institute, and Trout Unlimited to improve stream conditions, access, and habitat.
Ed has a special dedication to introducing others to the outdoors, whether taking an individual youngster on a waterfowl hunt, or serving a scholastic Shooting Sports coach, or teaching Hunter Safety Education at many area clubs. His dedication and organization are evident in the Women In Nature program which has grown under his leadership from a handful of participants to a maximum of 100 and a long waiting list. He has been an active leader in Project Appleseed where the Ruffed Grouse Society improves habitat. He is a previous recipient of the NYS Conservation Council’s Conservationist of the Year as well as other awards.

These sportsmen will be honored at the Annual Banquet on April 30, 2011. Guests and interested sportsmen are encouraged to attend. Information or reservations are available by calling 315-363-3896 by April 23. In addition to honoring sportsmen and women for preserving or enhancing our outdoor heritage, the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame is involved in many other educational activities including seminars, fishing clinics, or youth programs. Check the web site www.nysohof.org for more information.

See Part #2