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President’s
Message
Greetings to All and Happy New Year!
My apologies for a long overdue newsletter. Hopefully this finds you in good shape, with enough work to keep you happy while at the same time, finding enough time to get out there and enjoy the outdoors.
I would like to thank all who participated in the 2007 convention and competition! It was a great success! Thank you to outgoing board members Cathy Kintner, John Bollmann, Leon Chomiczewski, Mark Van Leuven and Mike Kintner. Your years of dedicated service are greatly appreciated. Welcome new board members Laura Bacskoczky, Wendell Birch, Ray Vosseller, Joe Szabo and Rick Baumann.
This year I had the opportunity to speak in front of the Division of Fish and Wildlife as well as numerous legislators in regards to this year’s Black Bear Management Plan. It was an eye opening opportunity to say the least. Aside from given a few minutes to speak, I also got to see the anti’s in action first hand. To say they will stop at nothing to push their agenda would be an understatement. Let’s just say that now is the time to become vocal and support the Division and its programs. Without your help, they will succeed.
Another highlight was being invited to one of the first meetings of the NJOA. You may have heard about them in the elections in district 12. It is because of them that the 2 anti aligned incumbents were defeated. This is a group that is definitely providing the most bang for the buck so to speak, and definitely need your support. Please take the time to learn more about them and lend them your support. You won’t be disappointed.
The whitetail A to Z seminar went well with 8 students, whom I hope walked away with more than they started. We managed to put together 3 deer, finish 1, and split, flesh and salt another. The day went a little long, but still a good time.
Two special thanks to Leon Chomiczewski and Mike Kintner. Leon was responsible for acquiring the space for the deer class. The facility was more than adequate and I’d like to hold another class there in the near future. Mike took on the job of shopping for facilities for this year’s convention, and again has landed us a great deal. Great job guys, your hard work and dedication is appreciated more than you will ever know.
While last years facility was probably the best we’ve ever had, because of price increases to the tune of almost 500%, we needed to look yet again for another facility. Working for a hopefully more convenient time, and a proven track record as holding our largest show ever, we’re back at the Somerset Ramada Inn, 60 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 560-9880 www.somersetramada.com. Mark your calendars for July 18th, 19th & 20th, 2008 so you can attend!
Also in the works will be another class, yet to be determined. If you’re interested in something, please send your ideas to us. Whether it be for a one day seminar to a two day hands-on idea, we’ll do our best to put something together.
So get to work, as the convention will be here before you know it. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas, feel free to call me 973 786 7073 or email me at rkerr1998@aol.com.
Keep your knives sharp, your needles straight, and both from sticking you in the hand.
Dave
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