Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - DEC Continues to Cut Trout Fishing Opportunities

Governor Hochul’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is intentionally cutting the number of trout stocked in streams across the state. Despite raking in $40 million dollars per year in sporting license fees and taxpayers on the hook for $4.2 billion pursuant to the 2022 Environmental Bond Act, NY citizens, the average Joe and Jane New Yorker, are paying more and getting less.

DEC knew at the outset the ill-advised measure would result in less fish stocked and less access to streams for all New Yorkers. Now the numbers confirming that are trickling in.

For example, next year, the nine counties surrounding the Capital Region that comprise DEC’s Region 4, will get nearly 5,000 less trout stocked in area streams than they did in 2024. Hardest hit is Albany County who lost 32 percent of trout stocked, and Columbia County who lost nearly 23 percent. That’s in addition to loss of access to streams where the trout had been stocked. Delaware County will get a 10 percent reduction of numbers of trout stocked in 2025 when compared to 2024.

The loss of almost 5000 trout from this year to the next does not take into account previous losses, or the loss of access to those streams experienced as a result of DECs actions. Montgomery and Schenectady Counties lost nearly 80 percent of trout stocked when DEC began their cuts. The numbers now show Schenectady and Montgomery as “unchanged” as they attempt to hide the previous 80 percent loss.

DECs massive cuts to stocking and stream access deprives current and future New Yorkers to get on picturesque, rushing trout streams. DEC proceeded with the cuts over the objections of concerned NY sportsmen and women.

Why is DEC embarked on this ill-fated endeavor? It’s a slap in the face to anyone who buys a sporting license or voted for the Bond Act. Is it a part of a larger plan in league with Governor Hochul’s office and other politicians to divert funds from programs like trout stocking and stream access to ones that build stadiums in Western NY, or fund non-citizen illegal migrant projects?

The loss of trout for recreation and for the table, in addition to loss of stream access is happening across the state. It’s as high as 70 to 80 percent in some of NY’s 62 counties. DECs action are having a devastating impact being felt in nearly every county in NY.

It's election time. While many New Yorkers have voted with their feet, leaving NY once and for all, those of us left behind have a choice to make, and it’s in the voting booth. Whether you’re an active angler, sportsman or woman, or just one of the many people in the state who love the outdoors and enjoy access to beautiful rushing trout streams, it’s time to take a stand for balanced government in New York.

Governor Hochul, DEC Administrators, and the democrats have enjoyed a super majority in both the NY Assembly and Senate for several years now. Back when democrats maintained long-standing control of the assembly and republicans enjoyed a majority in the senate, NY citizens experienced a balanced approach to governance under both republican and democrat governors.

This election cycle, if one NY Senate seat was flipped from democrat to republican, neither party would have a super majority, forcing them to be bi-partisan and compromise on some level.

Let’s all vote, and get our family, friends and neighbors out to vote for a return to a balanced, common-sense approach to governance in NY. Considering what we pay to live in this state, that is the least we can expect from our elected officials.

News and Notes…

Greene County Ducks Unlimited just announced, “Bingo for Boomsticks.” It will take place at the Old Factory Brewing Company at 628 Main Street, Cairo, NY, on Sunday, November 10, 2024 – Doors open at 1:30 pm. The first of 10 Rounds of Bingo plus a Bonus 11th round for a “Deluxe Gun” begin at 2:30 pm. There will be one firearm awarded for each game. There will be raffles, games, and refreshments. Tickets are $55.00 which includes entry, one drink, burger and fries, one appetizer, and a one-year membership to Ducks Unlimited. Bingo cards will be sold separately at the venue – (10 game sheets). Singles cost $50.00, the 11th Bonus Round is $20.00, and Single Sheets for $50.00, $100.00, and $160.00. Jeff Holiday says, the “BEST DEAL” is to get a “3-on” plus a “6-on,” (9 cards for all 10 games) plus a “4-on” Bonus sheet; a $310.00 value for only $200.00. The “BEST DEAL” is only available online prior to the event. Ink daubers are provided at the venue. Jeff asks you to join him and the “D-U crew” at Old Factory Brewing Company on November 10th for a fun afternoon at their 2nd ever “Bingo for Boomsticks” event.

For tickets and further information, go to www.ducks.org, click on the Events tab and go to New York events, or contact Dana Hanusik (518) 821-1773 or Jeff Holliday (518) 965-6105.

Remember to report poaching violations by calling 1-844-DEC-ECOS.