Pandemic Alters Plans For Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame

The NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame is an organization that does not recognize bagging record deer or huge numbers of fish, but honors the people who made it possible for others to do so. It recognizes people who have devoted many years to the causes of conservation or service to outdoor sports. They may have made significant advances in outdoor sports or they may have quietly served many years to help others achieve success in outdoor sports.

Normally there is a banquet held at Theodore’s in late April to recognize people who are inducted and present them with a plaque. Duplicates of this plaque are hung in the Hall of Fame Museum in Vails Mills near Gloversville. There are many central New York residents included in this Hall of Fame and local people look forward to attending the banquet to honor the newest inductees.

This year the banquet was postponed due to regulations and concern about the COVID

Outdoors

pandemic. It has been tentatively re-scheduled to October 10. At this time the event is under review and any definitive plans will be detailed in this column in the coming weeks. Regardless of the timing or arrangements, local resident Ted Collins is a worthy recipient of induction for this year.

Ted Collins selected for the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame Ted Collins has been involved with sportsmen and their organizations including Ducks Unlimited, Friends of the NRA, Fish Creek Atlantic Salmon Club, SHOTS, and Central NY Sportsman’s Show, among others for over 50 years. Ted always avoided the limelight but has supported sportsmen and their causes in several ways. He has also always been willing to help any individual become a better outdoorsman and successful in their outdoor sports. He has always taken a special interest in youth and getting them involved in the outdoor sports and gaining the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

Frequently in the past many youngsters were unable to take the Bowhunter Education Course because classes filled up. Ted would set up a class and call upon his friend Wayne Radley, a certified instructor in Bowhunting Education, to come to Oneida (from Auburn) and teach these classes.

Ted owned and operated Arts Archery Shop in Oneida and was always helpful in getting a person to use a bow that was best for them. He was always willing to spend unlimited time – whether or not they bought the equipment from him.

He was always available, even late at night, if someone needed repairs, assistance, or supplies. This was usually at the last minute before the opening archery season, and often the person was somebody who had bought the bow elsewhere.

Ted was especially patient with youngsters in getting their bow set up properly, making sure that they had the right technique, and working with them until they were competent with their bow. On more than one occasion bows or other equipment were given to deserving youngsters who would use them.

He helped the Holy Cross Academy obtain bows at wholesale cost for their start up with NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) — thanks to the generosity of SHOTS. Ted donated arrows and other accessories to help support the program. His dedication and involvement were not limited to archery or youth. He donated generously to any organization that was involved in outdoor sports or conservation.

Typically he would donate a significant, valuable item such as a bow. If the group needed other items, he would obtain another valuable item for them at wholesale cost. Beneficiaries of Ted’s interest and generosity were Friends of the NRA, SHOTS, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Fish Creek Atlantic Salmon Club, NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame, and others.

In addition to being an advisor to the CNY Sportsman Show, he set up a booth for archery supplies even though he was downsizing and planning on retiring from his business as well as helping bringing in other archery vendors. He has served on the selection committee for the CNY Sportsman of the Year Award.

In addition to his yearly donations to the Fish Creek Atlantic Salmon Club, Ted has attended meetings and given advice on improving the hatchery, currently serves on the Board of Directors, and spent many days caring for the eggs or feeding the young fish at their hatchery.

Besides significant donations to the organizations listed above, Ted

Collins also supported them generously. At the typical fund-raising banquet Ted would usually purchase a table and invite fellow sportsmen to join him. He would also contribute financially through the raffles or auctions.

Any time a sporting organization or individual was honored for their achievement, such as the Special Awards or inductees of the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame, Ted Collins was certain to be there, and he usually organized a group of friends to join him.

His typical comment was “they deserve the recognition and we should show our support and help honor them.” Ted Collins played an important part in the success of all of these sporting organizations in central NY – both Oneida and Madison Counties. Besides the contributions mentioned above, he was the respected voice of reason in the community and created a positive image of sportsmen and advocated for the causes of conservation and outdoor sports.

Because he has played such an important part in the involvement of youth and the success of sportsmen’s groups for so many years, Edward (Ted) Collins is worthy of induction to the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame.

Fishing Report Although many of the local spots and the St. Lawrence indicate slow fishing, checking in with my friends Burnie Haney or Bill Hilts indicated a different story. At Henderson Harbor Captain Burnie Haney, charter captain and pro staffer for many tackle companies including Temple Forks Outfitter rods and Keitech or Lucky Craft lures, has been having good luck with walleye by using techniques other than the usual.

His best success came while using in-line weight forward spinners dressed with Zoom Trick Worm. Captain Burnie fished over weeds such as coontail in about 16 – 18 feet of water. He also successfully used Keitech Swimbaits or Lucky Craft lures fished in similar locations at the same depths. During his half day charters he found both smallmouth bass and walleye in similar structure and depths and actively biting. Best lures were Keitech 3.8 Fat Swing Impact or Lucky 2.5 Square Bill. Favorite rigs were TFO walleye rods with Cortland 15 lb. Masterbraid line.

Niagara Tourism Assistant Director Bill Hilts, Jr. said that the Lower Niagara River walleye fishing has turned on. Nice catches were reported on worm harnesses with three way rigs or Shad Raps and Hot-n-tots. At the head of the river jigs were working well for bass. Decent catches were also being made at Wilson or Olcott.

Out on the lake some salmon were being taken with 10 colors of lead core line or 200 feet of copper wire. Best technique involved fishing with downriggers straight back and varying the speed. Some big kings were taken out deep over 500 feet of water.

Perch River Refuge Closed

The DEC announced that the Perch River Wildlife Refuge near Watertown is closed to visitors this year. The refuge is normally closed during spring and summer since many endangered or rare species, including eagles, nest there. At this time of year it is typically open it for about three weeks of viewing after all the young birds have fledged. However, due to the presence of EEE virus, the refuge is closed for this year to any visitors.

Habitat Stamps and Trail Supporter Patch

DEC encourages all outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat/access Stamp and/or a Trail Supporter Patch. These stamps and patches support the States efforts to conserve habitat, increase public access for fishing and wildliferelated recreation, and maintain non-motorized trails.