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Hi guys!
Jul 11, 2020 8:24:03 GMT -5
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Post by mvernelson on Jul 11, 2020 8:24:03 GMT -5
the family and I moved to Wisconsin for 4+ years. Been gone from this sight for awhile. We’ve moved back to South Glens Falls now. I missed the Adirondacks incredibly although it was a joy being free of That Cuomo lady. I tried to join the association, found it extremely difficult and gave up. Looks like things have gone down hill around here🙁 Did a little reading. From someone coming into this fresh after some time I’ll tell ya, NO member should be required to drive all day to a meeting to get any kind of info about the association. That’s idiocy period. If that’s the kind of attitude the new officers have then that’s sad. Not trying to come on here and ruffle feathers. Just letting you know what someone on the outside coming in sees. Hope everyone is staying safe out there, I’ve used the extra time off work to get some extra hiking, camping,fishing in. Spending extra time with the family has been great too. Mike.
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Hi guys!
Jul 11, 2020 12:24:43 GMT -5
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Post by trappermac on Jul 11, 2020 12:24:43 GMT -5
Welcome back! Been quiet here.
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Post by walleyed on Jul 11, 2020 19:01:11 GMT -5
the family and I moved to Wisconsin for 4+ years. Been gone from this sight for awhile. We’ve moved back to South Glens Falls now. I missed the Adirondacks incredibly although it was a joy being free of That Cuomo lady. I tried to join the association, found it extremely difficult and gave up. Looks like things have gone down hill around here🙁 Did a little reading. From someone coming into this fresh after some time I’ll tell ya, NO member should be required to drive all day to a meeting to get any kind of info about the association. That’s idiocy period. If that’s the kind of attitude the new officers have then that’s sad. Not trying to come on here and ruffle feathers. Just letting you know what someone on the outside coming in sees. Hope everyone is staying safe out there, I’ve used the extra time off work to get some extra hiking, camping,fishing in. Spending extra time with the family has been great too. Mike. The information blackout from NYSTA leadership is distressing. When I found out on June 3rd that I was about to lose a week of Northern Zone Muskrat trapping on the front end and not a peep out of NYSTA warning the membership of this impending fiasco, I knew things were bad. This is just like the 220 bodygrip train-wreck from a ways back. How could NYSTA go along with losing a week's worth of Muskrat trapping opportunity without a fight, or at least an objection. Who knows ? Maybe the NYSTA leadership is behind robbing us northern zone trappers of a weeks trapping we will NEVER get back. I guess we'll never know if we didn't manage to get to a director's meeting. No News letter anymore, and a non-functional website that never did work anyways. Mushrooms, Darkness, a Cave, and a Diet of Chit comes to mind here. I've said enough. w
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paintedpaw
Retired NYSDEC Lake George Ranger
Posts: 688
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Post by paintedpaw on Jul 11, 2020 20:01:19 GMT -5
I was President Of NYSTA way back in 1988. Boy have things changed, and not for the good. Back then every officer and RegionaL Director was required to put a report in every issue of the trapping newspaper. We had a quarterly newsletter to the membership, which has since been discontinued because it was too expensive.
Today it is an almost never happening for a report from any Director and most if not all Officers. My biggest gripe has been the lack of communication from the association to the membership. We are told to join so that we support our lobbyist in Albany, yet we hear back NOTHING from the association. I will state that Dave is the exception. Where are the JTI reports? Do they even meet anymore? We have new changes to the trapping regs, but did anyone represent us? Little Valley has been cancelled thanks to Cuomo, all fairgrounds closed. I have to assume NYSTA will be cancelled as well. Why do we hear nothing? Why should anyone join NYSTA when there is no feed back from the Association? The subscription to the Trappers Post?
At one time NYSTA was one of the most powerful conservation type groups in New York. We spoke and DEC listened. Now look at us. There are some darned hard workers in NYSTA, but they are few.
Go to a Directors meeting to really get bored. County rep reports about a local event, or listen to someone talk about paying a bill. How many of those guys report back to the membership about what transpired?
A number of years ago our Treasurer stole a good deal of money. It was I, after reading his report, that stated "I don't buy it". Where does that case stand, years later, still unresolved? Always one excuse after another, with no one taking the Bull by the horns. If Pete Smith was still President you can bet that case would have been resolved long ago.
The website is another communication disaster. We have lost some very good people because of personality conflicts
I'm like a broken record, NYSTA just doesn't get it. YOU NEED TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR MEMBERS !
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Post by trappermac on Jul 12, 2020 6:31:08 GMT -5
A number of years ago our Treasurer stole a good deal of money. It was I, after reading his report, that stated "I don't buy it". Where does that case stand, years later, still unresolved? Always one excuse after another, with no one taking the Bull by the horns. ! I believe Al that if this was pushed it would bring to light further misappropriation of funds by others. It would force a complete investigation of monies, opening the books so to speak. Its apparent they don't want that.
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paintedpaw
Retired NYSDEC Lake George Ranger
Posts: 688
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Post by paintedpaw on Jul 12, 2020 10:19:38 GMT -5
Even though I have strong criticism for the lack of communication of the NYSTA leadership with it's members, I must point out that it really is a much needed group for us trappers, and because of it we still have trapping today. I've been a member since the early sixties and the organization has been a huge part of my life. I can't count the numerous friendships because of it. I worry that if there is no convention how many will renew. It is vital to our survival!I have confidence that Chappy will finally straighten out the website.
Mr MVERNELSON, I live in Queensbury and my number is in the book.I would be glad to help you become a member.
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Hi guys!
Jul 12, 2020 11:27:00 GMT -5
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Post by trappermac on Jul 12, 2020 11:27:00 GMT -5
Al, the website is shaping up now it looks like, alot better than before. Just needs more updated material at this point.
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Post by trapperjack on Jul 13, 2020 22:40:49 GMT -5
the family and I moved to Wisconsin for 4+ years. Been gone from this sight for awhile. We’ve moved back to South Glens Falls now. I missed the Adirondacks incredibly although it was a joy being free of That Cuomo lady. I tried to join the association, found it extremely difficult and gave up. Looks like things have gone down hill around here🙁 Did a little reading. From someone coming into this fresh after some time I’ll tell ya, NO member should be required to drive all day to a meeting to get any kind of info about the association. That’s idiocy period. If that’s the kind of attitude the new officers have then that’s sad. Not trying to come on here and ruffle feathers. Just letting you know what someone on the outside coming in sees. Hope everyone is staying safe out there, I’ve used the extra time off work to get some extra hiking, camping,fishing in. Spending extra time with the family has been great too. Mike. Well said and welcome back.
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Post by bobsamuelson on Jul 15, 2020 19:34:57 GMT -5
Open the books Mac! After the Gamba fiasco everything has been above board, by the book! Your allegations are totally misguided and total bullshit!
What do you want to know? There is a BOD meeting this Saturday at the Fairgrounds and every member is invited to attend!
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Post by dana i on Jul 15, 2020 20:21:23 GMT -5
Bob, I know several of the guys who are in there now. I help at the convention with anything that needs doing while I am there. I have no reservations about the intentions of the current staff and think that it is a great bunch of guys... but the lack of communication with the membership is the real bull@#$%. It is the cause of the mistrust that we see in the membership and it IS warranted when members can't get answers to simple questions.
The answer to questions should never be maybe you should come to a meeting that is a 4 hour drive each way from your home. Take a unpaid day off work, get a hotel room, pay for thruway tolls gas and food on the road to go to a meeting that should have the minutes easily available to members in the first place.
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Hi guys!
Jul 15, 2020 20:30:24 GMT -5
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Post by trappermac on Jul 15, 2020 20:30:24 GMT -5
Just saying Bob, my own business experience, when someone doesn't want to pursue embezzlement or fraud, its because they don't want to open up the books and expose others or themselves. Not saying that is the reason here, but people have asked why we are not pursueing,and nobody explains why. Just say why perhaps, and don't tell me I have to travel 5 hours to a meeting to find out why. I'm not the only one who wonders.
Just got my renewal notice for nysta...I'll be renewing, as I have faith and have been a member for many years. If I thought things were totally f'ed up, I wouldn't. My hope is that we can rise again to be a strong organization standing up for trappers in the state with total communication to its members. Right now, in all my years trapping, I've never felt so insecure about the right to trap in this state. And nysta goes invisible. Get it back strong, communicate with your membership, let them know whats going on in all parts of ny. Show me my faith wasn't ill founded. I'll even help if asked. I'm sorry, but all the county reps you have, the regional reps, etc...if you can't take the time to write a short update on issues and happenings in your area for the TP, well then move on. If you worked for me you'd be fired. Its an embarressment what gets posted in TP. In a state that is liberal, we have no presence. If we do, nobody tells us about it.
I'm not bullshitting Bob, I'm telling you how I and many others feel.
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Post by bobsamuelson on Jul 15, 2020 20:53:51 GMT -5
Ask away! 2 years ago I sent out a letter to those I had email addresses for detailing the previous days BOD meeting. I only got one person who responded thanking me for the info.
I sent out a letter to Lifetime members asking for input. I got one response in return even though I enclosed an addressed stamped envelope. I also received 2 that were undeliverable.
The website is undergoing a massive redo! Ray Nolan is working with the Tech guy that built the PA trappers site!
People ask for info on what’s going on. I know in my region, there is only one local trapping club. I have gone to their clubhouse on the designated meeting night and there is no one there! It’s 50 miles from my house!
Sorry, I don’t have much sympathy for those that have a problem with traveling for a meeting! It’s 350 miles round trip for me! I often get a hotel room! All that comes out of my pocket! Several get rooms, buy gas and spend our time for the betterment of trapping in NY.
Because of the hard work of Dave Miller, We haven’t had very many issues to deal with! With Dave now retired, we need to get behind Dave Leibig who is our new Executive/Lobbyist.
I’ll be honest. There isn’t much to report on at the state level because of the efforts of Dave Miller!
I also see several on here pissing about lack of transparency to the members, yet at the convention when we have the general membership meeting, they are off doing whatever rather than attend the meeting to find out what’s going on! You are at the convention, go to the meeting!
It’s the same group working hard to keep trapping alive in NY, and it gets old when I hear the same complaints over and over every year! I don’t know what people want, but I rarely see anyone offering to help out, or put forth any ideas to make NYSTA a better organization. As it currently exists NYSTA is a BOD driven organization where it should be a member driven organization. But instead of members getting involved, they complain about what’s not happening with the organizations direction.
Okay. I’m done! Time for a shower then bed.
Hope to see some of you at Saturday’s meeting!
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Post by dana i on Jul 15, 2020 21:11:01 GMT -5
Sorry bob my cows have to be fed so I will have to stay in the dark about what happens at the meeting.
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Hi guys!
Jul 15, 2020 21:42:46 GMT -5
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Post by bobsamuelson on Jul 15, 2020 21:42:46 GMT -5
🤦♂️
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Post by walleyed on Jul 16, 2020 6:18:56 GMT -5
Ask away! I’ll be honest. There isn’t much to report on at the state level because of the efforts of Dave Miller! I've got a question, Bob. Why did NYSTA NOT go to bat for Northern Zone Muskrat trappers who are due to lose a week's worth of trapping opportunity that we will never get back when the Bureau of Wildlife moves back the opening of Muskrat season from October 25th to November 1st ? For me personally, that means a loss of between 25% to 50% percent of my muskrat catch most years. Bad weather usually shuts me down by mid November most years so It is a significant loss for me. Why did NYSTA and/or the JTI NOT notify trappers that this was going to happen ? Did we have no input, or were we caught flat-footed ? Or Did Fur Buyer "Interests" push for this loss of trapping opportunity under the guise of "prime fur" ? Can you provide any insight ? w
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Hi guys!
Jul 16, 2020 10:27:41 GMT -5
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Post by bobsamuelson on Jul 16, 2020 10:27:41 GMT -5
Hi Bob.
Have you talked to the chairman of the JTI committee, John Rockwood?
It had nothing to do with fur buyers! Why would fur buyers lobby for early fur?
Did you put your 2 cents in to the state register voicing your opposition?
I know why the dates were changed, but either way, you wouldn’t like it!
Bob
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Post by walleyed on Jul 16, 2020 13:05:48 GMT -5
Two calls to Rockwood when I 1st heard about the change.
Neither returned.
I wrote in response to the June 3rd, NYS Register listing as soon as I heard about it to comment.
I heard about it, not from NYSTA as it should have been, but by the Oneida County Planner, Jim Patrician.
So that's your answer ?
"You know, but I wouldn't like it either way" ?
What kind of an answer is that ?
The kind of answer that doesn't instill much confidence in the NYSTA organization.
Regardless of whether I'd like your answer, or not.
I still want an answer. This is typical of NYSTA.
Back Room good old boys keeping membership in the dark because "we might not like the answer" or the decision making.
You just proved the point of what others have been saying on here.
Thanks for your cryptic, clear as mud answer, Robert.
I expected better of you.
Thank you, though, for your hard work as membership coordinator.
It is appreciated.
w
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Hi guys!
Jul 16, 2020 13:08:57 GMT -5
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Post by trappermac on Jul 16, 2020 13:08:57 GMT -5
So Bob, you say you know why they were changed. So why?
What is/was NYSTA'S position on it? Why hadn't nysta or jti given us all a heads up and their position and why, prior to the comment period?
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Post by whartonrattrapper on Jul 17, 2020 8:16:32 GMT -5
Hi Bob. I know why the dates were changed, but either way, you wouldn’t like it! Bob Are you an only child? WTFOh I forgot I can't comment I let my membership expire.
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Post by milkie62 on Jul 27, 2020 1:13:14 GMT -5
A number of years ago our Treasurer stole a good deal of money. It was I, after reading his report, that stated "I don't buy it". Where does that case stand, years later, still unresolved? Always one excuse after another, with no one taking the Bull by the horns. ! I believe Al that if this was pushed it would bring to light further misappropriation of funds by others. It would force a complete investigation of monies, opening the books so to speak. Its apparent they don't want that. As for the current books, I think I can attest that anyone at a meeting is very satisfied with the new format of the Treasurer's report. Every check is listed as to where the money is going and no bills are grouped together. And the monthly bank statement is sent to the president , not the treasurer. Anybody who thinks NYSTA monies are being covered up is just blowing smoke. Also under new membership chair I have yet to hear anybody not getting a Trappers Post. Maybe an occasional one caused by the mail but not a membership totally missing.
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Post by milkie62 on Jul 27, 2020 2:09:31 GMT -5
I was President Of NYSTA way back in 1988. Boy have things changed, and not for the good. Back then every officer and RegionaL Director was required to put a report in every issue of the trapping newspaper. We had a quarterly newsletter to the membership, which has since been discontinued because it was too expensive. Today it is an almost never happening for a report from any Director and most if not all Officers. My biggest gripe has been the lack of communication from the association to the membership. We are told to join so that we support our lobbyist in Albany, yet we hear back NOTHING from the association. I will state that Dave is the exception. Where are the JTI reports? Do they even meet anymore? We have new changes to the trapping regs, but did anyone represent us? Little Valley has been cancelled thanks to Cuomo, all fairgrounds closed. I have to assume NYSTA will be cancelled as well. Why do we hear nothing? Why should anyone join NYSTA when there is no feed back from the Association? The subscription to the Trappers Post? At one time NYSTA was one of the most powerful conservation type groups in New York. We spoke and DEC listened. Now look at us. There are some darned hard workers in NYSTA, but they are few. Go to a Directors meeting to really get bored. County rep reports about a local event, or listen to someone talk about paying a bill. How many of those guys report back to the membership about what transpired? A number of years ago our Treasurer stole a good deal of money. It was I, after reading his report, that stated "I don't buy it". Where does that case stand, years later, still unresolved? Always one excuse after another, with no one taking the Bull by the horns. If Pete Smith was still President you can bet that case would have been resolved long ago. The website is another communication disaster. We have lost some very good people because of personality conflicts I'm like a broken record, NYSTA just doesn't get it. YOU NEED TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR MEMBERS ! Went to a NYSTA Director's meeting today, and am glad that I went. For me it cleared up a number of things that I was unaware of and I saw several positive motions passed. It is far too easy to criticize behind a computer screen with out knowing the real story. I am guilty of that and being an armchair quarter back. I was most impressed with the Officers and Directors present and the various jobs they are doing to keep NYSTA moving forward. Al, what I just posted above was what you wrote when you attended the last BOD meeting. You heard about the round and round with the Gamba deal. We cannot hold the DA of that county hostage until there is an outcome in our favor. So how in one instance you are happy and the next moment you have issues ? Our last BOD meeting was Feb. We had a finance & website meeting since then to try to improve our qualifications for bonding again. Also as one member wrote he had a website up in a weeks time. Well that was for a single person, we had to shop for a web guy and then get with the group when we were all available. Not everybody is available to spend a Saturday at the same time. And further you may not like some of the findings that popped up with the website.
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Hi guys!
Jul 27, 2020 8:09:58 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by trappermac on Jul 27, 2020 8:09:58 GMT -5
I believe Al that if this was pushed it would bring to light further misappropriation of funds by others. It would force a complete investigation of monies, opening the books so to speak. Its apparent they don't want that. As for the current books, I think I can attest that anyone at a meeting is very satisfied with the new format of the Treasurer's report. Every check is listed as to where the money is going and no bills are grouped together. And the monthly bank statement is sent to the president , not the treasurer. Anybody who thinks NYSTA monies are being covered up is just blowing smoke. I'm not talking about the current books. I'm talking about the books under Gamba and the officers during that time period. No smoke here.
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Post by milkie62 on Jul 27, 2020 11:36:47 GMT -5
As for the current books, I think I can attest that anyone at a meeting is very satisfied with the new format of the Treasurer's report. Every check is listed as to where the money is going and no bills are grouped together. And the monthly bank statement is sent to the president , not the treasurer. Anybody who thinks NYSTA monies are being covered up is just blowing smoke. I'm not talking about the current books. I'm talking about the books under Gamba and the officers during that time period. No smoke here. I was just getting involved in NYSTA towards the end of Gamba. Guess what ? No books. Surprised ? I do not know if his reports were handed out at meetings but mine are and if you keep your previous report,you can see how it flows into the next one and all the numbers match up. I do remember getting the newsletter in years past and it was a good read. We have talked about having a yearly one at the meetings but somebody is needed to write one up. Maybe we could provide you with 3 meetings worth of reports and then you could be our news letter guy without having to make the drive.Sounds like a plan to me. Any reason why it would not work out ?
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Post by joemarshditchrat on Jul 27, 2020 11:57:36 GMT -5
I sent money in for a membership when Gamba was there and never got a membership......I was on a Facebook trapping group and I asked where my money went and soon after I was banned...It made me believe other people were involved other than Gamba.
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Post by trappermac on Jul 27, 2020 12:25:07 GMT -5
I'm not talking about the current books. I'm talking about the books under Gamba and the officers during that time period. No smoke here. I was just getting involved in NYSTA towards the end of Gamba. Guess what ? No books. Surprised ? I do not know if his reports were handed out at meetings but mine are and if you keep your previous report,you can see how it flows into the next one and all the numbers match up. I do remember getting the newsletter in years past and it was a good read. We have talked about having a yearly one at the meetings but somebody is needed to write one up. Maybe we could provide you with 3 meetings worth of reports and then you could be our news letter guy without having to make the drive.Sounds like a plan to me. Any reason why it would not work out ? I'm not surprised at all about the books as they were at the end of Gamba, and for those officers that sat alongside him and allowed it to happen...should be in the same jail cell as him. They let it happen..why? Had to be a reason. Think about that. I'd have no problem writing up a newsletter based upon meeting reports. I think twice per year is better, but if I was an officer I'd request regional directors to write up a report relative to their areas and include that in the report. They can't do that then what good are they? All these directors and county reps, when do you ever see or hear anything from them? Maybe they never had the outlet? Maybe they've never been encouraged? The newsletter doesn't even have to require mailing, just link as a pdf to the website. But I want no part of this if things don't change. Why hasn't anyone answered Walleye on the season change question? Simple question, childish answer. Maybe he's right, we got a back room old mans club making decisons behind closed doors. Decide on a direction for NYSTA, make it known, show me some leadership vs tight lips, and I'll be all in.
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