The 2026 Spring Meeting held in Livingston County, was well attended, drawing strong participation from members, leadership, and partner organizations across the state and reflecting a high level of engagement around the Council’s priorities. The weekend began with a Friday evening council mixer at the RIT Conference & Event Center, providing an opportunity for networking and informal discussion ahead of the formal sessions.  Fourteen (14) statewide counties were in attendance on Friday night.

Saturday’s program, held at Conesus Lake Club followed by dinner at Jeremiah’s Tavern, followed a structured and comprehensive agenda that moved from organizational priorities into policy, legislative, and technical discussions. The meeting opened with registration, continental breakfast, presentation of colors, and welcome remarks, before transitioning into a detailed overview of the Council’s top initiative—a constitutional amendment to protect the right to hunt, trap, and fish in New York State. Leadership emphasized that constitutional protection provides long-term stability compared to statutory law and outlined the multi-year process required for passage, including legislative approval across multiple sessions and voter ratification. This was followed by a resolutions process recap and committee breakout sessions, reinforcing that resolutions are not endpoints but the foundation for continued advocacy with legislators and DEC officials. Late morning discussion included an active legislation summary, highlighting the breadth of bills under review and the Council’s coordinated approach to engagement.

During the Saturday afternoon session, attention focused on regulatory, legislative, operational, and educational updates, highlighted by the Council’s unanimous passage of an emergency resolution opposing state forest legislation (S4408A/A10483A) due to concerns over vague language and potential impacts on public access and traditional outdoor activities. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officials presented proposed changes to increase antlerless deer harvest, including expanded DMP opportunities and an earn-a-second-buck program, with public comment open through mid-May, while law enforcement updates emphasized staffing shortage and the effectiveness of the K9 wildlife detection program. The session also featured a DEC K9 demonstration, formal committee reports reflecting strong engagement across 14 committees alongside ongoing leadership gaps, and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service presentation on fisheries and conservation programs. Additional highlights included regional DEC updates such as the acquisition of Camp Babcock-Hovey and a student-led presentation on a bear harvest experience that underscored mentorship, recruitment of new hunters, and the importance of public perception. Broader discussions reinforced the need for continued outreach and engagement to sustain hunting and conservation efforts, with the day concluding in a dinner that supported networking and collaboration among attendees.

Sunday’s agenda shifted to a field-focused and educational format beginning with breakfast at the Big Springs Museum and Caledonia Fish Hatchery. The morning included a recap of Saturday’s proceedings followed by a guided tour of the hatchery, offering detailed insight into New York’s fish culture system. Presentations highlighted the facility’s historic significance as the oldest fish hatchery in North America and its role in statewide stocking operations, while also addressing operational challenges such as sediment-heavy water supply, oxygen management, aging infrastructure, and staffing shortages. Planned improvements supported by Bond Act funding were also discussed. Additional optional activities—including observing the Leroy Jr./Sr. High School trap team, stream fishing on Oatka Creek, and visiting the museum—provided hands-on engagement opportunities that reinforced the Council’s commitment to education, youth involvement, and conservation in practice.

Across all sessions, several consistent themes emerged: the need for sustained, coordinated advocacy—particularly around the constitutional amendment effort; the critical role of the resolution process in shaping Council positions and influencing policy; ongoing challenges related to staffing, hunter recruitment, and land access; and the importance of clear, consistent communication with both members and the public. The strong attendance and active participation throughout the weekend underscored a unified commitment to advancing conservation policy, protecting outdoor traditions, and strengthening the long-term impact of the Council’s work across New York State.