28 March Orange County News: District Attorney David Hoovler Announces the Fourth Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby March 28, 2024 By Town Clerk . Community News, General 0 “Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs” Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, announced the launch of the fourth District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby. The Derby will run from April 1, 2024 through September 2, 2024 and is open to children between the ages of four and eighteen who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents. The fishing is great in Orange County, so give it a try! In 2015, almost 45,000 fishing licenses were sold in Orange County. That year, of the 62 counties in New York State, only two counties sold more fishing licenses than Orange County. Last year, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation stocked about 38,880 trout in Orange County waters. In addition, the Orange County Federation of Sportsmen stocked trout in waters with public fishing access. There are 86 named lakes in Orange County and hundreds more unnamed lakes and ponds that contain several species of fish of interest to the angler. Orange County also has many miles of rivers and streams to fish as well. The Hudson, Delaware, Neversink, Ramapo, and Wallkill Rivers and several small streams have public access to good fishing. If you do not own a boat, no problem. There is plenty of shore fishing in many state, county, and town parks in Orange County. Fish, large and small, call Orange County home. There are large striped bass in the Hudson River during the spring run. The New York State freshwater record striped bass, which weighed 60 pounds, was caught in the Hudson River in Orange County in 2014. Greenwood Lake has muskellunge, walleye, and bass ready to test your skills as an angler. The Wallkill River is loaded with smallmouth bass and rock bass. Try small topwater lures here for exciting action! If you are a novice or first-time angler, Orange County lakes, ponds, and streams are heavily populated with panfish that are easy to catch. Bluegills, pumpkinseeds, yellow perch, bullheads, and crappies are found in almost all the lakes and ponds in the county. Try worms under a bobber using light tackle and do not be surprised if a large bass or pickerel grabs your bait instead! Try Rutgers, Moodna, or Woodbury creeks for trout. Flies, small spinner baits, worms, or salmon eggs are used to catch rainbow and brown trout in those streams. Fishing teaches many life lessons, such as patience and how to deal with success and failure. Several U.S. presidents were accomplished fishermen and used fishing to relax from the stress and responsibilities of their office. Participants will also learn to enjoy and respect nature and, by spending more time with family and friends, will alleviate some of the boredom and anxiety caused by the stress in life. It is that boredom and anxiety that has led so many of our young people to turn to drug use or gang activity. Sports and other worthwhile activities can help deter young people from those bad choices. The Derby will encourage our young people to go fishing and enjoy the outdoors and hopefully avoid drug use. The Fishing Derby is part of District Attorney Hoovler’s community outreach program. This contest began during COVID-19 and continues to help young anglers make good choices. Participation in fishing skyrocketed with New Yorkers during the COVID-19 crisis, because that activity could be enjoyed at almost any age, in the outdoors with friends and family, while social distancing. The Fishing Derby will encourage the youth of Orange County to participate in an exciting outdoor sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Remember, any fish entered in the Derby, big or small, has an equal chance to win a prize for the contestant. CONTEST RULES: Entry into the Youth Fishing Derby is free. All fish entered in the contest must be legally caught from anywhere in New York State. Contestants must adhere to all current New York State fishing regulations. Fresh and saltwater fish are eligible to be entered into the contest. To enter, email a photo of the contestant holding the fish, as well as the child’s first name and an adult contact phone number, to [email protected]. Each angler can enter up to three fish during the contest, to have multiple chances to win. Ten winners will be drawn at random from all entries received during the contest dates. Each angler is limited to one prize package. All photos entered in the Youth Fishing Derby becomes the property of the Derby. PRIZE PACKAGE: Each winner will receive an Orange County District Attorney’s Office limited t-shirt and a Mystery Tackle Box Bass Fishing Kit. Bonus prize: The first winner drawn will also receive a $100 gift card. Prizes can be picked up at the District Attorney’s Office by the winners in Goshen or will be mailed to them at the conclusion of the contest. “I wish good luck to all our young anglers,” said District Attorney Hoovler, “and I hope that you enjoy your time in our great outdoors. Please always remember safety! Wear a life vest when in a boat or near deep water. Be careful with hooks and other fishing tackle. Look where you cast and behind you, to avoid hooking someone by mistake. Remember sunglasses to protect your eyes from both the sun and from hooks that might pop loose from a hooked fish. Remember that good anglers don’t litter, because it hurts our wildlife habitat and can lead to the loss of public access for fishing. Have fun and stay safe, and maybe I’ll see you on the water this year!” DA Hoovler helping the Orange County Federation of Sportsmen to stock trout Related Articles Orange County District Attorney's Office Youth Fishing Derby Click HERE for more information on Orange County District Attorney's Office Youth Fishing Derby. Fifth Orange County District Attorney's Office Youth Fishing Derby Fifth Orange County District Attorney's Office Youth Fishing Derby Orange County News District Attorney Hoovler and the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System Announce that the Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition will have two Information Tables at Freedom Fest to Distribute Veteran Crisis Line Awareness Items, VA benefit information and Other Related Information to Interested Veterans and Their Families. District Attorney Hoovler joined Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System to create a Coalition to Prevent Veterans from Committing Suicide in November 2021 District Attorney David M. Hoovler, and both Carl LoFaro and Lenox Okall from the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System announced that the Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition will put out a table in the lodge and another one in the vendor field during the Orange County fireworks show, Freedom Fest on July 19, 2024, to hand out veteran crisis materials and veteran benefit information. The coalition has already placed over 43,000 suicide prevention materials in over 1,128 businesses and organizations located in and near Orange County, New York. The coalition hopes to reach even more people with their message at this year’s Freedom Fest. The coalition is also partnering with several other veteran groups and government agencies during Freedom Fest to pass out information on upcoming local veteran events, activities, and benefits. The Coalition will have information on hand from the Veterans Administration, Mission 22, Hudson Valley Honor Flight, Clear Path For Veterans, Vet Center, DAV, Navy Federal Credit Union, Heroes, Cowboys & Companions, INC. and others. The coalition also wishes to thank Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus for his assistance to the coalition during this past year. The Orange County Clerk Kelly Eskew will also have applications for the Orange County Veterans Discount Program available at the information table. The Orange County Veterans Service Agency administrated by Christian Farrell will also have handouts about the services they provide to Orange County Veterans. In addition, the District Attorney’s office will have booklets to pass out on preventing senior citizen fraud and materials on the opioid crisis with a view towards preventing drug use and overdose by our young people. The Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition is trying to reach as many veterans and their families as possible with their suicide prevention message. Since Freedom Fest draws large crowds many of whom are veterans, this event is a great place to meet veterans who might not have seen the materials we have placed out in public already. Representatives of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System, Clear Path For Vets, Vet Center, DAV, Heroes, Cowboys & Companions and Orange County ADAs will be on site if anyone would like to discuss the information in our handouts or set up a future meeting to speak to a group live about suicide prevention. The coalition has already been to several veteran organizations and sportsmen’s clubs to speak about suicide prevention and are looking to speak to more interested groups in the future. “I am proud of the work that the Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition has done for Orange County veterans and their families and of the strong support that has been provided to the coalition by the citizens and businesses of Orange County” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. If you or your organization would like any veteran crisis materials or information about any of the other Veterans groups helping us in Orange County, please stop by our tables. The coalition will be happy to assist you. You can also contact Mr. Carl LoFaro of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System at [email protected] to get crisis materials sent to you or to set up a live meeting with your organization on this serious subject. Please contact Mr. Lenox Okall of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System at [email protected] if you need information on VA benefits. Enjoy Freedom Fest and the fireworks! DEC Announces Free Fishing Day in New York State DEC Announces Free Fishing Day in New York State Freshwater Fishing License Not Required on National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 27, 2025 New Yorkers Encouraged to “Get Offline, Get Outside” and Try Freshwater Fishing at No Cost The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced Sept. 27 will mark the next Free Fishing Day in New York State. “The September 27th free fishing day is particularly special because it coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, a celebration of the incredible angling opportunities our state provides,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Free fishing days are the perfect time for newcomers to learn to freshwater fish or for experienced anglers to bring others outdoors to enjoy the many abundant waterways across New York.” This annual Free Fishing Day coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which was designated by Congress in 1972. The day helps encourage people to experience, understand, and appreciate traditional outdoor sports and recreation and abundant natural resources, while also recognizing hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation. Free Fishing Days further support Governor Hochul's “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative that promotes physical and mental health by helping encourage New York’s children and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings. In addition to designated free freshwater fishing days, DEC and its partners also hold free fishing clinics throughout the year. Participants learn about local fishing opportunities and are taught about the fish they can catch, fishing safety, how to cast a fishing rod, aquatic resource stewardship, and New York’s fishing regulations. A full list of programs is available on DEC’s website. Check the list regularly as new events are added throughout the year. No rod? No problem. DEC partners with libraries across the state to provide a fishing rod lending program. Along with borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This affordable program provides an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information on the program and a list of participating libraries visit DEC’S website. For beginning anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod to identifying your catch and understanding fishing regulations. DEC's Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. The “Tackle Box” feature in DEC’s official app, HuntFishNY, contains freshwater fishing regulations, boating access and stocking information within a map-based interface from the convenience of a smart phone. Other features include driving directions to state-operated boat launch sites and an offline feature that allows users to access information when cell coverage isn't available. The HuntFishNY app is available for download through Google Play or the App store. For more information visit DEC’s website. The final free fishing day for 2025 will take place on Veterans Day, November 11. On Free Fishing Days, New York residents and non-residents alike may fish for free without a fishing license. Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current New York State fishing license to fish. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. More information on purchasing a fishing license can be found on DEC's website. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location. https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases Orange County News, 7-9-2024 District Attorney Hoovler and the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System Announce that the Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition will have an Information Table at the Osborn – Fitzsimmons American Legion Post 521 Car Show to Distribute Veteran Crisis Line Awareness Items, VA benefit information and Other Related Information to Interested Veterans and Their Families. District Attorney Hoovler joined Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System to create a Coalition to Prevent Veterans from Committing Suicide in November 2021 District Attorney David M. Hoovler, and both Carl LoFaro and Lenox Okall from the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System announced that the Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition will put out a veteran information table during the Osborn – Fitzsimmons American Legion Post 521 Car Show on Sunday July 14, 2024, to hand out veteran crisis materials and veteran benefit information. This car show is part of the Official 2024 Connecticut Cruise Ring Event and is free for spectators. The event runs from 9am until 3pm at Veterans Memorial Park located on Bridge Street in Montgomery, New York. The coalition has already placed over 43,000 suicide prevention materials in over 1,128 businesses and organizations located in and near Orange County, New York. The coalition hopes to reach even more people with their message at this year’s car show. In addition, the District Attorney’s office will have booklets to pass out on preventing senior citizen fraud and materials on the opioid crisis with a view towards preventing drug use and overdose by our young people. The Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition is trying to reach as many veterans and their families as possible with their suicide prevention message. Since car shows draw large crowds, many of whom are veterans, this event is a great place to meet veterans who might not have seen the materials we have placed out in public already. Representatives of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System, and an Orange County ADA will be on site if anyone would like to discuss the information in our handouts or set up a future meeting to speak to a group live about suicide prevention. The coalition has already been to several veteran organizations and sportsmen’s clubs to speak about suicide prevention and are looking to speak to more interested groups in the future. “I am proud of the work that the Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition has done for Orange County veterans and their families and of the strong support that has been provided to the coalition by the citizens and businesses of Orange County including American Legion Post 521 located in Montgomery, New York.” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. Please come out to the show and support the American Legion! If you or your organization would like any veteran crisis materials or information about any of the other Veterans groups helping us in Orange County, please stop by our table. The coalition will be happy to assist you. You can also contact Mr. Carl LoFaro of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System at [email protected] to get crisis materials sent to you or to set up a live meeting with your organization on this serious subject. Please contact Mr. Lenox Okall of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System at [email protected] if you need information on VA benefits. Please contact Mark Merring at [email protected] if you would like information on the car show. Enjoy the American Legion car show! Orange County to Offer Police Officer Examination in September Please click HERE for more information regarding Orange County to Offer Police Officer Examination in September. Comments are closed.