This year’s event starting out with fireworks; literally. Executive Vice President, Brian Dolobacs truck was on fire as it proceeded down the driveway at Camp Ocawasin. Luckily, firefighter and new member, Mike Shondel was behind Brian to flag him about the incident and douse the fire. No injuries were reported and the truck is doing fine. Except for some ribbing by fellow members, passenger John Hoinowski and BACS suffered mild embarrassment. The 4th annual UBNJ members’ meeting was held on one of the warmest nights this winter. Temperatures hitting 60 degrees caused mud and soft ground issues instead of ice and snow banks.
Once all the commotion was in check, the meeting was promptly started at 7:00PM. Northern Region VP, Pete Graziano, introduced the council members after our pledge of allegiance and moved into the jam packed agenda. UBNJ events and data on our deer management hunts were followed by Brian giving an overview of the legislative activities that UBNJ is working on. Jack Chellew, Warren County Representative then gave an excellent presentation and plea for the Hunters Helping the Hungry program. This took about an hour and half and we took a break for some excellent food served by Chef Mak of Camp Ocawasin. Venison chili, pasta vodka and hot dogs with all the trimmings were served with cold soft drinks, coffee, a homemade UBNJ decorated cake, home made brownies and cookies.
CJ Winand then took the reigns for
the next hour and a half. WOW, what can I say, he was
dynamic. The audience focused on his energetic style
and hoped he didn’t call on one of them for
“feedback”. As he entertained the crowd of
over 100 people, he included safety, deer habitat,
moon phases, deer plots, hunting the edges, calls and
scents tohis arsenal. I think everyone there left with
a better understanding of deer hunting and habits.
After he completed his talk, UBNJ then presented him
with a token of appreciation in the form or a plaque
and thanked him for his support of UBNJ.
Pete Graziano then presented to UBNJ members Larry Gould and Paul Catania of Sussex County, appreciation plaques for their past hard work and support of UBNJ. Finally, over 50 door prizes were given out. Donations from all Northern Region Sport Shops, Kayakfishingstuff.com, Scentlok, Buckmasters and Hoyt were included in the mix. Two new bows, ½ dozen arrows, over a dozen gift certificates, calls, shirts and hats were included.
Next year’s event is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 at Camp Ocawasin. SAVE THE DATE!