Old Forge and Inlet played host last week to the New York State Outdoor Writers Association Inc’s (NYSOWA) Annual Conference and meetings. The four-day event began on Thursday with a reception at the spacious chalet of the Forge Motel in Old Forge, our lodging site and center of operations. Guest speaker for the evening was DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, his first attendance to a NYSOWA event.

Grannis, a downstate NYC Democrat appointed by then-Governor Spitzer was initially an unpopular choice among sportsmen of the state due to some of his agendas and stances taken when he was an assemblyman representing his constituents in the Big Apple. But many have since changed their minds, following his support and push to lower the minimum age for hunting big game in the state. Grannis seems quite sincere regarding his role as DEC’s head man, and told the members present that he was pushing for a more “open door” policy that would allow the sportsmen of the state to voice their concerns, gripes and questions. We’ll see, given the budget cuts being proposed by the governor.

As most of you are aware, this part of the Adirondacks is renown for its glorious autumn foliage scenery. Sadly, the weather during the conference refused to cooperate, with showers and cooler than normal temperatures throughout our stay. But even with the lack of sunshine, the foliage was still beautiful.