McClory: Rotary Derby a success in Granite State

The recent Greater Meredith Rotary Derby was a huge success, both in results, numbers of participants, and lack of any serious incidents with injuries. The town of Meredith, New Hampshire, was the host of one of the Lakes Region’s biggest winter events, the Great Rotary Fishing Derby. Presented by the Rotary Club, this event brings over 4,700 ice fishermen from across the country. In the end, the payoff is being one of the lucky few who get to experience the pride of having their catch hung up on the wall of fame, and winning an amazing grand prize. The prizes were awarded to the top three rainbow trout caught that bore a special tag. First prize, a John Deere XUV 825i Camo Gator (value: $24,000), was taken by Dan Harris (Merrimack, NH), with a 2.57 lb. rainbow trout. Second prize, a 2010 Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O. Touring ATV and Trailer (value: over $7,000), was awarded to Kurtis Sleeper (Laconia, NH), with a 2.11 lb. rainbow trout. Third prize, a Shappell FX200D Ice Shelter, Jiffy Gas Auger and Hummingbird Ice Combo GPS Fish Finder (value: over $3,000), went to Christopher Rurak (Haverhill), with a 1.95 lb. rainbow trout.Trout Unlimited’s MadDog Chapter announced the second year of their fly fishing camp for teens ages 13 to 16. Teens interested in either learning the art of fly fishing or improving their basic skill level alongside some of Vermont’s most accomplished fly anglers are invited to apply. The 2012 camp is scheduled for Sunday, June 24, through Thursday, June 28, at Quimby Country Lodge & Cottages, in Averill, Vermont. Participants in the 5-day/4-night comprehensive program will learn and practice casting, basic fly tying, knot craft, insect identification and imitation (entomology), fish identification and behavior (ichthyology) safe wading techniques, angling ethics and coldwater conservation. Campers will hone their skills on local lakes, ponds and streams, including the Connecticut River. Prospective campers are encouraged to apply no later than April 15, 2012 to secure a spot for this year’s program. The cost for the 5-day camp is $425. Scholarships may be available on an “as-needed” basis.Stripers Forever, a conservation organization advocating coast-wide game fish designation for wild striped bass, advises that three key bills sponsored by legislators will be heard by the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture on Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. in Room B-1 at the State House Building on Beacon Hill in Boston. One bill will make the striped bass a game fish and end the commercial fishery for the species in the Commonwealth, a second bill would require the testing of wild striped bass for potentially harmful contaminants and the issuing of warnings if appropriate, and a third bill would direct the Commonwealth to manage the wild striped bass for its greatest economic value.The annual Springfield Sportsmen’s Show will be Feb. 23-26 at the “Big E,” the Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA. 2012 marks the 29th season of the show. As the largest ‘pure’ hunting and fishing show in the Northeast, this is the place to get the best in hunting and fishing gear. The top vendors of hunting and fishing equipment along with guides, outfitters, and charter captains have been selected to attend the show. You’ll find everything you need to plan your next trip at the many booths of exhibitors, and may get the best selection and the best deals of the year all in one shopping location. Throughout the show, enjoy educational hunting and fishing seminars, fun exhibits like the casting pool, the retrieving pool, and the giant aquarium, and more. World-renowned big game hunter and TV star Dick Scorzafava will present his well-known Radical Hunting Success Seminar. Other well-known seminar speakers include Jim Zumbo, a 40-year veteran outdoor writer who has dedicated his life to supporting and defending hunting, making people better hunters through his books, lectures, magazine