By M.J. Stafford mstafford@ observertoday.com FREDONIA — The New York Department of Environmental Conservation says hunting is definitely allowed in the village of Fredonia. Village officials are considering options for thinning a deer overpopulation, and bow hunting is one of them. Some residents have wondered whether hunting is legal inside village limits and the OBSERVER asked the DEC to clarify. “Hunting in the village is allowed by state law and DEC regulations, subject to limitations in existing law including discharge setback limits from structures,” according to Jeremy Hurst, a big game biologist with the DEC. “Local ordinances may affect firearm discharge within the village,” he added. Fredonia does have a law prohibiting the discharge of firearms. Chapter 147, section 1 of its charter states, “The discharge of any firearms or discharge of any firecrackers or fireworks within the Village of Fredonia is prohibited, unless specifically permitted by the laws of the state of New York.” Hurst went on to say, “If the village is considering a program to reduce deer abundance through a special permit issued by DEC, we would work with them to understand options and potential outcomes.” The discussion has piqued interest across the village — and nationwide. A People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals representative from Maryland enailed the OBSERVER last week to criticize urban hunting. On the flip side, a hunter from Arkansas wrote in a private email that he and his organization could come to Fredonia and conduct bow hunting, if village officials desired it. “I’m really surprised by the response this conversation has generated, both positive and generated,” said Jon Espersen, the village trustee who initially brought up the deer problem at an April meeting.
Drake’s Journey is preparing to hold its second annual motorcycle ride.
The local charity foundation was created by Debbie McKane after her son, Drake, was diagnosed at age 12 with leukemia in 2017. Drake went through multiple chemotherapy treatments and hospital stays at both Roswell Park and Oishei Children’s Hospital until he was able to ring the victory bell at Roswell in 2019. Following what he went through, the family created the charity and began a motorcycle ride fundraiser for the two hospitals.
“This will be our second annual ride,” McKane said. “It is my son’s foundation. We had a good turnout last year, and we hope we will again this year.”
The event will take place June 11, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the ride beginning at 11 a.m. The ride will start and end at Harley-Davidson of Jamestown, 1951 E. Main St., Falconer.
It will also include a 3C’s catering food truck and baskets to raffle. Money raised will go toward other families whose children are facing a similar situation to Drake’s.
The family decided on making the fundraiser a motorcycle ride because of their connections to motorcycles.
“My husband and I are both motorcycle people,” McKane said. “We have friends who are, too. So we started this fundraiser in my son’s name after he began his battle with cancer in 2017, and we just wanted to give something to the community who is going through the same thing that we did.”
The public is welcome to come out and support the cause even if they cannot ride motorcycles. Registration can be found on Drake’s Journey or McKane’s Facebook page.
McKane said even if someone is not interested in riding they can still come out and show support.
“I hope everyone will come out, and you can even just follow the route and cheer us on,” McKane said.