Bill Hilts Jr.

3 days ago | outdoornews.com | Bill Hilts Jr.

Earlier this year, the fishing and research community that utilizes Lake Erie was made aware that funding may be in jeopardy for the Dunkirk Buoy in New York, a valuable public resource. Proposed federal cuts would impact the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS), which helps support the operation and provides end-to-end data services that support science, policy, management, and industry all around the Great Lakes region.

3 days ago | buffalonews.com | Bill Hilts Jr.

It’s a free fishing weekend across the state. There’s a Teach Me to Fish Clinic on Saturday in Chestnut Ridge Park and a free family fishing event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Foot of Ferry Street at Freedom Park in Buffalo. Lake Erie and tributariesSouthtowns Walleye Association of WNY held its derby awards ceremony Sunday and the top fish weighing 9.88 pounds was reeled in by Karl Clapp of Lancaster.

5 days ago | outdoornews.com | Bill Hilts Jr.

​​The recent passing of crossbow legislation through both the Senate and Assembly in New York State (it now awaits Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature) created a fire storm through social media. When I first saw it, I didn’t believe it. It thought it was a scam or fake news. Could it really be true? It took me back 35 years to southeast Ohio. The time was 1990 and my dad, Bill Hilts, Sr., and I were invited to attend a media opportunity hunting whitetail deer in the Buckeye State.

1 week ago | buffalonews.com | Bill Hilts Jr.

June 22 – 41st annual Southtowns Walleye Tournament awards ceremony at 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, starting at noon. southtownswalleye.com. June 22 – ASA Qualifier at Allied Sportsmen, 12846 Clinton St., Alden. $30 registration fee. Sign-in starts at 8:30 a.m. Shotgun start at 10 a.m. Call John Floriano at 725-5822. June 22 – Spring Trap League at Boston Valley Conservation Society, 9624 Zimmerman Road, Boston, will hold a 10-week, 300-target contest.

1 week ago | buffalonews.com | Bill Hilts Jr.

Crossbow bill passes Senate, AssemblyCrossbow enthusiasts are leaping for joy this week after the state Assembly unanimously passed proposed crossbow legislation on Tuesday. The Senate passed the bill a week earlier 57-2. The final hurdle is for Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign it into law. Proponents are hopeful she will sign this important legislation. She must first call for the bill. When she does, she has 10 days to sign.