Thursday, August 6th, 2026

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Thursday, August 6th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Bill Hilts Jr.

Choppy waters highlight New York’s Southtowns Walleye derby

Woodrow Rickard of Lewiston, fishing with friends Robert Leighton III, of Lewiston, and Steve Majka, of Niagara Falls, reeled in a 9.61-pound walleye – the biggest of his life – to win the 42nd Annual Southtowns Walleye derby held June 13-21 on Lake Erie.
Despite some windier-than-normal conditions, there were still 436 anglers registered for the popular contest.

Choppy waters highlight New York’s Southtowns Walleye derby Read More »

Bill Hilts, Jr.: The legend of Pennsylvania lure-maker Joe Renosky keeps on ticking

It was an opportunity to go fishing on Lake Erie with Capt. Mark Mohr of One Mohr Sportfishing. That alone should have been enough incentive. That alone should have been enough incentive.
Toss in that Bud Marsh, a retired charter skipper who had just won the Duel at Dunkirk with his Kra-Mar team was going to be on board, too. So was Buffalo Sabres Alumni tough guy Rob Ray, a close friend of Mohr. The icing on the cake, though, was 82-year-old Joe Renosky of Indiana, Pa. was going to tag along with his son, Steve. We were going to be field testing some Reno Rocker lures to see if they would catch walleyes.

Bill Hilts, Jr.: The legend of Pennsylvania lure-maker Joe Renosky keeps on ticking Read More »

Bill Hilts, Jr.: Do you believe in “divine intervention” when it comes to fishing?

The term “divine intervention” is not an expression that should be taken lightly or without some thought involved.
It is commonly referred to when it seems as though an act of God has taken place, such as in the Bible where it identifies miracles, guidance, and acts of salvation. However, when something happens in the world we live in that defies explanation, you can’t help but think that maybe there is something to that term. 

Bill Hilts, Jr.: Do you believe in “divine intervention” when it comes to fishing? Read More »

Late spring walleye tournaments light up New York’s Lake Erie waters

It has been a heavy dose of walleye contests for the beginning of the Lake Erie fishing season and one of the most exciting events.
The WNY Walleye Classic, took place June 5 and 7 in Dunkirk, N.Y. (June 6 was canceled due to inclement weather). It was a battle of the heavyweights on Lake Erie and two National Walleye Tour pros swung for the fences.

Late spring walleye tournaments light up New York’s Lake Erie waters Read More »

Bill Hilts, Jr.: New Jarzynski book provides outdoor lessons from hunting dogs

“The joy of rabbit hunting is that it is not life or death. It’s a relief to spend the day in the woods with friends and family and not take life so seriously. It’s a time to laugh, sing (yes, I’ve been known to break out in a show tune or two), and tell stories. Rabbit hunting is about social interaction. After two months of the isolation that deer hunting requires, it’s liberating to join friends and hounds in the woods.”
I found out about John Jarzynski’s new book “Hunting Dogs and Lessons Learned” with a simple note from him on Facebook Messenger.

Bill Hilts, Jr.: New Jarzynski book provides outdoor lessons from hunting dogs Read More »

Bill Hilts, Jr.: Take advantage of the Erie Canal’s outdoors fun

I’m always amazed at the fact that more people don’t utilize the Erie Canal for the outdoor resources that this over 200-year-old waterway possesses.
The canal itself stretches from Buffalo to Albany for 351 miles before it hooks up with the Hudson River to allow for passage to New York City. As the adage goes, take time to smell the roses regarding this historic marvel. 

Bill Hilts, Jr.: Take advantage of the Erie Canal’s outdoors fun Read More »

Veto override brings deer hunt for junior hunters to New York’s Erie County

Junior hunters age 12 and 13 years old can now legally hunt deer with firearms and crossbows in New York’s Erie County after the Erie County Legislature overrode County Executive Mark Poloncarz’s veto of the law that would allow the age group to hunt with a licensed mentor. The vote took place May 28.
“Today’s vote is a victory for Erie County families and for the future of our outdoor heritage,” said Jack Coad, president of the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs.

Veto override brings deer hunt for junior hunters to New York’s Erie County Read More »

Bill Hilts, Jr.: Focusing efforts on the future with youth fishing

As we approach National Fishing and Boating Week (set this year for June 6-14), as well as the prospects of summer weather, this is the perfect time to start thinking about youth fishing opportunities.
Getting the next generation of anglers in tune with our water resources is critical for the future of this popular pastime. Sometimes it’s time to hit the reset button. One prime example of refocusing energy and funding sources is the Greater Niagara Fish Odyssey Derby that was held for 50 years in Western New York.

Bill Hilts, Jr.: Focusing efforts on the future with youth fishing Read More »

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