Saturday, May 9th, 2026
My Account

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Main Menu
Menu
Search
My Account
Saturday, May 9th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Main Menu
Menu
Subscribe to Outdoor News

Bill Hilts Jr.

Federal funding cuts threaten popular Dunkirk Buoy program used by New York’s boaters, anglers

Featured, Fishing, Home Page News, National Fishing, National News, New York, News /

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. 

Federal funding cuts threaten popular Dunkirk Buoy program used by New York’s boaters, anglers Read More »

Commentary: Crossbow passage in New York brings back flood of memories

3 Comments / Discussions, Featured, Home Page News, Hunting, National Hunting, New York, Opinion /

​​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. Our hunting implement would be a crossbow.

Commentary: Crossbow passage in New York brings back flood of memories Read More »

Bill Hilts, Jr.: Reflecting on another successful year around the sun

Blogs, Featured, Fishing, New York, Opinion /

“Congratulations on making it another year around the sun!”
Those were the words of Mike Waterhouse, former Lake Ontario charter captain and fish promotion expert for Orleans County, N.Y., before he retired to South Carolina a few years ago. Yes, I turned 69 years of age in early June, and it didn’t seem like another year had gone by already. I couldn’t believe I was 69.

Bill Hilts, Jr.: Reflecting on another successful year around the sun Read More »

New York angler wins $15.5K at Lake Ontario Counties Spring Derby by one ounce

Featured, Fishing, National Fishing, National News, New York, News /

Brian Klice of Cuba, N.Y. is a lucky guy, proving that once again when his Chinook salmon weighed in at 24 pounds, 8 ounces to claim the Grand Prize for the Spring Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby held May 2-11.
He beat out the second largest salmon in the contest by just one ounce to win a check for $15,500.

New York angler wins $15.5K at Lake Ontario Counties Spring Derby by one ounce Read More »

Revamped Delta Waterfowl group making new strides in western New York

Featured, Hunting, National Hunting, National News, New York, News /

Western New York (WNY) Delta Waterfowl has reorganized itself and the person at the helm now is Ian Piercy of North Buffalo, chairman of the re-formed group. In a short amount of time, they have been proactive with habitat work and vocal regarding waterfowl management.
According to Piercy, WNY Delta Waterfowl recently signed a stewardship agreement in DEC Region 8 that allows them to maintain, refurbish, and install waterfowl nesting structures (wood duck boxes and mallard hen tubes) at Tonawanda/John White/Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Areas.

Revamped Delta Waterfowl group making new strides in western New York Read More »

DEC webinar updates New York waterfowl hunters on multiple topics

Featured, Home Page News, Hunting, National Hunting, National News, New York, News /

Thanks to a recent New York Department of Environmental Conservation-hosted Status of Waterfowl and Wetland Management webinar in April, duck and goose enthusiasts are up to speed as far as season dates, daily limits, survey updates, and population estimates heading into 2025.
The electronic session saw over 110 people in attendance and over 100 questions were asked by interested attendees.

DEC webinar updates New York waterfowl hunters on multiple topics Read More »

Bill Hilts, Jr.: Lots of fish caught as New York outdoor writers convene in Lewiston

Blogs, Featured, Fishing, National Fishing, New York, Opinion /

The New York State Outdoor Writers Association, a group formed in 1967, held its Spring Conference in Lewiston, N.Y., May 15-18, 2025. Hosting a writer gathering such as this one is an opportunity for an area to market itself and Destination Niagara USA recognized the value of bringing the group of scribes into Western New York.
“By hosting media like this, we are getting the personal endorsement of some of the top outdoor media professionals in the country,” said Frank Campbell, Outdoor Promotions Director or DNUSA and the Sportfishing Promotion Coordinator for Niagara County.

Bill Hilts, Jr.: Lots of fish caught as New York outdoor writers convene in Lewiston Read More »

Bill Hilts, Jr.: Walleye season is open in New York, and Lake Erie is the place to be

Featured, Features, Fishing, Gear & Gadgets, National Fishing, New York /

Walleye season opened in New York State on May 1 and Lake Erie is the place to be for catching these popular table fare.
With more than 77 million of these fish estimated to be in the lake from Toledo to Buffalo, it’s certainly an exciting time if you love fishing for old “marble eye.” The best action, now that the season is underway, is traditionally at night. However, with recent weather patterns, we may have to wait until the winds calm down and the waters begin to warm a bit before that night bite resembles any consistency.

Bill Hilts, Jr.: Walleye season is open in New York, and Lake Erie is the place to be Read More »

New York’s Erie County Federation commends key sportsmen, conservationists

Fishing, Hunting, National News, New York, News /

For the prestigious Stanley Spisiak Memorial Conservationist of the Year Award, General Motors Tonawanda was recognized for its water conservation practices in the Niagara River. At one point, the facility was drawing upward of 26 million gallons of water a day from the river.

New York’s Erie County Federation commends key sportsmen, conservationists Read More »

GET THE OUTDOOR NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Sign up for the Outdoor News Weekly Newsletter and get 2 months of FREE access to OutdoorNews.com – packed with hunting, fishing, and conservation news. No Catch.

This offer includes digital access only (not the printed edition)

Email Address(Required)
Password(Required)
Name
What outdoor activities interest you?(Required)

PLEASE READ

Accessing Your Full Subscription Just Got Easier. Introducing Single Sign On.

 We’ve simplified things. Now you only need one password to access all your Outdoor News digital content.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Click Continue below.
  2. You’ll be taken to the OutdoorNews.com sign-in screen.
  3. Don’t have an account yet? Create one—it’s quick!
  4. After signing in, click the E-Edition Login button again. When the pop-up appears, just click Continue.
  5. You’ll either:
    1. Land on the e-edition selection screen (you’re in!)
    2. Be sent to a help page if we didn’t detect a subscription.

If you hit the help page, follow the directions so you don’t miss out on any of our great content.

One login. Every edition. Easy.

Let’s get you reading!

Continue...

PLEASE READ

 We’ve simplified things. Now you only need one password to access all your Outdoor News digital content.

Here’s how it works:

• Click Continue below.

• You’ll be taken to the OutdoorNews.com sign-in screen.

• Don’t have an account yet? Create one—it’s quick!

• After signing in, click the E-Edition Login button again. When the pop-up appears, just click Continue. You’ll either:

  1. Land on the e-edition selection screen (you’re in!)
  2. Be sent to a help page if we didn’t detect a subscription.

If you hit the help page, follow the directions so you don’t miss out on any of our great content.

Continue...

Help Shape the Future of OutdoorNews.com!

We know you love the outdoors—now we want to make OutdoorNews.com the ultimate destination for all things hunting, fishing, and conservation.

Take our brief 3 minute survey to share your thoughts, and help us build the best outdoor website on the planet. As a thank you, we’ll send you a special offer!

Together, we can make OutdoorNews.com even better.

Take the Survey

Introducing The Outdoor News Foundation

Donate Today

For a limited time, you can get full access to breaking news, all original Outdoor News stories and updates from the entire Great Lakes Region and beyond, the most up-to-date fishing & hunting reports, lake maps, photo & video galleries, the latest gear, wild game cooking tips and recipes, fishing & hunting tips from pros and experts, bonus web content and much, much more, all on your smartphone, tablet or desktop For just a buck per month!

Sign Up Now

Some restrictions apply. Not valid with other promotions. $1 per month for 6 months (you will be billed $6) and then your subscription will renew at standard subscription rates. For more information see Terms and Conditions. This offer only applies to OutdoorNews.com and not for any Outdoor News print subscriptions. Offer valid thru 3/31/23.

Already a subscriber to OutdoorNews.com? Click here to login.