Strange times lead to personal reflection
As we all learn to deal with this pandemic, realize that it could be worse.
Outdoor Web Words by Bill Hilts Jr.
Changing times at New York Outdoor News
It was more than 15 years ago that I made the acquaintance of Steve (and Paula) Piatt, when the first edition of the New York Outdoor News (NYON) made its appearance on the outdoor scene. It was probably at a…
Getting involved: Public input sought on cormorant management
It’s important to get involved, especially when it comes to letter writing and making contacts for various issues that affect all we do relative to hunting, fishing and our natural resources. Some of you might already be thinking: “I’m one…
New boating law in New York
A new boating law in New York, referred to as “Brianna’s Law,” is now in effect as of Jan. 1, 2020. It requires all motorboat operators to complete a boating safety course. New age requirements began Jan. 1, with full…
Lake Erie walleye fishing should be superb again this season
At the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo’s State of Lake Erie session last month, based on the information that was presented, it’s an exciting time to be a walleye fisherman.
Niagara expo teaches fishing … and more
If you have an interest in fishing, you have a desire to learn how to catch fish. That’s as simple as it gets. Becoming more proficient at catching fish is an important part of the equation, but it’s not the only thing. You’ll find that out by attending the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo Jan. 17-19 at the Conference and Event Center in Niagara Falls.
End of a hunting era?
Hunting season was a bit more difficult than in years past all the way around. For the regular Southern Zone big game season opener, our traditional trip to Steuben County saw limited participation from our group of hunters. Life seemed…
A big muskie day on the Niagara River
My phone vibrated while I sat in a seat at the DEC presentation on the forage base in Lockport. It was Capt. Chris Cinelli of Grand Island inviting me along on a muskie trip the next morning. One of the…
The case of the missing Niagara River salmon
Among other things, winds have also been blamed, with strong east winds pushing salmon out of their staging areas in September. If so, where did they go?
Capt. Ernie a legend in western New York and beyond
As Capt. Ernie Calandrelli of Lewiston set the hook, there was a big smile on his face. “It feels like a good one,” he said with excitement in his voice. We were fishing on the lower Niagara River along with…
Mississippi River’s Best Dam Fishing Float
It was a special day on the mighty Mississippi River, a football Sunday, and the Green Bay Packers were playing the Minnesota Vikings. Allegiances are divided here because the river is the boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin (where Green Bay…
VIP fishing events important reminder of great resources of western N.Y.
It’s important to educate our elected officials about the importance of our natural resources, whatever they may be.
Erie’s Ohio 'eyes bountiful, too, and the fishing is on fire
While local populations off New York’s shoreline have been increasing, the real kicker to our walleye population numbers is the migrating schools of fish that show up every year from the Western Basin of the lake. As many as 10 percent of the lake’s Western Basin walleye will take a trip from Ohio to the western reaches of the lake – as far as Buffalo.
Another reminder that Lake Ontario is alive and well and open for business
Behind-the-scenes fishing contest helps dispel some of the myths surrounding the big lake this high-water season.
Lessons learned on every fishing trip
One of the best things about being an outdoor writer is that you have an opportunity to fish with a wide variety of angling professionals, be it of the charter captain or guide variety or people who could be captains…
High water, yes, but Lake Ontario fishing has been fantastic
Fishery on display with annual celebrity gathering, fishing tournament.
Quest for gobbler still leaves lasting memories
The spring wild turkey season is the central focus of my elusive outdoor quest. Just when I think I can reach that attainable goal of tagging a big bird, it slips through my fingers at the last minute due to…
Bad-case scenarios unfolding for western New York stocking, ice boom, fishing
A serious complication is the fact that local charter captains are cancelling trips left and right. Spring is a prime time for salmon, trout, bass and walleye between the Great Lakes of Erie and Ontario. Huge ice fields pose a serious problem for boaters in the river and in the eastern basin of Lake Erie.
Questioning the new waterfowl regulations
We are at a crossroads with many of our treasured hunting and fishing activities. One that this blogger is concerned about is the future of waterfowl and waterfowl hunting.
Trapping remains a part of the outdoors landscape – for now
That could all change if some New York City politicians have their way.
Late ice can offer rewards, but use caution
As winter slowly starts to fade away, so does some of the winter fishing opportunities – like ice fishing. Don’t abandon your winter gear just yet, though. Some of the best hard-water fishing is yet to come. Just make sure…
In the wake of new regs proposals, is it time to restrict captain and mate limits on charters?
With a push to make things more restrictive as far as creel limits in Lake Ontario, should we also be looking at a law or regulation that does not allow captains and/or mates to keep their limits, too? Currently, it’s a gray area. If they have a fishing license, they are entitled to their own limit of fish.
Late waterfowl hunt a pleasure in 2018, but changes coming in 2019
It’s possible you could spend a couple of hours setting up for a morning hunt, only to have it over within five minutes – depending on the day, of course. We need to look at the big picture and not get discouraged. Don’t hang up those waterfowl calls just yet.
Red tide aside, Florida’s Gulf Coast always worth a visit
Algae doesn't sour the usual adventures here, be it fishing, birdwatching, shelling or just general outdoor recreation.
The book on fishing and the outdoors for grief relief
Grief is something very real. We all deal with it differently. When I lost my mom earlier this year, I turned to some quiet time in the outdoors – walking, reading a book, remembering many of the good times, stopping…
About This Blog
Bill Hilts, Jr. of Lockport (Niagara County) has been a freelance writer since 1980 after graduating from SUNY-Oswego (’78). His first job was with Gun Week Newspaper out of Buffalo. He now writes every week for seven newspapers, contributes to magazines and has been writing for New York Outdoor News since its inception in 2004. He is past president of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers, a former board member of Outdoor Writers Association of America, and active with New York State Outdoor Writers Association. A life member of NRA, he’s also involved with numerous sportsmen’s and conservation groups. He’s an avid deer and waterfowl hunter, and Great Lakes angler.
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