Bill Hilts, Jr. – Board of Directors

Bill Hilts, Jr. of Lockport, NY (in Niagara County): I’m a bit of a legacy of sorts with my father, Bill, Sr., a founding member of the group. While he is no longer with us (having passed in 2022 six days short of his 91^st birthday), he continues to have an influence on NYSOWA through me and through the friendships he made through the years. I joined in 1981, and I was proud to be a member from the start. It felt like “home” from the beginning. 

I am back on the Board of Directors again, filling in for a member who needed to resign from the post. I am a past president and was also on the board previously as a Western Region Vice President. I have been involved with many committees through the years and currently assist Dan Ladd with the newsletter in a relatively minor role. I have also helped with other committees in the past. 

I have been chairman or co-chair of several conferences and safaris, something I encourage all members to get involved with at least once. It’s a great way to meet the members, both active and supporting. It’s also a perfect way to connect with local outdoor businesses and the local tourism office or chamber of commerce. You never know where those relationships might take you. 

I’ve been a freelance outdoor writer since 1980. In 1986, I became the Niagara County Sportfishing Promotion Coordinator, a position I held until 2021. Through the years I was able to put my communications degrees from SUNY Niagara and SUNY Oswego to work on radio and television as well. I have one book under my belt, Salmon Coast to Coast with the North American Fishing Club. 

I am currently the outdoor writer for the Buffalo News, and write regularly for New York Outdoor News, a publication I became involved with from its inception. I also freelance for other publications when the opportunity arises. 

My favorite pastime from spring to fall now is plying the waters of the Erie Canal in my pontoon boat with my wife Sandy and our grandkids/great-grandkids. Yes, it’s hard to believe we have a dozen grandkids and 5 great-grandkids! It’s a perfect way to share the outdoors with them.