Published: October 05, 2008 12:13 am      

HILTS: Lake of the woods is sportsman’s paradise

Editor’s Note: Bill Hilts Jr.’s columm has moved to Sundays following the retirement of Joe Ognibene.

The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers returned to the North Star State to convene for its annual conference Sept. 14 to 18. This time the association headed to the northwest corner at the famed Lake of the Woods. Spectacular scenery and some great outdoor opportunities were part of their welcome packets to the writers. They had a reputation to live up to, as well — Walleye Capital of the World!

Minnesota has become one of my favorite states to visit. A land of 10,000 lakes (it actually much closer to 12,000), its name was derived from the Dakota Indian word meaning “sky-blue waters.” And does it have water! The state has roughly 7,326 square miles of it around the state, boasting the start of the mighty Mississippi River and a piece of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. The state was a favorite settling spot for a large number of immigrants, including Germans and Scandinavians. It’s evident as you drive around the state.

Our first stopping point was Arrowhead Wilderness Lodge after our flight into Duluth. This was where I managed to take my first black bear several years ago. Brian Bachman, executive director of the North American Bear Foundation, took time out from his hectic schedule to show us the area a bit more in-depth. We were just a short jaunt from Ely, one of the famous north country access points to the boundary waters (and another recent trip of memories).

As we drove across the state to Baudette and our home for the next few days, it was like taking a safari. We encountered numerous whitetail deer, a moose, bald eagles, fox and more, all in a setting mixed with forests and agriculture. And, no matter where we went, there seemed to be a lake around every corner.

Upon arriving at our headquarters of Sportsman’s Lodge, I was immediately assaulted by AGLOW members who had arrived early to sample the fishing.

“Jim Reid with Coleman caught 20 walleye today,” said executive director Curt Hicken. “He’s looking for you to rub it in because he didn’t catch a salmon last fall in Niagara.”

“Hey, the fish are a little smarter in Niagara, what can I say?” I retorted.

And when I finally ran into Reid, he was excited about his morning trip for walleye, catching fish up to 10 pounds. I couldn’t wait for an early-morning trip the following day.

We met at the boat early that next morning, with the wind blowing and rain coming down. It didn’t look pretty. Our captain was Kit Beckel, a local fisherman who’s guided visitors since 1960. He was actually involved with constructing this very lodge nearly 40 years ago with his brothers, so he knows the area well. We climbed into his boat, a 28-foot Sport Craft that seemed to be the vessel of choice for this lodge. It seemed more like a boat equipped for the Great Lakes (even with downriggers) and I wondered how big this Lake of the Woods really was.

The crew of writers motored down the Rainy River to the lake and I was looking at a big body of water. And I was looking at some pretty big waves as the strong winds pushed along the entire length of the 90-mile long, 55-mile wide lake. We would be staying in the river. It’s tough to comprehend that this lake had 65,000 miles of shoreline and more than 14,500 islands!

We anchored up and still fished the bottom with jigs tipped with worms and minnows. In less than five minutes we had our first keeper walleye. A short time later we had a lake sturgeon. More small walleye and then a perch or two. Action was constant, but nothing too big. We decided to move to another spot.

Down the river we went, using the same angling approach. I managed to catch the biggest walleye of the morning, a 26-inch fish that fell into a slot that would force us to toss it back. As we took photos and did what writers do best, the rod of Steve Griffin of Michigan was being pulled into the river. A deft Jim Zaleski of Kansas grabbed the rod and battled the fish, all the while the camera shutters kept clicking on the walleye. When Zaleski screamed out that he had a monster northern pike, the cameras turned on their next victim. The fish turned out to be a 37-inch fish and, again, fell into the slot for pike. Still, it was a great picture fish and a good time was had by all.

It was later that day that conference activities started and it was back to work. We’ll have more on the conference in future columns. For more information on Lake of the Woods, go to www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com or call (800) 382-FISH (3474).



Hilts Sr. wins EIC award

Congratulations are in order for Bill Hilts Sr. of Sanborn, who came home from the AGLOW conference with that organization’s top Golden Glow award — their Excellence in Craft Award. He was recognized for his many years of dedicated service to the outdoor writing community, his unselfish efforts to fight for many conservation causes and his volunteer efforts in support of the sporting community.



Alsheimer back with deer seminar

Whitetail deer expert Charles Alsheimer of Bath will be back in town this coming week to put on another one of his excellent “Ultimate Deer Hunting Seminar” programs Wednesday. Not only is his knowledge of the whitetail topnotch, but he’s also one of the best wildlife photographers in the world. His seminar will take place at the New Creation Fellowship, 3325 Genesee St., Cheektowaga, starting at 6 p.m. The evening starts out with some venison chili and is followed up with an excellent program. The cost is just $10. For more information and to find out how to register for a shotgun drawing, call 631-8595.



Lawler connects with moose

Harry Lawler of Lewiston took time out from taking a shot from the blue line in the Niagara Falls Alumni Senior Hockey League to take a shot at a nice moose in Newfoundland recently. Lawler hooked up with Tuckamore Outfitters in mid-September and managed to score on a nice trophy for the wall. Using a Remington 700 in .300 WSM, he managed to take a nice bull that sported a 40-inch spread and 16 points.

“I saw some bigger bulls during my time there, but couldn’t get a good shot. There were 14 hunters in camp and 12 filled their tags. The other two had opportunities, but missed or opted not to shoot.”

Thank goodness Harry is a better shot with his rifle than he is with his stick!



ER doc gets nice tiger muskie

A local professional that specializes in a different kind of shot scored on a big fish recently. Dr. Perry Spavento, an emergency room doctor at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, has been fishing Otisco Lake south of Syracuse for seven years now. Along the way, they’ve caught many 28-35 inch tiger muskie (aka norlunge), a hybrid cross between a muskie and a northern pike, out of this lake. His most recent trip involved Jim Peters, a retired Niagara Falls firefighter.

Spavento was fishing a golden shiner and a slip bobber in 16 feet of water at the north end of the lake in a place they call “the narrows” when the fish hit. This tiger muskie thought it was a bass, jumping out of the water and taking four or five power dives, before it succumbed to the net 10 minutes later. After closer inspection, it was their largest fish to date — a 20-pounder that stretched out 40 inches. Nice catch!



NRAA wins state award

The Niagara River Anglers Association was the recipient of the 2008 President’s Award at the annual meeting of the New York State Conservation Council held in Utica on Sept. 19. The association received the award in recognition of its continued dedication to the environment, sportfishing and youth education programs. Current NYSCC president Harold Palmer handed the award out, praising association members for their efforts — especially those involving today’s youth.

Accepting the award on behalf of the 650-plus members were president Paul Jackson and his wife, Linda (secretary for the club), Treasurer Dan King, Vice President Dave Faccini, past president and board member Joe Urso and John Long, Jr.



Sunday, Oct. 5

- Wilson Conservation Club 3-D fall warm-up archery shoot, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Route 425 field course. The cost is $5 for members and $8 for non-members. Children under 12 are free of charge.

- Final day, NY State Outdoor Writers Fall Conference in Old Forge.



Monday, Oct. 6

n LaSalle Sportsmen’s Club meeting, 7 p.m., 2445 Tuscarora Road, Niagara Falls.

- North Forest Rod and Gun Club meeting, 7 p.m., Nedens Lane, Lockport.

- Opening of woodcock season, through Nov. 4.

- Firearms hunter safety training class, 6 to 9:30 p.m., Niagara Gun Range, Niagara Falls Boulevard, North Tonawanda. Parts 2 and 3 will be held Tuesday and Thursday at the same times. Call 693-4000 to register.

- Hunter safety training certification class for firearms, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport. Parts 2 and 3 will be Tuesday and Wednesday at the same times. Class is limited to the first 50 students. For more information, call Gordon Botting at 434-1563 or Larry Koch at 778-9935.



Tuesday, Oct. 7

- Niagara Musky Association meeting, 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 55 Main St., Tonawanda.

- Duck Hunting at the Next Level Seminar by Mojo Decoys and Longneck Outdoors pro staffer Rich Ferguson, 7 p.m., Gander Mountain, Tonawanda. For more information, call 743-2300.



Wednesday, Oct. 8

- Iroquois Arms Collectors Association meeting, 7 p.m., Amvets Post No. 26, 600 Ward Road, North Tonawanda. For more information, call Bill Mudge at 772-2261 or Ken Mottorn at 434-7110.

- Rapids Rod and Gun Club meeting, 7 p.m., Rapids Volunteer Fire Hall, Rapids Road, Lockport.

- Noted whitetail deer expert Charles Alsheimer will present “The Ultimate Deer Hunting Seminar” at the New Creation Fellowship located at 3325 Genesee St., Cheektowaga, starting at 6 p.m. Venison chili is up first before the seminar starts about 6:45 p.m. A $10 donation is asked. Call 631-8595 to register.

- A picnic to honor Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the 3-F Club, 904 Swann Road, Lewiston. Food and refreshments will be served. Tickets are $20. Call 283-8978 to register.



Thursday, Oct. 9

- Hartland Conservationists Club meeting, 7 p.m., Orangeport Road, Gasport.

- Wilson Conservation Club meeting, 8 p.m., 2934 Cambria-Wilson Road, Wilson.

- Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association meeting, 7 p.m., 4-H building of Cornell Cooperative Extension Niagara, 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport.



Friday, Oct. 10

- Wolcottsville Sportsmen’s Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., Ditch Road, Wolcottsville.

- Muzzleloading for deer seminar with Knight muzzleloader, Knight & Hale, Summit, Scent Lok and Mossy Oak pro staffers Jack Coad and Bear Kelly, 7 p.m., Gander Mountain, Tonawanda. For more information, call 743-2300.



Saturday, Oct. 11

- Safe boating certification course by the U.S. Coast Guard, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Gander Mountain, Tonawanda. Pre-registration and a $40 fee is required. Call Steeg at 632-7353 or Dave at 694-2856 to register.

- Youth waterfowl hunting weekend Saturday and Sunday this particular weekend in the Western Zone, for junior hunters only. Young hunters ages 12 to 15, possessing a junior hunting license, may hunt ducks, coots, mergansers, Canada geese and brant. Daily bag limit for ducks is the maximum allowed during the regular duck season, as well as two Canada geese. Hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult (including HIP and federal duck stamp) and adults may not carry a firearm if no regular season is in place. For more information, call 851-7010.

- Trapping certification course at Middleport Rod and Gun Club, 8 a.m., corner of Mountain and Freeman roads, Middleport. Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited to the first 30 students. Bring a lunch. Call 439-5862 in the evenings to register.

- Western New York youth pheasant hunt weekend for junior hunters ages 12 to 15. Junior hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter and only the junior hunter may carry a firearm. A special permit is required for Joseph Davis and Golden Hill state parks. For more information, call 851-7010.