Recent Articles

: Webmaster; Recent Articles; 07 August 2026

Hans Mann - Remembered

The Southtowns Walleye Association of WNY regrets to inform you that Past Member, Charter Captain, Carving Artist, and friend to all, Hans Mann passed away on the morning of August 6th. We will all mourn his loss deeply as Hans was an inspiration to all that knew him, or had crossed paths with him. Whether it was at the boat launch, a fishing tournament, or sitting next to him in his boat fishing for Musky, Walleye, or Bass he loved it all.

We thank Hans for all he did for our amazing fishery, and for being a great Ambassador for the WNY Fishing Community. You will be truly missed by all. We wish to extend our Condolences to Hans's wife Liz, his children Dee Dee, and Willy. If you're so inclined next time you're out on the water, please look up and say a little prayer for Hans.

We will cherish our Walleye Derby Trophy that Hans carved for the club back in 2019. He was a truly gifted artist.

There has been a Go Fund Me set up to help the family through this tragic loss. If you can spare to donate to help out the family, they would truly appreciate it.

: Webmaster; Recent Articles; 01 May 2026

STWA Erie County Fair Booth Sign-Ups Open

: Webmaster; Recent Articles; 02 December 2025

STWA February Meeting Announcement

The next General Membership Meeting of Southtowns Walleye Association will be held on Thursday, February 19th, 2026 beginning at 7 p.m. There will be a vote from 3pm to 8pm on the new Constitution and By-Laws. Please bring your membership card with you to the meeting. If you have any questions regarding this, please leave a message on the club phone (716-649-8202) and we will call you back.

: Webmaster; Recent Articles; 28 November 2025

US Coast Guard Safe Boater Course?

We are asking the membership and public if there is an interest in attending another US Coast Guard Safe Boater Course at the STWA Clubhouse in 2026? Please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested so we can accurately gauge the need to hold this event.

Deadline to submit your comments is no later than December 9th.

Thank you,
The STWA Event Staff

: Webmaster; Recent Articles; 20 October 2025

New Hunting Changes for 2025

Hunting is among the most popular forms of wildlife recreation in New York State. Nearly 700,000 New Yorkers and over 50,000 nonresidents hunt in the Empire State. New York offers many exciting opportunities to hunt a large variety of wildlife, including big game, small game, game birds and furbearers.

Find your next adventure using DECinfo Locator - an interactive map featuring wildlife management areas, WMU boundaries, parking areas, trail heads, and other information to help plan an excursion on state-managed lands.

Electronic Tagging

Hunters now have the choice to obtain a paper license and tags or use the HuntFishNY mobile app as electronic proof of licensure and possession of tags for deer, bear, or turkey.

Harvest Reporting

E-tag users must report immediately after harvesting a deer, bear, or turkey through the HuntFishNY mobile app. Paper tag users must report their harvest within 48 hours (no longer 7 days) through DEC’s website, the HuntFishNY mobile app, or calling 1-866-426-3778.

Crossbow

Crossbows may be used wherever and whenever bowhunting occurs. To hunt deer and bear with a crossbow during the bowhunting seasons, a hunter must have a hunting license and bowhunting privilege. To be eligible to purchase a bowhunting privilege, a hunter must have bowhunter education certification which is available through the online or in-person course.

Youth Hunt Bonus Tags

Youth hunters (ages 12-15) who successfully take and report a deer taken with their regular season tag during the Youth Big Game Hunt weekend and who do not possess other antlerless tags for the regular firearms season will be issued a bonus tag for the regular season. The bonus regular season tag will be valid for deer of the opposite sex as was harvested during the youth hunt. DEC will mail the bonus tag to the successful hunter, probably in early November.

Answers to commonly asked questions are available: 2025 Hunting Rule Changes Q & A (PDF)

Contact for this Page

DFW, Bureau of Wildlife
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233

Phone: 518-402-8883

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