Jun 13, 2026
Photo courtesy of Josh Larsen Team Midnight Express with Captain Craig Sleeman (C) and teammates Justin Wekenmann and Jeff Maskulinski who won the big money last weekend at the sixth annual WNY Walleye Classic Championship in Dunkirk. Local Lake Erie walleye tournament competition continues with the 716FISH Walleye Classic at Barcelona Harbor this weekend.
As summer settles across Western New York, a remarkable week of outdoor events is unfolding that offers something for everyone — whether you’re an experienced angler, a competitive archer, a conservation-minded family, or someone who simply hasn’t found the time to get outside lately.
The truth is, many of us spend our days rushing from one responsibility to the next. Work, errands, sports schedules, and screens compete for every spare moment. It’s tough, I get it. Yet some of life’s most rewarding experiences await just beyond our front doors. This week presents an ideal opportunity to rediscover the outdoors and reconnect with the natural resources that make Western New York such a special place to live.
The adventure begins today, with New York State’s annual “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day,” held in conjunction with National Get Outdoors Day. Across the state, residents are encouraged to experience public lands through activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching, archery, and nature exploration. One of the region’s largest celebrations will take place at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in Depew. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., families can enjoy a free day packed with guided nature walks, hoverball archery, birding opportunities, face painting, camping demonstrations, geocaching instruction, scavenger hunts, lawn games, food trucks, giveaways, and door prizes. Perhaps most exciting for young visitors, the first 100 children through the gates will receive a free fishing rod they can keep, courtesy of Texas Roadhouse. Adaptive equipment, braille children’s books, and audiobooks will also be available, ensuring that everyone — regardless of age or ability — can enjoy the experience. It’s a celebration designed to prove that the outdoors truly belongs to everyone (93 Honorine Drive in Depew. Call 716-683-5959).
For those interested in learning one of Western New York’s most cherished traditions, the Teach-Me-To-Fish event at Westwood Park in Lancaster offers a perfect introduction. Running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., this free clinic welcomes anglers of all ages, with a special focus on youth 15 and under. Volunteers provide instruction, encouragement, and prizes, making it an ideal setting for families looking to create lifelong outdoor memories together (175 Pavement Road in Lancaster. Call 716-684-3320).
Meanwhile, Lake Erie anglers will have their eyes on two major walleye tournaments. The inaugural FISH716 Walleye Classic launches from Barcelona Harbor, bringing together competitive teams chasing prize money and bragging rights. The excitement continues throughout the day before culminating in a public weigh-in at the Ottaway Park Pavilion. One of the hidden gems of professional-style walleye tournaments is that many competitors gladly share portions of their catch. Sometimes all it takes is a friendly conversation and a cooler to bring home fresh Lake Erie walleye for dinner (Ottaway Park Pavilion, 8000 NY-5, in Westfield. Call 716-352-0443).
Photo courtesy of the Celoron Rod and Gun Club Congratulations to the members of the Celoron Rod and Gun Club on its 100 year club anniversary that was celebrated last weekend at the club.
Also beginning this weekend is the 42nd annual Southtowns Walleye Tournament, one of the region’s premier fishing competitions. Running today through June 21, the tournament offers more than $110,000 in cash and prizes. The beauty of the event is its simplicity — one fish can change everything (visit https://www.southtownswalleye.com/).
Archery enthusiasts have plenty to celebrate as well. Allied Sportsmen in Alden will host an Archery Shooters Association Qualifier on Saturday and Sunday. Competitors will test their skills on a challenging 3D animal target course that simulates realistic hunting scenarios. Whether you’re a seasoned tournament shooter or simply curious about the sport, these events showcase the precision, focus, and excitement that make archery one of America’s fastest-growing outdoor activities (12846 Clinton St. in Alden. Call 716-725-5822).
Clay target shooters can head to Hanover Fish & Game in Forestville for the Father’s Day Fun Shoot. Open to the public, the event welcomes experienced competitors and first-time participants alike. Few outdoor sports combine skill, camaraderie, and friendly competition quite like sporting clays. Registration starts at 8 a.m., all shooters are welcome, and the event is open to the public (780 Overhiser Road in Forestville. Call 716-525-5160).
The outdoor opportunities continue throughout the weekend. On Sunday, the Ellington Rod and Gun Club’s unique “Don’t Know Partner Trap League” offers participants a chance to meet fellow shooters while enjoying some friendly competition (1045 Hagerdon Hill Road in Ellington. Call 716-287-3987).
At Bear Lake Rod & Gun Club, members and guests can participate in the monthly pistol and rifle shoot, while at West Falls Conservation Society, black powder enthusiasts will gather for a traditional muzzleloader shoot featuring free-swinging metal targets and plenty of old-fashioned storytelling (4391 Cassadaga-Stockton Road in Stockton. Call 716-338-2050).
For many participants, muzzleloading represents far more than shooting. It is a living connection to history, craftsmanship, and the traditions that helped shape America’s outdoor heritage. Continuing on Sunday, Mike Cummins hosts a Muzzleloader Shoot at the West Falls Conservation Society, beginning at 10 a.m. (55 Bridge Street in West Falls. Call 716-655-5030).
Monday, June 15, brings another milestone that anglers across New York eagerly await each year: the opening of the regular bass season. After months of catch-and-release regulations, anglers can finally pursue largemouth and smallmouth bass under the regular season framework. Lake Erie smallmouth fishing has already been exceptional this spring, and many expect opening week to produce memorable catches. New York’s bass fishery continues to receive national recognition, with several Empire State waters consistently ranked among the finest bass destinations in America.
Monday evening also offers newcomers an opportunity to try archery during the Adult Learn-to-Shoot program at the West Falls Conservation Society. For just $5, participants receive instruction and access to all necessary equipment, making it one of the most affordable ways to discover a new outdoor passion. (55 Bridge St. in West Falls. Call 716-655-5030).
Families should also take note that June 15 marks the application deadline for the 32nd annual Region 9 Youth Archery and Sportsman’s Camp. Scheduled for July 31 through Aug. 2 at the Elma Conservation Club, the camp introduces young people to archery, hunter education, conservation ethics, sportsmanship, and outdoor responsibility. Programs like this help ensure that the next generation develops not only outdoor skills but also a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and natural resources. Call Ethan Conrad at 716-474-1290 for info.
At a time when digital distractions often dominate our attention, events like these offer something increasingly valuable: genuine experiences.
They provide opportunities to learn new skills, make new friends, create family memories, and discover the simple joy of spending time outdoors. Whether it’s catching your first fish, hitting your first bullseye, hiking a woodland trail, or simply watching a child experience nature for the first time, these moments have a way of staying with us.
If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll get outside “one of these days,” consider this your invitation. That day has arrived.
Western New York’s outdoor community has created an entire week of opportunities to learn, explore, compete, and connect. All that’s left is for you to show up and discover what you’ve been missing.
Gotta love the outdoors.
CALENDAR
June 12-13: FISH716 Walleye Classic, Barcelona Harbor, NY, $500 entry, Calcutta’s, Big Fish Friday, main event is June 13, visit FISH716.com to register, or call chairman Cody Allen: 716-352-0443 or 716-581-3054.
June 13: Get Outdoors and Get Together Day, New York State, visit https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/outdoors-day.
June 13: Father Day Fun Shoot, Hanover Fish & Game, 780 Overhiser Rd., Forestville; registration starts 8AM, shooting begins 9AM, $50 main event, all shooters welcome, open to the public; 716-525-5160.
June 14: Ellington Rod and Gun, “Don’t Know Partner Trap League,” 1045 Hagerdon Hill Rd., Ellington; Info: 716-287-3987.
June 14: Bear Lake Rod & Gun, monthly Pistol/Rifle shoot, open to members/guests; 4391 Cassadaga-Stockton Rd., Stockton; info: call Don at 716-338-2050.
June 15: Opening Day NYS Black Bass season, 12 inch minimum length, daily bag-5. Season closes Nov. 30.
June 15: Youth Archery Camp, deadline application for camp Jul.31-Aug.2; FREE, Elma Conservation, Info, Ethan Conrad, 716-474-1290.
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