Bill Epeards shares hunting wisdom at Ohio show

From being a three-sport star in high school and serving his country as a police officer to wandering the wilderness of the world hunting any variety of game, Bill Epeards commits himself to doing it right.

Epeards was once again a big drawing card at the annual Northeast Ohio Sportsman Show Jan. 15-17, where he has made many appearances over the years, and it was no surprise he was a highly sought man at the show, where he was more than happy to talk to everyone who wanted to share stories or glean something from his outdoor knowledge.

Equally adept with a bow or rifle, Epeards’ adventures have taken him all over the globe, where he has gone after buffalo, rhinos, leopards, moose, elk, wild boar, mountain lions, bears, alligators and many other animals.

Throughout his career Epeards has perfected calling animals and his hunting techniques, many of which he has passed along to younger generations.

While hunting may be his passion, what he truly strives to do is help others capture the same passion and respect for the sport he has developed over decades.

While attending this year’s Northeast Ohio Sportsman Show, an event in which he has been a featured speaker many times, Epeards shared his countless stories and escapades around the world but also listened intently as those visiting with him shared their stories.

“Everyone always wants to get caught up in all of the trophies,” Epeards said. “I don’t get caught up in that. What I really enjoy is hearing the stories from other people, stories that are important to them. Sure, everyone wants that big buck, but to hear a young kid talking about a button buck that was his first deer is great because it is a trophy deer to him and because you can sense the excitement. That little buck might mean everything to them, and it energizes me to see young kids investing in something that requires discipline and effort that is keeping them out of trouble.

“It’s not always about the big rack and the trophy catch; every story is different and meaningful in its own way. It’s about the experience of being in the outdoors and making memories.”

Epeards was a gifted athlete, earning all-conference honors in football, basketball and baseball throughout his high school career at Clairmont Northeastern High School, and didn’t really get into the whole hunting world until after high school.

After an automobile accident derailed his baseball career at Ohio State University, he realized hunting is a competition of a different sort, but one that offers the same sense of pride in doing things the right way and feelings of excitement he got playing sports.

He said while every experience is different and each type of animal brings with it different challenges, there are certain things that tie the art of hunting together.

Epeards said one of the great joys has been the different cultures, whether he is hunting in Argentina, Africa, the hills of West Virginia or the mountains of Colorado.

“Every place provides new and interesting challenges, from the terrain to the animals themselves,” Epeards said. “They all require strategies and patience. When you’re hunting dangerous game, then you have to stalk them, and that’s a whole different ballgame because the wind factors into it.

“Then you experience the different cultures and the people with it. In Africa the trackers are amazing and the land is beautiful.”

All those experiences helped shape his life, a life he is eager to share with others because it can add to their joy of the outdoors.

Epeards reaching out to touch the lives of others by sharing his wisdom and experiences isn’t the only way he has given back. The record-setting hunter was a police officer for three decades, serving in Cincinnati. He also served as protection for a judge after retiring as a police officer.

He said he has had a wonderful career and feels blessed to be able to protect and serve others. He said his job there is much like sports and very much like hunting.

“I learned over the years that whatever you do, it comes down to discipline and training,” Epeards said. “I’ve had some incredible coaches who took me under their wing and taught me to do things the right way, to work hard and stay focused to be successful. I think that's an important message that I want to make sure our younger generation hears and understands, no matter what they are doing.”

As people stopped by to chat, he also emphasized — especially to the younger people — the importance of hanging out with people of good character.

Epeards said even if hunting and fishing aren’t someone’s cup of tea, simply getting out and hiking, enjoying the bounty of blessings nature offers, is uplifting and wholesome.