DNR seeks nominations for ethical hunter award

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting award nominations for the 2024 Wisconsin Ethical Hunter Award. Nominees are selected based on exceptional moral actions and character while out in the field.

Established in 1997, the award recognizes a hunter whose action is symbolic of Wisconsin’s hunting heritage. This honor represents an outdoor tradition enjoyed responsibly, respectfully and safely, according to a DNR press release.

Examples of award nominations can include helping other hunters find lost game, assisting novice hunters or protecting natural resources. Any hunter or non-hunter can nominate a licensed Wisconsin hunter for the Wisconsin Ethical Hunter Award for their actions during the 2024 calendar year. Although many nominations result from gun deer season, ethical actions can occur for any hunting season throughout the state.

A five-person committee reviews the nominations and selects the person deemed most deserving of this award. The honor’s creators are Bob Lamb, retired outdoors editor of the La Crosse Tribune; Steve Dewald, retired DNR conservation warden supervisor; and Jerry Davis, a retired University of Wisconsin-La Crosse biology professor and outdoors writer. The nomination committee focuses on singular actions or events rather than individuals who have long-term conservation-related programs.

Written nominations must contain the name, address and telephone number of the witness or witnesses, or the person must be aware of the behavior which led to the nomination. The public is encouraged to submit nominations for consideration for the award. Submit nominations via mail or email by Jan. 31 to:

April Dombrowski, Bureau Director, Recreational Safety Outdoor Skills (RSOS)/Public Safety Resource Protection; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; 2421 Darwin Rd.; Madison, WI 53704-3109; [email protected].