The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2016 Conservation and Branch Achievement awards. The honorees were first unveiled at the 2016 QDMA National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, January 28-31.
Each year, QDMA accepts nominations for its Conservation awards, and it honors a number of people and groups for achievements in whitetail conservation and management. This year's winners are:
2016 QDMA Conservation Awards:
The Branch Achievement awards recognize outstanding volunteers who have achieved success at a very high level. This year's winners are:
2016 QDMA Branch Achievement Awards:
To view photos of each of the award winners,
https://www.qdma.com/galleries/2016-qdma-conservation-branch-achievement-awards" target="_blank">click here.
Joe Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award: Johnny Morris
For the complete news release of this award,
https://www.qdma.com/news/johnny-morris-receives-qdmas-joe-hamilton-lifetime-achievement-award" target="_blank">click here.
Al Brothers Deer Manager of the Year: Bryant Kroutch
Bryant Kroutch is an avid bowhunter, landowner, QDMA Life Member, Level III Deer Steward, and a familiar face at our National Conventions. His family-owned 300-acre farm reflects habitat management skills obtained through QDMA's educational courses. He recognizes the importance of managing his land and deer herd while embracing the QDMA's mission of preserving our hunting heritage. His son and daughter are avid deer hunters and managers and they seek to follow his footsteps. He's a writer, too. A recent article in
Quality Whitetails magazine revealed five ways to put bucks in range through well-planned and executed habitat management. In 2015 he was instrumental in setting up the first ever military youth hunt for the Greater Kansas City QDMA branch. He opened up his farm and shared his knowledge with these young people who for the first time got to experience the thrill of a whitetail hunt. He truly sees the "big picture", selflessly investing in the future of white-tailed deer and deer hunters.
Al Brothers Professional Deer Manager of the Year: Mike Staten and Stan Priest
Mike Staten and Stan Priest are both career wildlife biologists with the Anderson-Tully Company, an annual major donor to the QDMA. The company owns 260,000 acres of Mississippi River bottomlands and some associated uplands or bluffs in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky and Missouri, and an additional 60,000 acres of co-op lands with 250 clubs and 6,000 hunters. In the 2014-15 hunting season, harvest data was collected from 6,355 deer - an average annual sample size. It is noteworthy that the buck harvests on the northern and southern portions were comprised of 75% and 52%, respectively, of bucks 4.5 years old and older. Furthermore, the harvest of females exceeded that of bucks on both portions. These activities and accomplishments were only possible due to Mike and Stan's dedication to the management, conservation, and stewardship of Anderson-Tully lands and associated natural resources that has spanned over two decades.
Agency of the Year: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Thanks to the efforts of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas had the lowest percentage of yearling bucks harvested six of the past seven years. In fact, during the 2014-15 season, that number was the lowest ever recorded for any state in the whitetail's range at 8 percent. In addition, 67 percent of antlered bucks harvested were 3.5 years old or older, which was second only to Mississippi in the percentage of mature bucks in the buck harvest. Arkansas was also in the top five for the lowest fawn harvest during the 2014-15 season, and they estimate their total deer harvest, rather than just the minimum number harvested.
Wildlife Officer of the Year: Sgt. Joseph Ortis, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Sgt. Cliff Ortis began his career at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in October of 1990. His diligence and hard work earned him the honor of "Agent of the Year" for Region 4 in 2004. This region covers the northern end of the "Atchafalaya Basin", a very popular area for deer hunting and home to many QDMA clubs and landowners. In 2010, he was presented with the "Distinguished Chiefs Award" given out by the Colonel of the Enforcement Division. Sgt. Ortis assists with boating/hunter education classes and helps answer questions and ensures the public understands safety and laws pertaining to hunting and boating in Louisiana. Sgt. Ortis works with other law enforcement agencies to promote safe hunting throughout his assigned district. He spends well over 100 hours a year participating in public relations/outreach programs for the department. He receives great reviews after his talks as most notice his professionalism, knowledge and enthusiasm for the job.
Corporate Achievement Award: Carbon Express
Only through the tremendous generosity of corporate sponsors can QDMA continue to grow, increase awareness and maximize our mission delivery. While a company can partner with QDMA simply by providing financial support, some go well beyond their financial obligations and embrace the partnership in a larger, more meaningful fashion. This year's recipient is one such company. Carbon Express became a corporate sponsor in 2015, and did so in a big way. They partnered with us to launch a national co-branded campaign to increase awareness of both QDMA and their new line of arrows - the Whitetail. As part of this partnership, each consumer is entitled to receive a complimentary copy of QDMA's
Aging and Judging Bucks on the Hoof DVD. This has exposed thousands of bowhunters to QDMA, many for the first time. Another aspect of the partnership is a national sweepstakes for a lucky hunter to win a dream whitetail hunt with the folks from Carbon Express and QDMA.
Signpost Communicator of the Year: Tony Hansen
For the complete press relase of this award,
https://www.qdma.com/news/tony-hansen-named-qdmas-2016-signpost-communicator-of-the-year" target="_blank">click here.
Branch of the Year: Upper Hudson River Valley Branch of New York
While there are dozens Branches deserving of recognition, the Branch that rose to the top of this year's field did so through tireless effort and selfless support of QDMA. What makes this Branch extra special is their community involvement and impact. Since it was founded 11 years ago, they have averaged nearly a dozen education and outreach events each year. These efforts include starting numerous QDM Cooperatives, which now encompass over 46,000 acres; staffing booths at three county fairs; conducting an "Aging on the Hoof" program for numerous area groups; conducting a Quality Deer Hunter training program that teaches shooting form, rifle and bow tuning and even proficiency; sponsoring a new hunter initiative which pairs youth hunters with mentors and properties on which to hunt; donating a robo-deer to law enforcement and supporting anti-poaching legislation; hosting a statewide outdoor writer's conference field trip; and funding local scholarships and gifting "QDMA in the Classroom" memberships. Over the past 11 years, their local banquets have generated 1,375 memberships and raised more than $168,700, including their last event, which netted more than $27,000.
Branch President of the Year: Chad Thelen of the Clinton Ionia Branch in Michigan
Every now and then a very special volunteer comes along who sets a very high bar. They are positive, engaging, know how to build relationships and, importantly, know how to bring out the best in others. Chad Thelen has been president of his the Clinton Ionia Branch since its inception over a decade ago. His tireless efforts over this period were instrumental in his Branch receiving the 2009 QDMA Branch of the Year award. He is extremely passionate about establishing QDM Cooperatives and as a result, his Branch's two-county area has more QDM Cooperatives than anywhere in Michigan. He also serves on the Michigan State Advisory Council and acts as the Habitat Coordinator, where he is responsible for developing relationships with the Michigan DNR, working on habitat grant committees, and even planting food plots and native grasses for the state. Without question, Chad is a great volunteer and wonderful ambassador for QDMA. He leads by example and exemplifies all of the qualities that embody a QDMA Branch President of the Year.
Volunteer of the Year: Mark Lovell of the Georgia Foothills Branch
Mark Lovell is a QDMA Life Member and Deer Steward Level III graduate. While his accomplishments are too numerous to list, just this past year Mark founded the first QDMA branch in his area and currently serves as its president; he was the driving force behind the Branch's first fundraising event which netted nearly $14,000 and recruited more than 200 new QDMA members; he initiated a Branch youth hunt and hosted two educational days; he staffed a booth at his local farmer's market to introduce local hunters and landowners to QDMA; he nominated a youth for the QDMA National Youth Hunt and even served as both chaperone and guide for this deserving youngster; he donated hunting or fishing trips to the past two National Conventions; and he is assisting with the formation of the State Advisory Council in Georgia where he will play an active role once operational.
Volunteer Appreciation Award: Ron Fleming of South Carolina
This award was created to recognize special volunteers who exhibit the traits of passion, dedication and commitment at the highest levels. Ron Fleming is a QDMA Life Member and active in many QDMA activities. He is a wildlife consultant who encourages all of his clients to join and become active in QDMA, many of whom have become Deer Steward graduates or major contributors to the REACH program. Ron has served as a Deer Steward Instructor and opened his property to the field trip portion of this course. He is very active with his local Branch, but also rarely misses a QDMA Banquet or field day within driving distance of his home. Not only has Ron spoken at many of QDMA events, he also often donates hunts and consulting services for auction. Ron has been a regular at the QDMA National Convention, having attended all but the very first convention, something very few members can match. Simply put, Ron Fleming is a highly respected, self-made professional and a great ambassador for QDMA. He is the very definition of a dedicated volunteer and truly deserving of this award.
Volunteer Appreciation Award: Donna Hamilton of South Carolina
Donna Hamilton, wife of QDMA founder Joe Hamilton, has a long and critically important connection to QDMA. In fact, her involvement began in the late 1980s when QDMA was still a fledgling, state-based organization in South Carolina and has continued to this day. For those of you who have been members since the early days, you know the role Donna played in keeping the organization alive and functioning for many years. Donna printed
The Signpost newsletter, the precursor to
Quality Whitetails, from 1989 to 1993, and was responsible for producing
Quality Whitetails from 1994 to 1997. She served as the voice of QDMA nearly four years from the "shack" in their backyard while serving as secretary, treasurer, office manager and board liaison during this time. Since 2010, Donna has been actively involved with the ACE Basin Branch, assisting with planning, promotion and execution. She is a regular attendee at the QDMA National Convention and staunch supporter of QDMA's mission, ethics and values.
Event of the Year: Public Hunting Land Reopening, Northern New Brunswick Branch
Given that QDMA Branches conduct hundreds of events annually throughout North America, selecting the single event that had the greatest overall impact is a difficult task. However, after hearing the scope and reach of what the Northern New Brunswick Branch was able to accomplish, we feel we made a wise decision. The Branch collected three years of trail-camera data on a 667,000-acre tract of public land which they provided to provincial biologists, and even met with the Provincial Minister of Natural Resources.These efforts were successful in reopening this area to public hunting for the first time in 22 years, providing opportunity to countless hunters. 2015 marked the first time since 1993 that any legal hunting occurred in this zone. Last fall, there were five weeks of buck hunting opportunity, including a 3-week archery season and 2-week rifle season. This significant accomplishment is a shining example of what QDMA knowledge, Branch member effort and positive government relations can achieve.
Membership Branch of the Year: Lowcountry Branch of South Carolina
Membership is the lifeblood of just about every nonprofit organization in the world, and QDMA is no exception. QDMA Branches play a vital role in this equation as they recruit more members annually than any other source through banquets, expos, educational events and field days. The Lowcountry Branch of South Carolina netted a whopping 539 members last year – which is impressive by any measure.
Sponsor Membership Branch of the Year: Lowcountry Branch of South Carolina
Sponsor members are individuals or businesses that go above and beyond the basic level of membership. Simply put, the give more because the can and because they care. Sponsors are important to Branches and the organization as a whole for supplying much needed resources to further the QDMA mission. However, recruiting sponsors is no easy task, which makes the Lowcountry Branch's accomplishment of recruiting 83 sponsor members last year even more significant.
Fundraising Branch of the Year: Bayou Branch of Louisiana
Branch Fundraising is the meat and potatoes of QDMA, and it is at the Branch level where we connect most intimately with our supporters. The Bayou Branch of Louisiana exemplifies the highest ideals and a total understanding of what a Branch should do to promote QDMA 's mission locally and nationally. The Branch previously won the 2013 Membership Branch of the Year the 2014 QDMA Branch of the Year, and 2015 was even better with all-time high net dollars raised of $73,005 and recruiting 440 memberships along with another Trak-Chair donation. This year Banquet totals also moved them up to "Team Elite" branch status having contributed over $100,000 net dollars to QDMA for the banquet program.
New Branch of the Year: Georgia Foothills Branch
Unlike the Branch of the Year Award which is presented annually to an established QDMA Branch, the New Branch of the Year must have received their charter within the past year, making their accomplishments even more commendable. The Georgia Foothills Branch took off running from the very beginning. As a result, their list of accomplishments compares favorably to that a well-established, long-standing Branch. In 2015 alone, this Branch conducted a successful banquet which netted nearly $14,000 and recruited more than 200 QDMA memberships; hosted two educational field days and two tree seedling sales; staffed a booth at their local farmer's market; initiated a Branch youth hunting program and mentored their first two hunters; successfully nominated two youth for the QDMA National Youth Hunt; awarded a $500 college scholarship to a deserving student; donated two "QDMA in the Classroom" kits to local schools; donated 5 game cameras to the Georgia DNR; and competed and won the 2015 Branch Basket competition at the QDMA Convention.
