Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Merritt Compton Named Pope & Young Conservation Chairman

Chatfield, MN - Merritt Compton of Trumansburg, New York, has been named Conservation Chairman of the Pope and Young Club. Merritt succeeds Denny Ballard as the Pope and Young Club's Conservation Chairman. Sadly, Mr. Ballard had to step down due to health concerns. Merritt has been a dedicated bowhunter for over 40 years and has bowhunted from Newfoundland to Alaska, across 23 states and 3 continents. He has been a member of the Pope and Young Club since 2000, served the New York Bowhunters in multiple capacities and currently operates his own archery shop.

"I'm very happy to announce Merritt as our new Conservation Chairman of the Pope and Young Club," said Jim Willems, Pope and Young Club President. "Our conservation program has been a vital part in our efforts to ensure bowhunting for future generations and Merritt will do an outstanding job. While we're proud to have Merritt on board we are equally sad to see Denny Ballard step down because of health concerns. Denny will be missed and we wish him well."

As Conservation Chair, Merritt will provide leadership over the Club's Conservation, Education and Outreach Program, working closely with the Executive Director to ensure maximum resource potential of this vital Club program. Each year, the Pope and Young Club conducts various fundraisers to support the Conservation, Education and Outreach Program and its grant-funding process. The Club administers these grants and, upon approval of the Conservation Chair and Committee, successful applicants receive money to support their pro-hunting or wildlife/habitat based project, program or study, which is intended to "protect the future of our bowhunting heritage and promote the conservation and welfare of habitat and wildlife."

"Without question, the Pope and Young Club is THE organization that represents the finest bowhunters across North America," said Merritt Compton, the newly appointed Conservation Chairman for the Pope and Young Club. "Over the last decade, I have witnessed a great movement within our Club to become a leader in Conservation. Thanks to dedicated bowhunters and Club members, we have raised more than 1 million dollars for our educational, outreach and conservation projects. However, our work is far from done and we can't do it alone. I feel there are ties that need to be made with our state organizations, industry, and within the Club membership itself. We are facing many challenges in today's society that directly impact bowhunting: the anti-hunting movement, our hunting image, and issues of ethics and fair chase. However, if we work together and bring these concerns to the forefront, we can make a difference. For future generations of bowhunters...we HAVE to make a difference. I hope to do all I can to help lead the Club's Conservation Program to new heights of success for us all."

The Pope and Young Club is a non-profit North American conservation and bowhunting organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of our bowhunting heritage, hunting ethics and wildlife conservation. The Club also maintains the universally recognized repository for the records and statistics on North American big game animals harvested with a bow and arrow.

Contact the Pope & Young Club office at: www.pope-young.org or P.O. Box 548, Chatfield, MN 55923, Ph: 507.867.4144 Media contact Rick Mowery at: rick@pope-young.org, Ph: 989.884.3800