State officials seek nominations for ethical deer hunter
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) and Turn In Poachers (TIP) are asking hunters to share stories of exemplary hunting behavior by nominating hunters for the 18th annual Minnesota Deer Hunter Ethics Award.
The award will honor a deer hunter who has exhibited conduct during the 2010 season that can serve as a positive example to all hunters. Awards for youth and adult divisions will be presented to the selected recipients at an upcoming MDHA event held in their vicinity.
"MDHA is pleased to again co-sponsor this award along with TIP and the DNR," said MDHA Executive Director Mark Johnson. "This is an important award that highlights the ethical behavior of our deer hunters and singles out the types of ethical hunters we hope all hunters aspire to be: hunters who care about our hunting heritage, care about fairness and care about the image we as hunters portray."
Patsy Bernhjelm, TIP board president, added that it recognizes hunters who go the extra mile.
"This award encourages ethics above and beyond legal hunting and TIP is proud to be a part of it again this year."
Anyone may nominate a hunter by writing a letter or e-mail explaining the actions of the nominee and why that person is worthy of this recognition. Both youth and adults are eligible but nominees must be Minnesota residents. The incidents for which hunters are nominated must have occurred during any of the 2010 Minnesota deer hunting seasons (archery, firearm or muzzleloader).
"We want to hear about deer hunters who have gone out of their way or beyond normal courtesy for others," said Johnson. "This isn't about not filling a doe tag or not taking a marginal shot. It is about hunters who show genuine concern for others and the sport of deer hunting through their thoughtfulness and actions."
Nominations will be accepted for the Minnesota Deer Hunter's Ethics Award until Jan. 21. Nomination letters should be sent to Ethical Hunter Award, MDHA, 460 Peterson Road, Grand Rapids, MN 55744-8413, or faxed to 218-327-1349, or e-mailed to kimhanson@ mndeerhunters.com.
