Nominees sought for deer hunter ethics award

Although examples of unethical hunting behavior draw headlines, the actions of hunters who exhibit exemplary behavior often go unnoticed.

For the past 12 years the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, DNR and Turn-In-Poachers have presented an ethics award to recognize hunters who exhibit admirable behavior. This year's award will be presented Feb. 26 at the MDHA Habitat Banquet at the Shooting Star Convention Center in Mahnomen.

"MDHA is proud of the ethical standards of our deer hunters," said Mark Johnson, MDHA executive director. "Past award winners are examples of the type of hunters we all aspire to be."

Wayne Edgerton, DNR agriculture policy director, said the award honors hunters who do the right thing.

"Each year we hear about hunters who have done something that makes us proud to be hunters," Edgerton said. "This award provides public recognition and appreciation for these acts."

Said Jay Tirpak, president of TIP: "This award encourages ethical and legal hunting, which is what TIP is all about."

To nominate a hunter, write a letter explaining the actions of the nominee and why he or she is worthy of recognition. Youths and adults are eligible. Nominees must be Minnesota residents. The incidents for which they're nominated must have occurred during the 2004 Minnesota archery, firearms or muzzleloader hunting seasons.

Nominations for the MDHA ethics award will be accepted until Feb.1, 2005. Send letters to: Ethical Hunter Award, MDHA, 460 Peterson Road, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744-8413.