DNR seeks ethical hunter nominees

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is accepting nominations for the 2025 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.

Anyone may nominate a licensed Wisconsin hunter for the award for their actions during 2025.

A five-person committee reviews the nominations and selects the person deemed most deserving of this award. The annual 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, 2026 to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,  C/O Lt. Renee Thok, DNR Hunter Education Administrator, Public Safety Resource Protection, 2421 Darwin Rd. Madison, WI 53704-3109 or by email to Renee.Thok@wisconsin.gov.