MUCC is proud to have CEO Amy Trotter as a Judge on the Panel to Review Nominations for the Outdoor Hall of Fame.
April 7, 2025
Contact Information:
Bob Vogel
President, Michigan Outdoor Writers Association
bvogel340@gmail.com
For Immediate Release:
Michigan Outdoor Writers Association Announces
2025 Outdoor Hall of Fame Inductees
The Michigan Outdoor Writers Association announced the 2025 inductees for the Outdoor Hall of Fame that will be formally recognized at its 81st annual conference on May 17 at Treetops Resort.
The Outdoor Hall of Fame, which began in 2017, recognizes Michigan outdoors communicators and authors, conservation volunteers, public sector employees, inventors, entrepreneurs, artists and instructors who have inspired us in the outdoors. These candidates demonstrate statewide, regional, and national significance and have made an undeniable impact on outdoor sport over their lifespans. Previous inductees include Fred Bear, Tom Huggler, Larry Kelly, Buzz Lockman, Mort Neff, Eppinger Manufacturing Co., Dr. Howard Tanner, Mark Martin, Steven Rinella, Jim Foote, Denny Geurink, and Kevin VanDam.
For 2025, the induction committee endorsed lifelong hunter and conservationist C. Alan “Al” Stewart, and hunter, author, and outdoor writer, Richard Smith.
For 50 years Al Stewart worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, starting as a wildlife technician and retiring as the Wildlife Division’s Upland Gamebird Specialist.
In a
Woods-N-Water News article, MOWA Past President Tom Carney had this to say: “On a note that goes beyond fieldwork, Stewart has always understood the importance of public relations and marketing as far as wildlife conservation is concerned, saying, ‘If people don’t understand the whys, hows and needs of management, there will be no social value for the species and habitat … All is doomed, and no great partnerships are forged.’”
Richard P. Smith has been a prolific outdoor writer for more than 50 years and began his career by writing for Marquette’s
Mining Journal when he was in high school. He is a nationally recognized essayist, photographer, and speaker who has authored 32 books and thousands of magazine articles, specializing in all types of wildlife.
Originally housed in Cadillac, Michigan, the MOWA Hall of Fame Committee elected to establish the new Hall of Fame display at the Jay’s and Webber Wildlife and Nature Center in Clare, Michigan.
Bog Vogel, MOWA President, said this: “I am very proud to have been part of reestablishing the Outdoor Hall of Fame, providing current and past inductees recognition for their important contributions to outdoor communications and conservation.”
“We are grateful to the Poet family and their staff at Jay’s Sporting Goods for allowing us to honor our hall of fame members in the Webber Wildlife and Education Center; it is a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and we are thrilled that our inductees will be on display in this amazing facility.”
About MOWA: Founded in 1943, the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association (MOWA) is a non-profit organization comprised of outdoor communicators including writers, photographers, editors, illustrators for print and digital, as well video, lecturers and public relations specialists,
and radio or television broadcast journalists with passions for communicating about the outdoors.
MOWA’s members communicate on various outdoor subjects including hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, backpacking, the environment, education, trapping, travel, humor, natural resources, conservation, travel, ecology, wildlife management, bird watching, boating, canoeing and many other outdoor related subjects.
The organization’s website can be viewed at miowa.net. If you are interested in joining the organization, click on the “Join MOWA” icon at the top of the page.
About the Jay’s & Webber Wildlife and Nature Center: The Webber Museum is a dynamic hub located in Clare, Michigan, dedicated to wildlife education and conservation. Founded by Wayne Webber, it serves as a beacon for promoting environmental stewardship and preserving hunting’s rich outdoor heritage. Through immersive exhibits, educational programs, and community engagement, the museum inspires visitors of all ages to appreciate and protect the natural world for generations to come.
https://www.jwwildlifecenter.org
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