Volunteers are the driving force behind the National Wild Turkey Federation's conservation successes, and each year the NWTF recognizes the best of the best with the Roger M. Latham Sportsman Wild Turkey Service Awards.This year the NWTF presented a Latham service award to Harold Runge of Milan, Ill., for his contributions to the NWTF's conservation legacy. Runge received the award in Nashville, Tenn., during the NWTF's 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show, themed "Conserve. Hunt. Share. - Live the Tradition." The convention was sponsored by MidwayUSA. "Harold Runge shows tireless dedication to promoting conservation and hunting and sharing his passion for the outdoors," said James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., the NWTF's chief conservation officer. "We are pleased to honor his commitment to excellence with this award." The Latham service awards are given to NWTF members who are not employed as professional wildlife managers, but have made significant contributions to wild turkey conservation. Winners are chosen from a field of the NWTF's nearly 350,000 volunteers. Runge is a member of the NWTF's Mississippi Valley Gobblers Chapter, has established four local chapters in his area of Illinois and chaired three NWTF chapter banquets in one year. He manages his 330-acre farm to benefit wildlife on and is always willing to take young hunters out into the field. He is a past recipient of the Marvin Henderson Award, given to an outstanding volunteer in Illinois.
"Harold Runge knows conservation, hunting and introducing people to the outdoors go hand in hand," Kennamer said. "He is one of our most dedicated volunteers, and we are proud to recognize all he does to ensure that our children and grandchildren can live the hunting tradition for many years to come."
IllinoisSponsor Raffle winners
Gary Poland of Effingham and sponsor member of the Little Wabash Longbeards won the $2000 gift card.
Kevin Day of Kinmundy and sponsor member of Forbes Lake Limbhangers won the$500 gift card. More 2010 Award Banquet details ClickHere
Illinois Wheelin Sportsman event Click Here
Feb 13th at Lick Creek, Pekin Illinois
Illinois Wheelin Sportsman facebook page Click Here