(Posted 3/12/09)

New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame To Induct Nine
Including two NYSOWA Members

The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame proudly announces that it will induct nine new members at the Annual Banquet, April 25, 2009 in Canastota, NY.  The nine men and women represent a cross section of interests and achievements from various regions of New York State.  What they do have in common is a lifetime of dedication to conservation and improving participation in outdoor sports.
Two NYSOWA members are among this year’s inductees for their many contributions to enhancing and protecting our outdoor heritage, including through their roles as outdoor writers.  Dennis Aprill and Bill Hollister, both longtime members will be honored at the Banquet on April 25.
 Dennis Aprill from Clinton County, is a professional journalist and professor at Plattsburgh State College.  He writes for the “Plattsburgh Press Republican”, as well as “New York Outdoor News” and “Outdoors” magazine, among others.  Dennis is an award winning writer and photographer who has championed many important causes as well as led countless others to enjoy the outdoors.  He has helped galvanize action on many issues such as dam removal, silt spills, lampricide treatment, invasive species like Didymo, and deer management.  His course in outdoor writing combines both writing skills and in-depth insight into the topics.  He routinely leads field trips to New Hampshire to observe moose or Quebec to study wolves, as well as local topics.
Bill Hollister from Columbia County was a DEC Biologist for over 30 years and pioneered the management of Cooperative Areas which opened up private lands to public hunting.  This greatly increased hunting opportunities in New York and surrounding areas.  He was instrumental in publicizing New York’s fishing and hunting opportunities through the I Love NY program and others.  In addition to his award winning photographs, his articles on many topics regularly appeared in national and state publications.  Bill also was known for his seminars on deer or turkey hunting which he presented to professionals, conferences, or local sportsmen’s groups.  In retirement he continues to raise funds for conservation purposes and serve as a mentor on youth deer or turkey hunts.
Bernard Davies of Oneida County is retired DEC forestry superintendent who has been noted for his work with Conservation Education Field Days, and continues to volunteer for that function along with the Oneida County Federation, BSA, and FWM Board.  He also serves on the management board and as monitor of The Nature Conservancy Rome Sand Plains Project.
Fred Evans of Cattaraugus County is known as the man most responsible for the restoration of the wild turkey in NYS.  He pioneered the trap and transfer method and helped transplant turkeys to other regions of NY as well as neighboring states.  Fred has been active in the NWTF and served on the original National Board of Directors.
Richard Hazard of Oneida County founded the Adirondack Chapter of Safari Club International and developed it into one of the most active.  He has taken the lead in sportsmen’s education and habitat projects, NASP. sponsoring Jakes and B.O.W., sending youth and teachers to American Wilderness School, and a major supporter of handicapped hunters.
Keith Kappel of Yates County has been active in many sportsmen’s organizations and youth activities.  As a Director of SCOPE he has taken the lead in defending gun owners and educating people on Second Amendment rights.
Sharon Pagel also of Yates County has been active in sportsmen’s groups and youth activities, including archery instruction.  After surgery left her blind she continued to hunt, instruct young archers, develop NY Bowhunters Physically Challenged archery shoot, and serve as inspiration to women and physically challenged outdoorsmen.
Bill Schwerd of Saratoga County has spent a lifetime promoting shooting sports, hunter safety education, and youth involvement.  His partnerships with other sporting organizations to provide shooting opportunities and education have made his program a model and earned him many awards.  He has been involved with many organizations and supported DEC Youth Camps, B.O.W., QDM, and Jakes, among others.
Dan Tone of Erie County has served sportsmen of western NY though the Erie County Federation, Erie County Fish Advisory Board, NYSCC and others.  He has had a leadership role in expanding or preserving New York’s pheasant program as well as re-establishing wild turkeys and conservation programs for youth.
These sportsmen will be honored at the Annual Banquet on April 25, 2009.  Guests and interested sportsmen are encouraged to attend.  Information or reservations are available by calling 315-363-3896 by April 17.  In addition to honoring sportsmen and women for preserving or enhancing our outdoor heritage, the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame is involved in many other educational activities including seminars, fishing clinics, or youth programs.  Check the web site www.nysohof.org for more information.