On the surface, at least, Sen. Kent Conrad and rock star/hunting fanatic Ted Nugent might not appear to have much in common, but they now share at least one distinction:
Both have been named to the "Outdoor Life 25" by Outdoor Life magazine for their contributions to conservation and the outdoor sports. The magazine, which names the recipients in its upcoming December/January issue, launched the award program to honor 25 people, both high-profile and grass-roots individuals, who've made a difference to hunting and fishing.
Outdoor Life recognized Conrad, D-N.D., for his efforts to improve hunting and fishing access not only in North Dakota but across the U.S. Conrad authored federal "Open Fields" legislation to increase accessible land for outdoors activities.
The bipartisan legislation is part of the farm bill that is being debated in Congress. The legislation would reimburse landowners who open their land to public access.
"I appreciate the recognition for my work on Open Fields," Conrad said in a news release. "Hunting and fishing are a part of our heritage in North Dakota. These are traditions that I value and appreciate and will continue to protect for people in North Dakota and across the nation."
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Outdoor Life grouped the 25 honorees in four categories:
-- Leaders who have had a strong impact on the hunting and fishing scene.
-- Innovators whose product breakthroughs make time spent in the outdoors more productive and enjoyable.
-- Conservationists who work to ensure that future generations can enjoy the outdoors.
-- Unsung heroes who, in quiet but important ways, are doing great things for the outdoor sports.
The magazine named Conrad in the Conservationist category.
"I remember growing up, I used to walk through open fields to go fishing, like a lot of American boys," Conrad said in the release. "But all too often today, our hunters, fishermen and hikers are having difficulty accessing nature because it is on private land. Open Fields will help change that and offer another generation of America's youth the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors just like I did."
Nugent's
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recognition
Nugent was recognized in the Leaders category for his efforts to promote hunting and protect the Second Amendment, the right to keep and bear arms.
Also named to Outdoor Life's list, in the Unsung Heroes category, was Minnesota fishing authority Dick Sternberg. A former biologist for the Department of Natural Resources, Sternberg, 65, helped establish the annual Minnesota Fishing Roundtable of anglers, biologists and policymakers, and he persuaded state lawmakers to approve an accelerated walleye stocking program in the state.
With the release of its "Outdoor Life 25" list, the magazine has launched an online poll to pick an overall winner, who will be presented with the Readers' Choice Award. The winner and all of the recipients will be honored in February in Las Vegas during the annual Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference, more familiarly known as the SHOT Show.
