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COLUMBUS, OHIO – Archery and bowhunting industry professionals cheered when the recipient of the prestigious POMA/ATA Fred Bear Archery and Bowhunting Communicator Award was revealed on the final day of the ATA Trade Show in Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 13 – 15. Legendary bowhunter and journalist Dwight Schuh, of Nampa, Idaho, was named the honoree.
Obviously surprised by the announcement, Schuh explained, “I told the guys at our (ATA Trade Show) booth that I had an important meeting at the ATA booth, but no, I had no idea why we were coming over here.
“The one thing I know I have in common with Fred Bear is a size 14 shoe,” Shuh added jokingly. “Receiving this award is a validation of the efforts I’ve put into the industry. I’ve tried to be a good outdoorsman and a good writer; and I believe they go hand to hand. I’ve studied writers and writing so I can communicate what bowhunting means to me. I am a bowhunter at heart.”
The award pays tribute to communicators who embody everything that made Fred Bear so special. Award honorees are journalists who, like Bear:
defend the heritage and future of archery and bowhunting at work, at home and through his/her lifestyle
have the words “archery” and “bowhunting” tattooed across his/her heart
bring honesty and integrity to the editorial game
possess communications skills other journalists envy
are teachers – people who foster the next generation of communicators and
are professionals in every way
“Schuh’s accomplishments and commitment to archery and bowhunting define what this award is all about,” said POMA Chairman Chris Chaffin. “During his many decades of involvement as an archery and bowhunting industry journalists, Dwight has grasped the ideals, fostered the commitment, and displayed the talent Bear showed during his storied career.”
Schuh is also one of the most accomplished bowhunters in the world. Over the past four decades, he has taken a total of 23 big game species from across North America and 10 species in Africa with bow and arrow.
“From my perspective, Dwight Schuh has been one of the most influential and accomplished media professionals in our industry for the last couple of decades,” said Jay McAninch, ATA president/CEO. “Dwight and I have talked about some of the most difficult issues that affect bowhunting. At the same time, we’ve enjoyed hunting together and being a part of an industry and sport where so many of us have great passion for what we do. I know the 500 manufacturers and several thousand retailers in our industry join me in applauding Dwight’s achievements. He is a very worthy honoree of the Fred Bear Award.”
Schuh’s journalistic resume is packed with impressive accomplishments:
Following three years in the U.S. Army in the 1960s, including one year in Vietnam, Shuh earned degrees in English and Journalism and began freelance writing in 1971. For the next 25 years, he made his living as a full-time freelance writer/photographer, having hundreds of articles, columns, and photographs published in all the major outdoors and archery publications.
In January 1996, he came on staff full time with Bowhunter, and he has served as Editor since July 1997. In addition to his editing duties, he writes editorials, for the magazine, and he appears regularly on Bowhunter TV on the Sportsman Channel.
Dwight has written nine books on archery and backcountry hunting, including Bugling for Elk, Hunting Open-Country Mule Deer, and Bowhunter’s Encyclopedia. He also has been featured in several videos, such as Hunting Rocky Mountain Mule Deer, Elk Fever, Buck Fever, and Bowhunter Magazine’s Video Journals. He also lectures extensively at sports shows and banquets.
Dwight and his wife, Laura, live near Boise, Idaho. They have two daughters, Emily and Margie, and two grandchildren, Dieter and Margie Ann.
As the late Dave Staples, president of the Archery Hall of Fame and Museum said, when the first Fred Bear Award was presented to Jim Dougherty in 2008, “We’ve turned a page in archery’s history with this award.”
Those who communicate the archery and bowhunting story and who are committed to these sports are an integral part of our past, present and future. It’s time they are recognized for what they do for the industry.
About the Organizations
Professional Outdoor Media Association – Mission: The Professional Outdoor Media Association is a group of individual communicators and Corporate Partners who believe in, defend, support and promote the heritage of hunting, fishing, shooting, trapping and traditional outdoor sports through writing, photography and other means. By doing so, members hope to educate the general public about these sports and encourage more participation in them. The organization serves the membership by helping members grow professionally, improve their skills, better their working environments and enhance their businesses.
Archery Trade Association – Since 1953 ATA has been the trade association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales representatives and others working in the archery and bowhunting industry. ATA is dedicated to making the industry profitable by decreasing business overhead, and reducing taxes and government regulation while increasing participation in archery and bowhunting. ATA owns and manages the ATA Trade Show, the archery and bowhunting industry’s largest and longest running trade show worldwide.
