Washington Hunter Named NWTF’s Mentor Of The Year
THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION
The National Wild Turkey Federation presented Richard Mann with the Mentor of the Year Award for his commitment to the R3 movement, taking new hunters afield and being a determined and passionate resource for those interested in getting in the woods.
“I honestly got a lump in my throat when Washington State Chapter President Russ McDonald told me [I was Mentor of the Year],” Mann said. “While I don’t mentor for recognition, there is something special in recognition from peers. For me, there is a team of others who make what I do possible: My wife, Liliane, who puts up with my obsession with these birds; my hunting partners of 33 years, with whom I’ve shared lessons learned in the field; great landowners who trust me and generously share their property; and the mentees (and parents) who put their trust in a complete stranger.
“There is nothing like the look on the face of a new hunter as the roost wakes at daylight, a bird lands 10 feet away, or that gobbler answers a call. I know they are hooked! The harvest, if and when it happens, is icing on the cake. Mentoring, when possible, should be an ongoing process, with the goal of passing on knowledge and skills so a student can go it alone.”
Mann accepted the Mentor of the Year Award during the NWTF’s 50th anniversary celebration at its 47th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.
Mann, an NWTF member for 30 years, has been instrumental in the development and sustainment of hunter recruitment and mentoring in Washington, helping set up and orchestrate the first Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife/NWTF turkey mentoring camps in 2015, which continue to this day.
The state chapter relies on him for all aspects of classroom presentations on hunting. Mann’s background in wildlife enforcement and biology enables him to explain hunting, wildlife behaviors and conservation in an easily understood, but comprehensive way.
His experience in the field and excitement about turkey hunting translates to the mentee/students and builds their excitement for the hunt. The people he mentors leave with confidence that they can go out and attempt to turkey hunt on their own, and more often than not, previous mentees follow up the following spring to talk about their first solo hunt.
Additionally, Mann has held several positions within the NWTF Washington State Chapter, including treasurer, Save the Hunt coordinator and vice president.
“We praise Rich’s enthusiasm for turkey hunting and his desire to share it with others, not for recognition but out of genuine passion,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “His talent and dedication is incredible and we are proud to recognize Rich with the prestigious Mentor of the Year Award.”
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