BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — Since 2003, Delta Waterfowl First Hunt events have introduced more than 68,000 people to the joys of waterfowling — a massive effort made possible by hundreds of volunteer mentors and a rapidly growing number of local Delta chapters.

To honor the commitment of these selfless individuals, The Duck Hunters Organization and presenting sponsor Polaris are launching a First Hunt Mentor of the Year Award.

“First Hunt is critical to our efforts to reverse declining duck hunter numbers, and First Hunt mentors are the program’s lifeblood,” said Joel Brice, vice president of waterfowl and hunter recruitment programs for Delta Waterfowl. “I commend our mentors for their passion, dedication and the difference they’re making in our mission to secure the future of waterfowl hunting.”

Effective immediately, Delta chapters that host a qualifying First Hunt event, such as a mentored hunt or waterfowler-education field day, can nominate one mentor from their chapter or local community for the 2020 First Hunt Mentor of the Year Award. All qualifying First Hunt events from March 1, 2019 to Feb. 28, 2020 are eligible. Nominees will be announced in upcoming issues of Delta Waterfowl magazine, and a winner — selected by a random drawing — will be announced in the Summer 2020 Issue.

Thanks to Polaris, a Champion of Delta Waterfowl Corporate Sponsor, both the 2020 First Hunt Mentor of the Year and his or her local Delta chapter will receive a remarkable machine: the Polaris Sportsman 570. The automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive ATV features a stout 44-horsepower engine, a whopping 1,500-pound towing capacity, and a superb ride and handling.

“We greatly appreciate Polaris for recognizing the value of First Hunt and generously supporting the program,” Brice said. “I am elated that a deserving individual will be celebrated with the 2020 First Hunt Mentor of the Year Award, and hopeful it will inspire even more Delta chapters to host First Hunt events. Best of luck to all nominees.”

Inspired nearly two decades ago during a small, mentored duck hunt, Delta Waterfowl’s First Hunt has become the most successful duck hunter recruitment and retention program in North America. In 2018, 12,367 people of all ages attended First Hunt events.

Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group working to produce ducks and ensure the tradition of duck hunting in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.

For more information, contact Joel Brice at (888) 987-3695 or jbrice@deltawaterfowl.org.