Bismarck, N.D. — Delta Waterfowl's mission to produce ducks and secure the future of duck hunting is fueled by a legion of passionate, dedicated volunteers. These men and women organize fund-raising banquets, manage local conservation projects, host First Hunt events for new waterfowlers and help provide Delta with resources to meet critical program objectives.

In annually naming a Volunteer of the Year, The Duck Hunters Organization celebrates the hundreds of selfless, devoted individuals across the United States and Canada who make its work possible.

"Volunteers are the backbone of Delta's efforts to produce ducks and protect the tradition of waterfowling," said Jason Tharpe, Delta Waterfowl's chief operating officer. "The remarkable efforts of this year's award candidates have benefitted duck hunters across North America."

This year, seven finalists were chosen from a pool of 15 nominated candidates. They are:

2015 Volunteer of the Year
Dennis Anderson
1,000 Lakes Chapter
Grand Rapids, Minnesota

Chad Beggs
West Dakota Waterfowlers
Minot, North Dakota

Chris Daniels
Jim River Marsh Masters
Aberdeen, South Dakota

Eric Johnson
Packerland Chapter
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Bart Koen
Atchafalaya Chapter
Atchafalaya, Louisiana

Brian McCoy
Lake Norman Chapter
Mooresville, North Carolina

Rick Valent
Northeast Pennsylvania Chapter
Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania

The Volunteer of the Year will be chosen exclusively through online voting, so make your voice count: Visit deltawaterfowl.org/VOY to view profiles of each candidate and cast your ballot. Voting begins today through July 31.

Thanks to Lowe Boats, sponsor of Delta's 2015 VOY Award, the winner will receive a Roughneck 1756 — a 16-foot, 10-inch, camouflaged, all-welded, all-aluminum jon boat — complete with a trailer. In addition, the winner will be profiled in the Fall Issue of Delta Waterfowl magazine.

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