In my life, I have been very fortunate to pursue my true passion as a big game hunter and sportsman. For myself, nothing rivals the thrill, challenge and adventure of international big game hunting. Every hunt is different, from the game sought to the hunting conditions, and from the weather to the local people we meet. Only hunters understand this, and only hunters who have shared these same challenges can truly appreciate the achievement of a life spent in pursuit of the world’s most difficult and exotic game.
The Weatherby Big Game Hunting and Conservation Award was conceived to recognize and honor just such an individual. The award not only recognizes the recipient’s hunting achievements, but also their individual efforts in wildlife conservation and youth education. The award has been presented only 53 other times, and recipients include such notables as Jack O’Connor, Prince Abdorreza Pahlavi and Dan Duncan.
This year we honor Mr. Ed Yates, of Wrightsville, Pennsylvania. For many years I have known Ed as a great hunter and a passionate conservationist. Ed epitomizes the gold standard of the award, and I wish to congratulate him on being chosen as the 54th recipient of the Weatherby Big Game Hunting and Conservation Award. I would also like to congratulate the other five nominees on their incredible hunting achievements. We all look forward to their continued success and pursuit of the award. The other five finalists were:
Larry Higgins - Alain Smith
I look forward to seeing you all there and thank you, again, for all you do for hunting and conservation.
Good Hunting and God Bless,
Dr. Larry Rudolph
President
Weatherby Foundation International
