Fry earns recognition for outreach programs

Published 12:00 am Saturday, June 3, 2006

WILLOW WOOD — Earl “Buddy” Fry has spent more than 30 years of his life working toward the conservation of wild turkeys and the preservation of the hunting tradition. He has now received nationwide attention for his work.

The National Wild Turkey Federation recently awarded Fry the Roger Latham Service Award for his volunteer work.

The awards are given to NWTF members who are not employed as professional wildlife managers, but have made significant contributions to conservation. Fry was one of only four NWTF members in the nation to receive the award.

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Fry recently ended his second term as state NWTF president. Four years ago when he took office, he set specific goals about what he wanted to accomplish: Increased participation in wildlife activities.

“The outreach programs were really what I wanted to focus on,” Fry said. “I mean, we are always focused on making sure there are enough turkeys to hunt and public land for hunting, but I wanted to do more.”

He was a strong supporter of the Juniors Acquiring Knowledge Ethics and Sportsmanship (JAKES) and also the Women in the Outdoors program. But, Fry said he is most proud of his work with the Wheelin’

Sportsman, a program he calls his “pet project.”

Fry says the program gives those with physical limitations the opportunity to go into the outdoors by teaming them up with sportsman without disabilities.

“This allows them to go out and not only hunt, but fish and do other things in the outdoors as well,” he explained.

Fry said he has been blessed with good health and felt he wanted to help others who aren’t so fortunate.

“I’m just a giving person, I guess,” Fry said with a laugh.

Fry wasn’t the only one who was honored for this work with Wheelin’ Sportsmen program. The Ironton District of the Wayne National Forest, the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the local South Hills Chapter of the NWTF also received an award for their work with disabled sportsmen.

The agencies collectively received the NWTF/U.S. Forest Service Making Tracks Award in the Partnership Achievement category. The award recognizes the partnership between the agencies in conducting Wheelin’ Sportsmen Fishing Days at Lake Vesuvius.

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty? Know someone who makes a difference by volunteering in the community? Let us know and they could be featured as the Volunteer of the Week. To give us a tip call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at news@irontontribune.com.