Bass Pro Shops recently selected a handful of individuals as the company’s top conservation partners of 2016.
Each year, the Springfield-based outdoor retailer led by Johnny Morris honors efforts to protect the natural environment. The top 2016 selections recognized Dec. 22 were country music star John Anderson, Bass Anglers Sportsman Society founder Ray Scott and television angler Bill Dance, according to a Jan. 9 news release.
Conservation Partner of the Year
Morris picked Anderson as Bass Pro’s Conservation Partner of the Year.
Known for hits such as "Swingin” and “Wild and Blue,” Anderson has performed country music for more than 30 years, according to the release.
A lifelong hunter, angler and conservationist, Anderson has used his fame to give back to environmental causes. The release cites Anderson’s donation of time to performances at national conservation conventions.
Past recipients include former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, President George H.W. Bush and Wayne LaPierre of the National Rifle Association.
Fisherman’s Best Friend
Bass Pro’s Fisherman’s Best Friend honors went to Scott and Dance.
Scott’s BASS organization has over 500,000 members worldwide, and he’s also known for founding the Whitetail Institute of North America.
Scott is said to be a pioneer in fishing, particularly the “catch-and-release” method. Today, over 98 percent of fish weighed in at national BASS tournaments are returned alive to the waters, according to the release.
Dance is known for “Bill Dance Outdoors,” a show that premiered on a Memphis ABC affiliate in 1968. The show is now televised nationwide.
Dance has won several awards, including 23 national bass fishing titles and seven top BASS awards, according to the release.
Other honors
Bass Pro also honored Nixon and his wife Georganne, as well as a former U.S. Marine.
The Nixons were recognized for their conservation efforts during Jay Nixon’s time as governor. The couple’s conservation work includes promotion of state parks and creation of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Mile Challenge, the First Lady’s Children in Nature Challenge, Governor’s Capitol Campout and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Days at the Capitol, according to the release.
Yesterday, Eric Greitens succeeded Nixon as Missouri governor.
Mark Geist, a former Marine, won the Defender of Freedom Award. Now an author and motivational speaker, Geist was honored as a veteran.
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