02/28/2008
NWTF Volunteer Bill Eubank Receives High Honors
 Bill Eubank Click image for print quality version |
ATLANTA — Bill Eubank of Watertown, S.D., recently received the National Wild Turkey Federation's Roger M. Latham Sportsman Wild Turkey Service Award for his contributions to the NWTF's conservation legacy.
Each year, the conservation organization recognizes the conservation efforts of its best volunteers with the Latham Service Awards during its annual Convention and Sport Show, which took place Feb. 21 to Feb. 24 in Atlanta.
"Our volunteers are the best in the world, but some stand out from the rest," said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO. "This year's winners go out of their way to promote conservation, the wild turkey and our hunting heritage."
Latham Service Awards are given to NWTF members who are not employed as professional wildlife managers, but have made significant contributions to wild turkey conservation.
"I'm very humbled because there are so many great people that already have this award, and that were eligible for this award. I'm not sure I should even be up there," Eubank said after receiving his award. "I'm very thankful to the Federation and to the NWTF volunteers in South Dakota. You don't win a horse race without a good horse under you, and I know it was my team that put me in this position.
Eubank said the most important aspect of his work with the NWTF is the legacy of what he will leave for the next generation of hunters. He strives to ensure that his grandchildren and all youth hunters will have opportunities to head afield and hunt.
"Without Bill's hard work and leadership, the South Dakota State Chapter could not have reached the level we have reached," said NWTF Senior Regional Director for South Dakota, Randy Gaskins. "He has recruited promising new leaders into positions within the state chapter, developed new systems for managing the chapter's funds and much more. He is truly an invaluable volunteer."
Eubank became president of the NWTF State Chapter two years after his election to the South Dakota State Chapter Board of Directors. During his two-year tenure, Eubank developed a business plan and budget for the state chapter, advocated land acquisitions for public hunting, helped re-introduce Eastern wild turkeys in the state and began a Wheelin' Sportsmen Pheasant Hunt that has become an annual event. He continues to serve the NWTF to benefit wildlife and preserve the hunting tradition.
"Recipients of the Latham Service Awards are some of our most dedicated volunteers," Keck said. "They know that hunters were the first, and best, conservationists, and they're going to make sure that hunting and conservation lasts for many years to come."
