Volunteer of the Year Finalists

Indiana Man Named Delta Waterfowl Volunteer of the Year

When Derek Craig was informed he was being considered for Delta Waterfowl's 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award, his first inclination was to decline any individual recognition.

"When I was told I was nominated, I had reservations," said Craig, who serves as secretary for the Northeast Indiana Chapter of Delta Waterfowl. "While I may do a certain percentage of the work, our whole committee does the work. It's 15 people, not just me."

Craig's selfless attitude exemplifies the profile of a super volunteer, and led to his nomination as one of 18 candidates for the award. After being named one of seven finalists, Craig collected the most votes during a month-long contest on Delta's website.

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To recognize the selfless men and women who freely give their time and talents to ensure the future of waterfowl and waterfowl hunting, we have created the Delta Waterfowl Volunteer of the Year Award.

Voting is over and the winner will be announced soon.

Derek Craig - NE Indiana Chapter, Angola, Ind.

The NE Indiana Chapter is one of Delta's most successful fund-raising chapters in the Midwest, and committee member Derek Craig is a big part of the success. He works with sponsors large and small to make their banquets thrive year after year. Craig brought "Duck Day," an educational venture funded by a generous sponsor, to Angola. The event has been a staple in the area for 17 years, annually teaching more than 400 kids about trapping, dog training and basic ecology.

Nominating director says: "Derek is the driving force behind the chapter's community involvement."

John Jones - Kingsville Delta Waterfowl, Kingsville, Ontario

Chairman John Jones started the Kingsville, Ontario, chapter 10 years ago. His chapter hosted the first youth hunt in Ontario, which is now an annual event. Jones organized a joint effort with Kingsville High School woodshop and the high school STEPS program to build wood duck boxes. Jones and his family have worked the Delta booth at the Toronto Sportsman Show, the Big Buck and Bull Day, Jack Miner Calling Contest and the Chatham Sportsman Show.

Nominating director says: "Phenomenal willingness combined with a positive attitude is what makes John great."

Matt Karcher - North Houston Chapter, Houston, Texas

This year, Matt Karcher and his chapter held youth, wounded warrior and women's hunts in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. In addition to his duties as treasurer, Karcher attends other Delta chapter functions to lend a helping hand. He represented Delta in an outdoor expo in Conroe, Texas, a barbeque cook-off in Houston and will work the chapter's booth at the Houston Extravaganza in August.

Nominating director says: "He lives and breathes Delta."

Matt Kneisley - Lancaster Delta Waterfowl, Lancaster, Pa.

The Lancaster Chapter of Delta Waterfowl is in the final stages of putting together a "First Hunt Team." The team, envisioned by Chairman Matt Kneisley, is an extension of the First Hunt Program that will pair mentors and youth hunters for more than one hunt. He heads the annual banquet, the Lancaster Outdoor Youth Day, Delta Days, and takes part in the Hambright Elementary School Conservation Day.

Nominating director says: "The committee in Lancaster could not have a more dedicated and driven leader."

Raymond Meier - Peninsula Pintails, Soldotna, Alaska

Led by Chairman Raymond Meier, the Soldotna chapter was founded on the basis of giving back. Through strong fund-raising efforts averaging more than $20,000 per year, his chapter used the Waterfowl Heritage Fund to institute a local youth field day, youth mentored hunt, cleanup of the local gun range and student scholarships. Meier is a policy advocate for king eider research and local hunting issues facing the Kenai Flats.

Nominating director says: "To be able to observe the dedication Ray brings as a volunteer is priceless."

Steve Nienhaus - Three Rivers Chapter, Muscatine, Iowa

Under the leadership of Chairman Steve Nienhaus, the Three Rivers Chapter has raised more than $100,000 in the past three years. These fund-raising efforts have allowed the chapter to pioneer a calendar raffle, hunting season kickoff party, a youth day and a golf tournament. To promote Delta's projects locally, Nienhaus formed a partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to extend local nesting structure efforts. Nienhaus attends countless outdoor shows to promote Delta.

Nominating director says: "Steve's best quality is his ability to motivate the other volunteers."

Timi Curtis - Raft Creek Chapter, Searcy, Ark.

Co-chair Timi Curtis led a small committee that put on a first-class banquet for her Arkansas chapter this year. Curtis represents Delta Waterfowl by frequenting local outdoor shows, using these appearances to inform attendees about the programs and goals of Delta. She orchestrated the chapter's first youth field day event to bring more than 90 kids together to enjoy the outdoors.