2009 Arthur Van Pelt Award Presented to Joe Herring
On Saturday night, October 17, 2009, the Louisiana Outdoor Writer's Association awarded its most prestigious award; the Arthur Van Pelt Award. Annually, the Van Pelt award is given to an individual who has a lifelong record of achievement and dedication to conservation. The 2009 Van Pelt award was presented to Joe Herring at the Louisiana Outdoor Writer's Association Awards Banquet in Lake Charles.
Herring’s past credits include; Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, LOWA past president; Louisiana Wildlife Federation past president; Kiwanis Club past president; Louisiana Wildlife Biologist Association past president; Louisiana Chapter of the Wildlife Society past president; founder and board member of Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Foundation; Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies past vice president; East Ascension Sportsman's League Board of Directors (current); Boone & Crockett Club official big-game trophy measurer (since 1960), Pope and Young official big game trophy measurer.
Some of Herring’s previous awards include; Louisiana Wildlife Federation Governors Award, Conservationist of the Year; Louisiana Wildlife Federation Professional Conservationist of the Year; Louisiana Wildlife Federation Conservation Educator of the Year; LOWA Conservationist of the Year; SEA Fish & Wildlife Agencies Clarence W. Watson Award; SEA Fish & Wildlife Agencies Special Recognition Award; KALB-TV Special Recognition Award; National Champion Team, small-bore rifle; Acadiana Sportsmen League Sportsman Emeritus Award and LOWA Charles “Chuck” Buckley Award.
Herring joins a long list of lifetime achievers in winning this prestigious award.