Sportsmen's Monthly 2016 February | Page 12

western office Alliance Partners updates from california Doreeen Garrett presented cabela lifetime business achievement award staffing changes at california dfw C alifornia hunters, anglers and trappers are losing some notable advocates from the agencies tasked with managing the state’s natural resources. After a long career, Wildlife and Fisheries Deputy Director Dan Yparraguirre has retired from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Equally unfortunate is the loss of longtime proponent and avid hunter Sonke Mastrup, who vacated his position as Executive Director of the California Fish and Game Commission. Most noteworthy of all is the resignation of Jim Kellogg from the commission. Originally appointed in 2002, Commissioner Kellogg has the distinction of being the longestserving commissioner in history, having been appointed by no less than three governors from both parties. He was a tireless defender of hunting and fishing, and remained steadfast in his principles even in the face of the growing antagonism of the commission toward our country’s sporting heritage. These losses, coupled with the selection of the newly established Wildlife Science Advisor for the Wildlife Resources Committee and the expiration of the term of Commission President – and chief sponsor of the bobcat trapping ban – Jack Baylis on Jan. 15, brings both uncertainty and new opportunities for the sportsmen in the state. Sportsmen’s Alliance staff will continue to work with Gov. Brown’s appointments staff in an effort to select commissioners that understand and appreciate the role of science and the value of hunting, fishing and trapping in the management of wildlife. T he Sportsmen’s Alliance presented Otis Technology founder Doreen Garrett with the Cabela Lifetime Business Achievement Award for her unwavering dedication to sportsmen and the outdoor community on Tuesday, Jan. 19. The ceremony took place during a special reception hosted by Sportsmen’s Alliance as part of the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show at the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Doreen Garrett, founder of Otis Technology, accepted the award on behalf of the company and spoke of the company’s humble beginnings and its dedication to sportsmen. Working to support Sportsmen “We pride ourselves in providing support to youth and conservation programs in order to protect the outdoor heritage for future generations. We will continue to work with organizations such as the Sportsmen’s Alliance to drive this initiative,” said Garrett. “For our efforts to be associated with those of Dick and Mary Cabela is such an honor.” Sportsmen’s Alliance has been presenting the award, in honor of the late Dick Cabela, since 2007 to businesses and their leaders who echo the Cabela legacy of giving to the outdoor community. Numerous industry leaders were in attendance this year, including Cabela’s CEO Tommy Millner, who presented Garrett with the award. “The Sportsmen’s Alliance is proud to present the 2016 Cabela Lifetime Business Achievement Award to Otis Technology and Doreen Garrett,” said Sean Curran, Vice President of Development and Membership for the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “This award honors businesses that defend our outdoor heritage with the same tenacity that the Cabela family has done over the years. Oti ́Q