Delta Waterfowl Celebrates Champions and Partners in Conservation
Our distinguished recipients for 2026 have demonstrated service, stewardship, commitment to The Duck Hunters OrganizationTM
Delta Waterfowl honored exemplary leaders in conservation and advocacy during Delta’s Duck Hunters Expo. Each awardee’s leadership and dedication have strengthened the organization’s mission to produce more ducks, conserve prairie wetlands, and ensure the future of waterfowl hunting.
For 2026, Delta recognized the achievements of Safari Club International and Safari Club International Foundation, Oklahoma Rep. Eddy Dempsey, Oklahoma Sen. Spencer Kern, Arkansas Rep. Jeff Wardlaw, Iowa Natural Resources Commissioner Collin Brecher, and citizen advocates Cheever Farley and Martin Sands. Each was presented with an award during the Champions of Delta luncheon on July 26 in Des Moines, Iowa.
“Delta Waterfowl is proud to recognize these outstanding leaders for their unwavering commitment to our mission of producing more ducks and securing the future of waterfowl hunting,” said Cyrus Baird, Delta Waterfowl’s vice president of government affairs. “Conservation succeeds because of strong partnerships, and these individuals exemplify the leadership and collaboration needed to achieve lasting results for ducks and duck hunters. Together, we are ensuring future generations will continue to enjoy abundant waterfowl populations and the hunting traditions we all cherish.”
Partners in Conservation Award — Safari Club International and Safari Club International Foundation have advanced key policy initiatives, including establishing a sandhill crane hunting season in Wisconsin, expanding Sunday hunting opportunities in Atlantic Flyway states, and addressing conservation issues across the western United States. Alongside Delta’s Brain McRae, SCI and SCIF have also played a key role in establishing the Canadian Wildlife Conservation Partnership and have been instrumental in supporting Delta’s HunteR3 initiative through the University Hunting Program. Delta also honored SCI’s Laird Hamerlin, Brook Minx, and Steve Skold for their leadership and commitment to conservation.
Conservation Leader Award — Rep. Eddy Dempsey and Sen. Spencer Kern of Oklahoma championed legislation to advance Delta’s policy priorities. Earlier this year, following a veto during the previous legislative session, they worked to secure passage of priority licensing legislation. The new law creates a guide’s license, requires guides to obtain written permission from landowners to hunt on private property, and mandates liability insurance coverage to better protect clients. The legislation was the result of years of collaboration among guides, legislators, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Delta, and other stakeholders. Through their leadership, Dempsey and Kern secured final passage of the bill and Gov. Kevin Stitt’s signature, marking a significant policy achievement for waterfowl hunters in Oklahoma.
Waterfowling Legacy Award — Cheever Farley, an oil and gas executive from Fort Worth, Texas, was honored for his dedication to expand opportunities for waterfowl hunters and protecting the future of hunting. A lifelong waterfowl hunter, Farley has been a tireless advocate for improving public land habitat for ducks and creating better hunting. During the past three years, he has worked closely with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to advance critical infrastructure repairs at Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area in southwest Oklahoma. His leadership and persistence have helped keep this important project moving forward.
Legislative Legacy Award — Arkansas Rep. Jeff Wardlaw of Arkansas was presented a new award recognizing retiring legislators whose commitment to waterfowl conservation and hunting heritage leaves a lasting impact. As he prepares to leave office in January 2027 after 16 years of service, Wardlaw leaves a legacy of advancing conservation policy and protecting the future of waterfowl hunting. A lifelong duck hunter, he worked with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to establish a conservation incentive program, creating cost-sharing opportunities for private landowners to implement conservation practices. He also championed reforms to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act related to hunting regulations, helping protect wildlife management decisions while ensuring hunters voice are heard.
Frederic C. Walcott Conservationist of the Year — Collin Brecher was recognized for leadership and advocacy for waterfowl conservation. Appointed to the Iowa Natural Resources Commission in May 2025, Brecher has helped advance policies that benefit ducks and duck hunters while serving as treasurer of the Delta Capitol Callers Chapter in Des Moines and policy chairman for Delta’s Iowa State Committee. Through his volunteer leadership and professional experience as associate director of political mobilization for the American Chemistry Council, Brecher has become a key advocate for conservation and the future of waterfowl hunting in Iowa.
Peter Ward Waterfowl Hunting Heritage Ambassador Award — Martin Sands of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, was recognized for his outstanding efforts to promote waterfowl hunting history and traditions. Sands owns a collection of fine vintage sporting shotguns and historic punt guns and regularly attends sporting shows in the upper Midwest to display his fowling pieces. His impressive collection includes 4- and 8-bores that were used more than 100 years ago. Sands also runs an annual decoy and sporting collectibles show in Edgerton, Wisconsin, where he displays Koshkonong-style decoys along with guns. He served as a special exhibitor at the 2026 Delta Duck Hunters Expo in Des Moines, Iowa.
Delta Waterfowl extends its sincere appreciation to this year’s award recipients for their service and contributions to waterfowl conservation.