I am an angler, hunter, and man of conservation, and your new OFAH president. The gavel was passed from Rick Moore earlier this year. I have a long history with the OFAH, but before I get into that, here’s a bit about me. I grew up in in Powassan where my friends and I had only three seasons: fishing, hunting, and trapping. We spent so much time outdoors and I was quick to learn the value of those experiences beyond the harvest. They were about being in the outdoors and living with nature. As I studied the fish and wildlife I pursued, I was struck by how there is always a give and take.
It took a long time for me to admit as an angler and hunter, I was also a conservationist. At first, I was just trying to ensure the species I enjoyed would have a sustainable future. When I had children, I tried to pass those values down and support their outdoors journey. That led to a self-reflection and realization that the children were teaching me as much as I was teaching them. It was then I realized I was a conservationist who liked to fish and hunt.
With that mindset, how could I not be involved with OFAH? I’ll admit when I first joined it was mostly for the insurance and magazine. Then my two girls got involved in an OFAH youth program called Get Outdoors and I joined a local OFAH-affiliated club. These opportunities got us involved in more than fishing and hunting. We were tree planting, restoring habitat, and learning new camping skills, but most of all we were giving back to nature.
From there I started attending more club meetings and local zone meetings, where I learned what other clubs across Ontario were doing for conservation. Eventually I was invited to join the zone executive, then elected to the board, and now I am your president.
Prior to joining the board, if someone asked me what OFAH did, I would respond with: “it’s an organization that advocates for anglers and hunters, provides insurance, and a great magazine.”
Today, my response is different. I tell people we are a group of conservationists that enjoy all outdoor activities. I talk about all the great programs we administer in support of creating a sustainable outdoors future in Ontario – and for all Ontarians. Oh, and we still provide insurance, a stellar outdoor magazine, and high-quality member value to help enhance your outdoor experiences.
I am proud to be your president and look forward to continuing to support the great things we do at OFAH — thanks in large part to the support our members and supporters provide.
Originally published in the Summer Bassin' 2026 issue of Ontario Out of Doors
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