The Results are in

Greetings fellow sportsmen and women,

After several months of waiting, the judges at Field and Stream have reached their decision of the winners of the National Conservation heroes of the year. As many of you are aware, I was one of the nominees for this award and unfortunately, I was not the judges’ top choice. However, despite my not being chosen for the top honor, I consider my nomination and recognition of a NJ sportsmen being published in a nationally and internationally circulated magazine a big enough win to satisfy me.

In my mind’s eye this nomination was a win for every sportsman and woman in new jersey and not about me. The mere fact that a sportsman from New Jersey was recognized by Field and Stream thrust the sportsmen and women of New Jersey to national attention and this in itself spoke volumes as to the fierce conservation ethic that all of us stand for and for years has been suppressed.

I had big plans had I been the top winner. Initially, I would have given the truck I drive now to a fellow NJ sportsman and Quail Project trustee who has dedicated countless hours to NJQP and was more than deserving. Next, I would have sold the 2008 Tundra and purchased myself a smaller used pickup and finally along with the proceeds of the Tundra sale, I would have added the $5,000 cash prize and donated it all to the New jersey Quail Project in support of our mission and advance our wild bobwhite quail restoration and upland habitat restoration initiatives.

Sadly, this now will not occur and NJQP will continue to struggle for financial support. Had it been a physical contest, rest assured that I would have shot straighter, ran harder or did whatever it took to bring home this top honor to all of you. Again, this was never about me, it was about every outdoorsman and woman in NJ. I was only a name and a face along with my (Brittany) Jake to being a well deserved recognition nationally to all of you.

On behalf of all of us in New Jersey, I congratulate the Heroes of Conservation winners and wish them well in their endeavors. Their causes are to be commended and their efforts will continue to preserve our most precious natural resources, heritage and traditions. Also, I would like to thank the NJ State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs’ President, Ed Cuneo, for the trust and confidence he had in me in making the nomination to Field and Stream. Throughout this whole process many of you have supported and encouraged me, I am not surprised that this is what New Jersey’s sportsmen and woman are all about, and for your support, I thank you.

Finally, although I will not be able to provide the finances, rest assured despite our financial struggler, I will continue along with NJQP to move forward and serve the best interests of all NJ sportsmen and women, our wildlife and natural resources. For more info, you can contact me at (856) 456-7804, email me at joematter@njquailproject.org.

Respectfully,

Joe Matter
NJQP Chairman
NJOA, South Jersey Rep

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