Nominate dad for Father of the Year

With Father’s Day rapidly approaching, it’s the perfect time to thank dad for all those great camping and fishing trips over the years by nominating him for the outdoor Father of the Year. Some lucky dad will be treated to a dream fishing vacation on a 59-foot houseboat at picturesque Lake Powell.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department and ESPN Radio 860 have teamed up to find the Father of the Year. Just visit fishingdad.com, and in 200 words or less, tell us why your father or some other dad should be recognized as the Father of the Year.

This is your chance to thank dad for taking you on fun outdoor adventures, such as all those great fishing and camping trips over the years. In fact, a national study shows that dad is the key when it comes to taking kids fishing and hunting. The Father of the Year will be someone who has given his family a lasting outdoor legacy by teaching them the skills and sharing the knowledge to appreciate the outdoors.

One grand prize winner will be chosen from the online entries and announced on the air on Friday, June 16, just before Father’s Day. You can hear more about the Father of the Year search by listening to ESPN Radio 860’s “Calling All Sports” program from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. You might even hear your entry shared on the air. Be sure to visit www.azgfd.gov for the latest fishing report and an opportunity to buy a fishing license online.

Although only one dad can win the contest, be sure to thank dad this Father’s Day for passing along the outdoor legacy. A national study on youth participation in hunting and fishing shows that the vast majority of youth are introduced to fishing and hunting by their dads or other male family members. Most youth also say that the single person they would most like to fish or hunt with is dad.

Responsive Management of Harrisonburg, Virginia conducted the study, which is available at responsivemanagement.com.

“The study shows the vast majority of youth like hunting and fishing because they are ‘cool and fun’ activities, yet 80 percent also say they like these outdoor pastimes so they can be with family members, especially dad,” says Dana Yost, an assistant director with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The study is also important for those interested in hunting and fishing retention. The study says that the future of hunting and fishing in America ultimately depends upon the commitment of future generations to these traditional fish and wildlife activities.

“The key to active participation in and commitment to hunting and fishing by future generations is fostering this commitment and participation among today’s youth,” says Yost.