2008 Waterfowler’s Hall of Fame Inductees

The California Fish and Game Commission recently honored this year's inductees into the Waterfowler's Hall of Fame. The Waterfowler's Hall of Fame was established in 2006 to recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions to enhancing waterfowl and their habitats in California.

Many professionals, both public and private, have dedicated their life's work in management or research in the field of wildlife biology. Waterfowl association officials have significantly benefited the waterfowl resource through the advocacy of legislation, with particular focus on legislative actions that provide needed resources for nesting and wintering waterfowl populations. Additionally, many sportsmen and other conservationists have contributed to the restoration, enhancement and preservation of our waterfowl resources by improving nesting and/or wintering waterfowl habitat through agricultural practices and other land uses specifically designed to benefit the waterfowl resource.

This year the California Fish and Game Commission recognized the addition of Mr. Ray Lewis for his participation and involvement in waterfowl, wetland conservation and duck hunting issues for over 50 years and for participation in organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, California Waterfowl Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, the Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy and the National Rifle Association.

The Commission also recognized Mr. Wendell Miller for his extensive work with waterfowl throughout his career as a wildlife biologist for the Soil Conservation Service and later as a private consultant on marsh management; with his major contribution as a field supervisor of the Waterfowl Investigations Project for the California Department of Fish and Game, and his pioneering work in the development of new marsh management techniques.

Mr. David Bohannon was recognized for his genius in real estate and land development and as a true sportsman who loved hunting and fishing. Mr. Bohannon will be long-remembered by his colleagues for the duck club he started in the Suisun Marsh called “the Can Can club;” for improving habitat conditions; and for his help in starting the San Mateo Ducks Unlimited Chapter to raise funds for habitat protection and restoration.

The Commission honored Mr. Kenneth Hofmann for his life-long support of waterfowl and waterfowl habitat; for his leadership in pursuing good biological knowledge of waterfowl and restoring and protecting key habitats; for his philanthropic giving for flyway and continental waterfowl issues including donating over $5 million to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Ducks Unlimited to support VALLEY CARE which focuses on restoration of habitats in the Central Valley.

Dr. James Bartonek was honored for his 31 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, dedicated to migratory bird management and research, including establishment of the first migratory bird research station in Alaska, an area of importance to many species of waterfowl that winter in California. His efforts led to over 40 scientific publications on pelagic seabirds, diving ducks and other birds. His widespread expertise was used in the development of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act with Russia and in international migratory bird research with England, Japan, and Mexico. Dr. Bartonek played a vital role in developing banding efforts to further the management of Northern pintails and mallards in the West. His unique abilities to guide sometimes contentious discussions and management decisions with his highly professional and respectful approach led to many successful management efforts.

The Central Valley Joint Venture and its partners are indebted to these individuals who have given so much to the cause of wetlands and waterfowl conservation.