MidwayUSA's Larry & Brenda Potterfield Win Beretta Conservation Leadership Award

by
posted on February 5, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sci_ah2015_fs.jpg (4)

undefinedLeading into the SCI Convention, the Safari Club International Foundation announced the six finalists being considered for the inaugural Beretta Conservation Leadership Award being presented at the SCI show. The winning duo: Larry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA.

Presented at the inaugural Beretta Conservation Leadership Award Gala on Wednesday, Feb. 3, the award honors individuals who have demonstrated extensive contributions in both time and money to hunting, wildlife conservation, education and humanitarian services efforts. The Potterfields are well known for turning their passion for hunting and the shooting sports into a career by opening a small gun shop in 1977 that would become MidwayUSA. In working to protect the freedom to hunt and shoot for future generations, in 1992 they created the NRA Round-Up and Friends of NRA programs, which have generated millions of fundraising dollars to help protect the Second Amendment. But they were just getting started. The Potterfields went on to launch the Scholastic Shooting Trust, creating sustainable funding for shooting teams in high schools and colleges, and the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience, a program that brings kids to key conservation-group conventions across the country, including the Mule Deer Foundation's Western Hunting and Conservation Expo and the National Wild Turkey Federation annual convention.

Recognized nationally and internationally as leaders in business and philanthropy, Larry and Brenda Potterfield have received the highest recognition in the business world—the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award—and the NRA's highest award—the Life of Liberty Leadership Award—in addition to the Ken Sedlecky Achievement Award, the Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award and the Missouri Conservationists of the Year Award in 2010. In addition, they are members of the NRA Golden Ring of Freedom, the Marco Polo Society and numerous other hunting and charitable organizations. Brenda Potterfield is also a former NRA Board member. Last but not least, from the peaks of British Columbia to the plains of Africa, the Potterfields are avid hunters who enjoy their time together afield, taking more than 35 species of game animals on four continents.

On a personal note, I have been fortunate to know the Potterfields for 20 years, sharing a couple hunting camps along the way, and can say firsthand they are two of the finest people you will ever meet. In wanting to make a difference for the good of the group, Larry and Brenda remain motivated by their own experiences and values. The rest of us are seeing a lasting and tangible change as result of their contributions!By the way, guess what Larry was wearing when he and Brenda were called up on stage at the black-tie gala to receive their award? His NRA Golden Ring of Freedom jacket, which, of course, is gold. Now that's a very nice statement!

Latest

Lead Photo 02
Lead Photo 02

Head to Head: 7x57mm Mauser vs. .30-06 Springfield

I’ve had more than a few requests for this Head to Head, so I figured it was high time to pit two of the early 20th century’s most popular military cartridges against one another. Let's dive into the 7x57mm Mauser vs. the .30-06 Springfield.

NRA Hunter Education FREE Online Course Now Available in Louisiana

The National Rifle Association of America’s award-winning free Hunter Education online course is now available in the State of Louisiana, the latest addition as NRA works to make the course available to hunters in all 50 states.

Moultrie Updates Line of Game Feeders

Moultrie has expanded the capacity of its line of feeders, and bettered the cameras' integration with the company's connected technology to streamline the feeding process.

Building the Ultimate Elk Bow

Elk are remarkable creatures that dwell in some of the most hellish landscapes on earth. An elk bow needs to be tough, light, and ultra-accurate. Here's how to build the right one for you.

First Look: Spandau S2 20-Gauge

Spandau Arms, a brand of SDS Arms, has announced that the  Spandau S2 Shotgun is now available in a 20-gauge model in both a Mossy Oak Bottomland and a traditional wood finish.

Count Some Quail, Tally Some Turkeys

The Arkansas turkey season ended in May, but there’s still good reason for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to keep the birds in mind when they head out to their favorite hiking trail or drive the backroads of The Natural State. Outdoorsmen who scare up coveys of quail are welcome in the survey as well.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.