Delta Waterfowl Writer Receives Top Awards From Professional Outdoor Media Association

Paul Wait’s impactful writing continues to bring remarkable value to members of The Duck Hunters Organization

Paul Wait, Delta’s senior director of communications, is among the 2024 Professional Outdoor Media Association’s Pinnacle Award Winners. The award winners were announced during POMA’s annual meeting in Pinewood, South Carolina, on May 7.

A leading outdoor media organization, POMA honors journalists for excellence in outdoor communications in all forms of media. Wait—a lifelong waterfowler, native of Wisconsin, and veteran of the Delta communications team—was presented with a pair of individual awards at the conference, taking home accolades in the Wildlife Conservation and Magazine Article categories.

The Pinnacle Awards specifically note remarkable achievement in traditional outdoor sports-focused communications, including magazine publication, writing, photography/illustration/art, broadcasting, and content focused on wildlife conservation.

Taking home the top prize in the Wildlife Conservation category, Wait’s submission titled, “Where Can I Hunt?” was featured in the fall 2023 issue of Delta Waterfowl magazine. The special feature was the third installment of Wait’s comprehensive, four-part series that explores the status of waterfowl hunting in North America. “Where Can I Hunt?” details the abundance of issues faced by today’s hunters as hunting access—by land and water—continues to trend downwards.

“I always appreciate recognition from my peers at POMA,” Wait said. “I appreciate even more the opportunity to present stories that connect with Delta’s members and readers who care so deeply about waterfowl and waterfowl hunting. I relish the chance to dig into important issues such as access to quality hunting like I did for the ‘Where Can I Hunt?’ special feature.”

In addition, Wait’s article titled, “Tracer Saved My Life” won first prize in the Magazine Article category. The piece was featured in the summer 2023 issue of Delta Waterfowl magazine and details how a one-of-a-kind retriever kept a destitute ex-soldier alive on his darkest day.

“The story about Trent Dirks and his life-saving Lab, Tracer, is one of my all-time favorite pieces,” said Wait. “It was truly an honor to tell the story of their incredible bond and life together.”

Delta Waterfowl magazine, the premier publication for North American duck and goose hunters, is an exclusive benefit for members of The Duck Hunters Organization. To subscribe, join Delta Waterfowl or renew your membership today.—Christy Sweigart