Delta Writer and Magazine among 2023 POMA Honorees

The Delta Waterfowl History Book earns more high-profile accolades

Paul Wait, Delta’s senior director of communications, is among the 2023 Professional Outdoor Media Association’s Pinnacle Award winners, along with Delta Waterfowl magazine. Both were recognized during the 2023 POMA conference this June in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

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, along with recognition for Delta Waterfowl magazine.

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, “Weathering a Devastating Drought” was featured in the fall 2022 issue of Delta Waterfowl magazine. The piece delved into the prolonged drought plaguing California, describing how a lack of water and reduced rice acreage created devastating impacts for duck populations and waterfowl hunting opportunities.

In addition, Wait’s recently published and detailed compilation of the history of Delta Waterfowl titled, “Delta Waterfowl: How The Duck Hunters Organization Shaped Waterfowl Conservation in North America,” was awarded “Outstanding Achievement” in the Book category. The stunning 304-page hardcover book uniquely chronicles more than a century of conservation work for ducks and duck hunters.

The Delta Waterfowl History book is available for purchase online at https://deltawaterfowl.org/deltahistorybook/.

“It’s always nice for Delta’s communication’s work to be recognized for excellence by our peers at POMA,” Wait said. “I take great satisfaction in being able to share important conservation stories with our members and donors who support the organization and care so deeply about ducks and duck hunting.”

Delta Waterfowl magazine also received an “Outstanding Achievement” award for the 2022 Summer Issue. This rendition of Delta’s annual “Duck Dog” edition features articles on Delta’s leading science programs, conveys nesting challenges on the prairies, retriever training, a waterfowler’s first dog, and questions outdated “Blue Law” hunting bans in the Atlantic Flyway with, “Why Not Sundays?” among the usual roster of waterfowl-fueled content.

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