Delta Waterfowl Honors 2024-2025 Chapter Volunteers of the Year
The Duck Hunters Organization recognizes four outstanding conservation leaders for dedication to the mission to produce ducks and secure the future of duck hunting
BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — Delta Waterfowl is proud to announce the 2024-2025 Volunteer of the Year Award recipients are Richard Morrow of Memphis, Tennessee, Lance Holmes of Brockville, Ontario, John Sitton of Monroe, Louisiana, and Colton Bradley of Pella, Iowa. These four outstanding chapter leaders have made Delta proud through their service, and they have shown what happens when we volunteer with purpose, passion, and love for ducks and duck hunters.
The honorees were selected from hundreds of nominations from Delta’s network of more than 350 chapters in the United States and Canada. Each honoree represents an exceptional chapter service in support of Delta’s mission to produce ducks and ensure the future of duck hunting.
Delta Waterfowl’s Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by Stoeger, honors chapter leaders for their extraordinary passion for Delta's mission. Each award recipient was presented with a Stoeger M3500 Waterfowler 12-gauge shotgun. With more than 5,000 volunteers powering over 350 chapters across North America, these four awardees are the exemplars of Delta's boots-on-the-ground troops working for ducks and duck hunters.
“Delta Waterfowl’s volunteers play a vital role in our mission,” said Jason Tharpe, Delta’s chief executive officer. “Their passion for waterfowl conservation and hunting drives Delta’s programs to produce ducks, conserve habitat, and ensure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Congratulations to all the VOY honorees and thank you to all Delta volunteers. We appreciate every one of them.”
Richard Morrow
Memphis, Tennessee Chapter
Morrow brought a large vision for the future of the Memphis Chapter and an unflinching desire to implement it when he became chairman. Morrow's goal was straightforward, something simple yet ambitious. He wanted to raise $308,000, and he wanted to set the record with Memphis Delta Waterfowl's becoming the top fundraising chapter for 13 years. With a team-first approach and a willingness to do what it takes, the chapter broke that record in 2024.
Morrow's approach involved changing how the committee functioned, making meetings less of a social group and more of a focused meeting with agendas.
“We moved our meetings from a local bar to a boardroom,” he said. “We have itineraries before starting each meeting. It’s helped people take ownership.”
Beyond fundraising, Morrow is passionate about changing the narrative around his community.
“We get a lot of bad press in Memphis,” he said. “I wanted our people to be recognized for something good.”
Morrow, a long-time duck hunter who got involved in Delta after volunteering for years with Ducks Unlimited, found the right fit in an organization that tapped into both his passion for hunting and desire to give back.
“If you’re blessed to hunt in a great area, you should give back,” he said. “The good old days of conservation are right now.”
Lance Holmes
1000 Islands Chapter, Kingston, Ontario
Holmes is often referred to as the “backbone” of the 1000 Islands Chapter, and it's easy to see why. As the vice chair of the committee, he has helped steer the small, yet dedicated Ontario chapter into one of Delta's dependable community-based chapters. The members of the committee are passionate and committed to the goals found in all of Delta's chapter fundraising and mentorship. Holmes does everything with humble devotion to his pursuit of service and giving back to the community.
Holmes organizes veterans' hunts, builds and installs nesting structures, and provides support for local mentored hunts for youth and adults.
“I love helping people feel confident and comfortable when they’re new to hunting,” he said. “Everyone needs someone in their corner.”
One of his proudest memories came when two young mentees harvested a banded goose after calling it in on their own.
“They were so excited. It was such a cool moment to witness,” Holmes said. “That’s the kind of thing that sticks with you.”
Despite his modesty, Holmes has increased his chapter's event attendance and ticket sales. He has not only led quietly by example, but he has also inspired others to take on their own leadership roles.
“I’m not just a duck hunter — I’m a conservationist,” he said. “This is about the future.”
John Sitton
Northeast Louisiana Chapter, Monroe / Louisiana State Committee
Few volunteers have had a statewide and sustained impact like John Sitton. Since 2011, Sitton has been a founding member and treasurer of the Northeast Louisiana Chapter. He was instrumental in growing the chapter into one of Delta's top performers, exceeding the $1 million net fundraising level and contributing to high-impact conservation work across the region.
But Sitton's service doesn't stop at the chapter level. He also chairs the Louisiana State Committee and took over the position after his close friend and mentor, Brandon Broussard, passed away.
“Brandon inspired me to serve at the level I do now,” Sitton said. “I want to honor his legacy by continuing to grow this mission.”
Under Sitton’s leadership, Delta has provided funding for wood duck boxes, enhanced habitat on public lands throughout the state, and supported duck production initiatives.
“I love the camaraderie, and I love working with people who are driven to make a difference,” he said. “We’re all here for the same reason: To leave this resource better than we found it.”
Sitton balances his volunteerism with a full-time job as a certified public account and family life, yet he always shows up when it counts.
“You make time for what you care about,” he said. “And I care deeply about ducks and duck hunters.”
Colton Bradley
Red Rock Peace Tree Chapter, Pella, Iowa
Bradley might be one of Delta's youngest Volunteer of the Year winners to date, but he is already making positive contributions across Iowa. As vice chair of the Red Rock Peace Tree Chapter, Bradley was instrumental in nearly doubling the chapter's gross fundraising revenue and adding 80 attendees to the chapter's most recent banquet, indicative of growth and clear leadership.
Bradley also added 10 new volunteers to the committee and remains a steadfast supporter of chapters throughout the region. His skills as a photographer and videographer have helped increase visibility for Delta on social media. He's created an excellent YouTube platform called “Chasing the Call” where he publishes Delta-related content such as youth hunts, banquets, and outings with veterans.
“There’s a lot of potential to bring new energy to Delta,” Bradley said. “I’ve seen firsthand how showing the fun and fellowship of our events can pull people in.”
In addition to his volunteering, Bradley co-manages Iowa Hunting Products and supports North American Hunting Retriever Association events and dog training, usually with his beloved black Lab, Ace, by his side.
"It's all connected," he said. "Everything I do is about building community or supporting the outdoors. Being a part of Delta helps me connect my skills with something I believe in."
Congratulations and thank you to all of Delta’s volunteers!
Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group working to produce ducks and secure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.
For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact Scott Terning at sterning@deltawaterfowl.org.