Hillsdale College’s Al Stewart is Awarded Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College’s Al Stewart, director of the Nimrod Education Center, was awarded the 2024 Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Wild Turkey Federation. This award serves as recognition of a wildlife expert who has dedicated themselves to the restoration and management of wild turkey during their career. Stewart was acknowledged for his leadership and mentoring skills throughout his career and his continued efforts to pass hunting and fishing traditions on to future generations.
Stewart was invited to receive this award at the 48th Annual Convention and Sport Show hosted by the National Wild Turkey Federation from Feb. 14-18. The convention was held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. “I have always admired the work of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and it is a tremendous honor to be recognized by them in this way,” said Stewart.
At Hillsdale College, Stewart serves as director of the Nimrod Education Center. The center aims to educate the public on the societal benefits of consumptive sports such as hunting and fishing and consumptive sports licenses, which provide much of the revenue for the management and protection of fish and wildlife.
“Over the last several years, Hillsdale College has become a hub for the shooting sports activities and shooting sports education, including the consumptive sports,” said Hillsdale College Chief Administrative Officer Rich Péwé. “We are fortunate to have someone as knowledgeable and experienced as Al on our team.”
Stewart, who served in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for 50 years, is a veteran upland game bird expert with over 50 years of experience, having studied these birds across continents including Europe, Russia, and Africa. He led statewide conservation programs in Michigan for various species and taught wildlife management internationally. Stewart’s notable achievements include overseeing the world’s largest American woodcock chick banding program and capturing all wild turkey species for restoration and research. Recognized with prestigious awards like the Teddy Roosevelt National Conservation Award, he remains a respected figure in the field.
For photos of Stewart and the convention, please click here.
For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.