Carroll County Hunter Wins Grand Prize In 2009 Maryland Hunter Contest

Annapolis, MD (February 4, 2010) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Wildlife & Heritage Service congratulates 2009 Maryland Hunter Contest grand prize winner James Bradley of Sykesville, Md. and 36 other contest winners, who will receive complimentary 2010-2011 Maryland Hunting Licenses.

“The contest encourages hunters to visit local businesses who have served as long-standing hunting and wildlife management partners with DNR,” said Bob Beyer, Associate Director of the Wildlife and Heritage Service. “This is our way of thanking local outdoor retailers and hunters for their long-standing support of Maryland’s wildlife management programs.”

The winners were randomly selected by Wendy Donahoo, former President of the Maryland Sportsmen’s Association, and Tom Grosh of Grosh’s Lawn Service.

Bradley, who entered the contest at Gun Shack, Inc., in Mt. Airy, Md., will receive a $500 gift certificate issued from the MD/DE Chapter of the Wildlife Society.

“I’m 62 years old and I’ve never won anything before,” said Bradley. “This is awesome!” Bradley plans to spend his prize winnings at the Gun Shack, Inc., where he entered the contest.

Grosh’s Lawn Service, sponsor of the runner-up prizes, will be issuing Bass Pro Shops gift certificates valued at $250, $150, $50, and $50, respectively to prize winners Jack Repp of Williamsport, Md., James Sexton of Knoxville, Md., Calvin Schrock of Friendsville, Md., and Todd Denner of Catonsville, Md.

“This is our way to help support local businesses that contribute to the hunting community in our State,” said Grosh.

Junior hunters are reminded to continue to visit one of the participating agents through spring turkey season to receive a personalized Junior Hunter Certificate and have their pictures posted on DNR’s Web site. For more information about the Junior Hunter Certificate Program, visit http://dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/pdfs/Jr_Hunter_Cert.pdf.

For a complete list of 2009 Maryland Hunter Contest winners, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 467,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries, and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic, and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov