Now accepting nominations for 2025 inductees

When the board reviews the submitted nominations, we need to know what the nominee has done that is significant enough to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The board is made up of members from all around New York State.  Some may not know the nominated person, so they rely solely on the supporting documentation submitted to decide.

Sometimes, we get a nomination that says the nominee did a lot for a long period of time. This gives us very little information on which to base our decision.  For example, a statement like the nominee has been the volunteer chairman of the Adirondack Park Council since 2007 says a lot more. A letter from someone on the council verifying that the nominee has served on the board and has attended meetings regularly also helps. An internet printout showing something the nominee did while on the board also helps. A project the person worked on with details about it - how significant it was, if it made a difference, and if they gave back (volunteer) is also important to submit.  A newspaper clipping showing something the person did can also be included.

Ultimately, it comes down to what they did that was significant and when they did it (the exact date and time are not required). Did they "give back?" Did they make a difference? Finally, it is up to you to prove it. We need to see documentation on which to base our decision.

Before you submit your nomination, please complete each of the items on this checklist. Incomplete nominations will not be considered.

1. Complete the nomination cover sheet.
2. Make sure to include a list of specific achievements or contributions the nominee has made that would qualify him for induction
3. The scope of the achievements or contributions should be significant enough to be considered for induction.
4. Include detailed documentation supporting the specific achievements or contributions of giving back. This verification can be newspaper articles, printouts from the Internet, pictures, letters, or emails verifying specific activities. (It should address the who, what, why, when, and where of the activities.)
5. The nomination must convey, “It’s not what you take, but what you give back.”

Men and women are carefully selected for induction based on their significant contributions to preserving our outdoor heritage, enhancing opportunity, or supporting the causes of conservation and outdoor sports. Selection for this distinguished group is not based on individual achievements but rather on what they have done for others.  This "giving back" sets our selection criteria far above other halls of fame.

When reviewing the nomination, board members from around New York State may not know the nominee or their “giving back” and must rely solely on the nomination documentation.  The board must see where the nominee gave back outside of "work" to select the person for induction.  Those not selected may be qualified to be inducted, but the nomination submission did not document their part in giving back more than they took (volunteering).

The deadline for submitting the nomination is January 31.

Any member of the Board of Directors is more than happy to answer questions and even review any material you have for the nomination.

Tip on getting supporting documentation letters

When I consider submitting someone, I first list all the achievements and activities the person has done that qualify them for induction. I then put together a letter/email with all these and send it to people who can verify the activities. Their letter does not have to be long but should be as specific as they can make it. They can come from someone who served on a committee or board with them or someone who benefited from their activity (like a child or veteran they took hunting or fishing). Remember, you cannot have too much supporting documentation – the more specific information you submit, the better. You can even send them portions of the note above when you ask for their letters.