Joe Hamilton, Legend of Conservation - Part 1 of 2.
The profound success story of whitetail conservation could not be told without Joe Hamilton. He spearheaded a movement in the South that expanded across the country forever changing the landscape of herd health and habitat quality.
I met Mr. Joe years ago at Rose Hill Plantation sometime in the early 2000's. I was thrilled to shake his hand and to be invited on such a hunt by the Morrison family. I've never been one to follow hunting media shows or celebrity type hunters. QDMA was the content I consumed and Joe is a figure that I've always admired and respected.
Several years ago I connected with Joe Hamilton again. Joe joined us for a mentored hunt at my family farm for a memorable weekend and since then we have stayed in touch. When I started Southeast Whitetail, Joe was at the top of my list to interview and showcase his dedication and career work with conservation. Thus, I asked Joe to film the first episode of Southeastern Sit-down Series: Joe Hamilton, Legend of Conservation.
Joe has a long and storied history in the outdoors which is well documented in his book: "Firepot Stories". A fascinating read and very informative of the revered white-tailed deer.
Thank you for listening to the interview and a very special thank you to Mr. Joe Hamilton. He opened his home to me and I greatly appreciate his time.
Below are career highlights and the numerous recognition awards.
Career:
Native of Elizabethtown, NC.
BS Degree in Forest Resources 1971 - UGA
MS Degree in Wildlife Biology 1978 - UGA
SC DNR 1979 - 1995
Founded QDMA in 1988 and has been involved with various roles & positions still to this day.
Ducks Unlimited 1996 - 2000
Awards & Achievements:
1975 - NC Wildlife Federation Conservationist of the Year.
1982 - Julian C. Greene Award presented by the White Lakes Chapter NC of Ducks Unlimited.
1984 - SC Wildlife Federation Harry Hampton "Woods & Water" Conservation Memorial Journalism Award for Excellence in Natural Resource Reporting.
2000 - Deer Management Career Achievement Award presented by the Southeastern Section of the Wildlife Society.
2004 - Inducted into "The Keepers of the Hunting Spirit" in Melbourne, Australia.
2005 - Outdoor Life Conservation Award.
2005 - Professional Wildlife Management Award by the SC Chapter of the Wildlife Society.
2011 - Budweiser Conservationist of the Year.
2012 - Induction into Gary Mason's "Legends of the Outdoors".
2013 - The 2013 Award for Extraordinary dedication to Preserving & Protecting South Carolina's Environment & Natural Resources. Presented by the Governor and General Assembly.
2015 - UGA's Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources Distinguished Alumnus Award.
2021 - Outdoor Life listed Joe as one of five individuals who have most influenced how sportsmen hunt & fish on a national scale.
2022 - The Order of the Palmetto Award presented by SC Governor Henry McMaster.