NWTF Volunteer Receives National Safety Award
Indiana NWTF State Chapter volunteer Tony Mann was recently recognized with the Tree Stand Safety and Awareness Foundation's Tree Stand Safety Award, honoring his more than three decades of leadership in hunter education and tree stand safety.
“Tony’s recognition is a testament not only to his decades-long commitment to hunter safety, but also to his passion for sharing the outdoors with the next generation,” said Mandy Harling, NWTF national director of Education and Outreach programs. “Through the dedication of countless NWTF volunteers, our events do more than teach hunting skills; they foster a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors, conservation and the responsibility that comes with being an ethical hunter. We are proud of Tony’s contributions and grateful for the many volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure safe hunting practices remain at the heart of every outdoor experience we provide.”
The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to hunter safety education and accident prevention. Tree Stand Safety and Awareness Foundation President Glen Mayhew was unable to attend the presentation due to a canceled flight. He asked Marilyn Bentz, executive director of the National Bowhunter Education Foundation and a member of the Tree Stand Safety and Awareness Foundation Board of Directors, to present the award on his behalf.
For 35 years, Mann has been involved in public service, hunter education and safety outreach. During that time, he has become a leading advocate for tree stand safety education, instructor development and youth conservation education.
Among his many contributions, Mann helped integrate tree stand safety into Indiana's Basic Hunter Education Academy, providing volunteer instructors and conservation officers with training focused on safe tree stand use and accident prevention. He also helped secure ladder stands for classroom demonstrations used in hunter education courses throughout the state.
In 2008, Mann completed advanced instructor training through the National Bowhunter Education Foundation. Two years later, he became a certified Tree Stand Manufacturers Association tree stand accident investigator and later developed a tree stand accident investigation curriculum for conservation officers attending the Hunter Education Academy.
“Always stay connected at all times by proper use of a full body harness and related equipment anytime that you use any type of tree stand hunting system,” Mann said. “Same goes for using hunting saddles that are becoming more and more popular; stay connected the entire time through the use of proper equipment.”
Mann has conducted live tree stand safety demonstrations at sport shows and outdoor events and has served as a featured presenter on hunter safety topics. He also serves on the International Hunter Education Association's hunting incident investigation team, helping educate instructors and officers across the country.
Throughout his career, Mann has tracked and reviewed hunting incidents in Indiana, using incident reports to strengthen hunter education programs and improve accident prevention efforts. His work has contributed to numerous public awareness campaigns, state agency safety videos and initiatives promoting the use of fall-arrest systems and safety harnesses.
His efforts continue today as he works to incorporate hunting saddle systems and emerging safety practices into future hunter education programming.
"Tony's commitment to hunter education and safety has positively impacted countless hunters, instructors and conservation professionals," Bentz said during the presentation. "His dedication to ensuring hunters return home safely has left a lasting mark on the hunting community"