SCDNR's Kearse honored as QDMA officer of the year

Staff Sergeant Lynwood Kearse of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) was recognized on August 12th at the National Convention of the Quality Deer Management Association. Kearse heads up the SCDNR's Take One Make One (TOMO) program which provides hunting opportunities for interested youths who would not otherwise have that opportunity. Kearse is also involved with mobility impaired hunting opportunities to assist wheelchair bound hunters experience the thrill of the hunt in the great outdoors. After 25 years with SCDNR, this is likely not the only award that Kearse has earned, nor will it be the last. As an outdoor writer who has worked with Kearse over the years, I can share with readers that he is the first one to give credit to the other officers and volunteers that also help to promote hunting at these events. This Wildlife Officer of the Year Award is well deserved, and here's hoping that the TOMO program continues to evolve! To view past blog entries about QDMA click here.

PhotoByQDMA: QDMA Joe Hamilton presents award to Staff Sgt. Lynwood Kearse

PhotosByJeffDennis: Elizabeth Anderson of Charleston and Lynwood after a spring turkey hunt on a private property in Dorchester County in 2008. I was on assignment for The Charleston Mercury newspaper, and the photo was made prior to the Lowcountry Outdoors blog.

Pat Autore of the Lowcountry Chapter of Safari Club International presents a check to Lynwood during the annual wounded warrior hunt in the Lowcountry outdoors. It takes plenty of monetary and equipment donations to keep the TOMO program running and this photo shows that Kearse has to handle many duites. To view past blog entries about the SCI hunt click here.

Look at this great group of youths gathering for a TOMO hunt in Newberry County in December of 2009. This hunt is in memory of Daniel Douglas Jr. and is a partnership with the Mid-Carolina branch of QDMA. I was on assignment for South Carolina Wildlife Magazine and to view my blog entry click here.