News Releases

Wildlife area, award named after former FWC chairman

News Release

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Media contact: Wendy Dial, 850-488-9477

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Herky Huffman

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) paused during Wednesday's meeting to thank Hersey A. "Herky" Huffman for his steadfast commitment to the conservation and enjoyment of Florida's fish and wildlife resources by naming a wildlife management area after him and establishing a youth-mentoring award in his name. Huffman served on the Commission for more than seven years, including a term as chairman in 2005.

"As chairman, Huffman demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, dedication and true passion in support of Florida's fish and wildlife resources, resulting in great progress for statewide conservation efforts," said present FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "Huffman set a high standard for all present and future FWC commissioners, for how we should strive to address our state's complex fish-and-wildlife issues."

Huffman is a Volusia County resident and native Floridian. Throughout his adult life, he has promoted his love for fishing, hunting and youth conservation education to everyone he meets.

"I am grateful for this honor, but let's all give credit to the staff behind us," Huffman said. "We couldn't do it without them."

As commissioner, he was a staunch advocate for agency initiatives to secure a brighter future for hunting and fishing; he recognized the importance and value of making hunting and fishing opportunities available to the public, and in that regard, he worked tirelessly and successfully to expand public hunting and fishing opportunities statewide.

He always believed in involving the public in fish and wildlife conservation, as evidenced by pioneering a local fishing tournament for blind anglers and organizing a joint effort to involve youngsters in managing wild turkey habitat.

As a fishing guide and outdoors editor for the Sanford Evening Herald, he opened the world of hunting and fishing to the visitors and residents of Florida.

Invasive plants and animals were other issues Huffman tackled, helping maintain Florida as one of the premier states in the nation for hunting, fishing and successful conservation and stewardship of natural resources.

To honor his efforts, the Commission established the Herky Huffman Lifetime Achievement Award for Youth Conservation Mentoring, in cooperation with the Wildlife Foundation of Florida.

On the local level, the Commission noted Huffman's contributions to wild lands, encompassing and surrounding the Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area, which has been renamed as the Herky Huffman/Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area in honor of his service.

"You are the epitome of the Florida outdoorsman. You are passionate about fishing and hunting and enjoying the fruits of those activities," said Commissioner Kathy Barco. "You have always shown a deep respect for the ability to do those things while conserving our precious resources. As a result of your commitment to our state's fish and wildlife, you have inspired Florida's youth to enjoy the outdoors. It has been a pleasure to work with you."