2025 Winner: Johnny Morris
DSC is thrilled to announce Johnny Morris as the recipient of the 2025 Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award.
Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, got his start in 1972 by selling fishing tackle out of the back of his father’s store. Since then, Johnny has earned a reputation as one of the most visionary and influential retailers of the last 50 years. Today, he is known as a retail and travel destination pioneer with a passion for connecting people to nature. Bass Pro Shops now has 200 retail stores and marine centers across North America that welcome more than 200 million visitors annually. Johnny also revolutionized the marine industry with TRACKER, America’s best-selling fishing boats and ATVs, and offers genuine Ozarks hospitality at Big Cedar Lodge, a premier wilderness resort that Travel + Leisure has named “Best Resort in the Midwest” for three consecutive years. A leading conservationist nationally, in 2019 The National Audubon Society awarded Johnny with its prestigious Audubon Medal for his lifelong efforts to protect wildlife habitat and connect more people to the great outdoors.
In conservation circles Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris is often referred to as a modern-day Theodore Roosevelt for his leadership, personal commitment and dedication to conservation efforts.
A conservationist at heart, Johnny Morris recognized the need for citizens to take a strong position in the careful management and use of our natural resources. Using his entrepreneurial success as a platform for that cause, he has contributed heavily both in time and resources to many significant conservation organizations and initiatives.
Today he is one of the country’s leaders working to ensure natural habitats, wildlife and the outdoors remain healthy and abundant for future generations to protect and enjoy, having established a significant personal legacy that spans national initiatives and extensive partnerships supporting conservation organizations.
Named after the well-known American author, the Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award (PHCHHA) was first announced in Dallas, Texas, at DSC’s Annual Convention in 2004. The award is presented each year by Peter’s widow, DSC Life Member Fiona Claire Capstick.
Johnny accepted his award at the Saturday Night Banquet at the 2025 DSC Convention & Sporting Expo.
Named after the well-known American author, the Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award (PHCHHA) was first announced in Dallas, Texas, at DSC’s Annual Convention in 2004. The award is presented each year by Peter’s widow, DSC Life Member Fiona Claire Capstick.
Purpose
Capstick’s defense of the international big game hunting community and the role of hunting in the conservation of wildlife and its habitat made him a household name. The objective of this award is to bring honor and recognition to an individual, organization or group whose achievements reveal a sustained and significant contribution to the conservation of wildlife and its habitat. Additionally, the winner will have shown long-term commitment to our hunting heritage by pursuing that goal for the benefit of future generations.
The PHCHHA honors the memory of a great man whose writings captured his love of the hunt, his respect for and understanding of wildlife and wild lands, and also promotes the hunting legacy and conservation of our wildlife resources.
Criteria
Award criteria include active involvement in: education, hunting, conservation organizations, humanitarian causes, research, permanent endowments, and charitable giving.
Application
To nominate, a DSC member should send as much background on the nominee as they deem appropriate. All nominations should be received by August 25.
Presentation
The Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award recipient will be announced and presented the award at an evening banquet during the annual Convention.