Outdoor News Foundation Names 2026 Scholarship Recipients
The nonprofit arm of Outdoor News awarded scholarships to three students and funded two college award programs.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Scholarships
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The Outdoor News Foundation has named its 2026 scholarship recipients, including three students and funding for Delta Waterfowl's University Hunting Program and the Outdoor Writers Association of America's Bodie McDowell Scholarship fund. The announcement follows the Foundation's first round of scholarships, announced in November 2025.
Why it matters
Most wildlife management students have had little or no exposure to duck hunting or to the role hunting plays in North American wildlife management. The awards aim to build that hands-on experience for students entering conservation careers.
The Foundation named three students and two college award programs as 2026 recipients, with three or more students to be awarded annually through the Bodie McDowell fund. Donations start at a suggested minimum of $25, and the Foundation placed roughly 2,500 copies of Outdoor News in youth hands.
The players
Outdoor News Foundation
The nonprofit arm of Outdoor News, launched in 2024 to fund scholarships and youth outdoor education.
Delta Waterfowl
A waterfowl conservation organization whose University Hunting Program pairs college students with hunter safety and mentored hunts.
Outdoor Writers Association of America
A professional association of outdoor communicators whose Bodie McDowell Scholarship fund supports students in outdoor fields.
The details
Recipients include Noah Thelen, a University of Minnesota-Twin Cities senior, Jace Kelnhofer, a University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point junior, and Ethan Falkinburg, an Ohio State University senior. The Foundation also provided Outdoor News subscription access to nearly 250 young students.
Timeline
2024: Outdoor News Foundation launched.
November 2025: Foundation announced its first round of scholarships.
2017: Delta Waterfowl launched its University Hunting Program.
Nov. 19, 2026: Give to the Max Day donation campaign.
Spring 2027: Bodie McDowell Scholarships will be awarded.
Legacy Program Extension
The scholarship extends Delta Waterfowl's University Hunting Program, which launched in 2017 and has since affiliated with more than 120 colleges. The Foundation's support marks its first funding to the OWAA Bodie McDowell fund, adding a second pipeline for outdoor students.
Students pursuing wildlife and conservation degrees can access hands-on duck hunting and conservation instruction tied to their regular coursework. Readers can support the effort with a donation starting at a suggested $25 minimum.
The takeaway
Hands-on field experience can close the gap between classroom wildlife training and the realities of hunting's role in conservation. Students interested in these programs can look to scholarships and university partnerships as early entry points.
What happens next
The Bodie McDowell Scholarships will be awarded in spring 2027, and Give to the Max Day donations are scheduled for Nov. 19, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more on Scholarships for students pursuing outdoor and conservation careers.
More information
Learn more or donate through the Outdoor News Foundation donation and information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Outdoor News.
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