Time has its “Person of the Year.”  Fly Rod & Reel has its “Angler of the Year” (a wonderful choice for 2007 in Ted Leeson, by the way).  It’s only right, therefore, that, in homage to our late, great moniker, “Fly Talk” anoints a “Fflogger of the Year.”

We are proud to announce the 2007 Field & Stream Fly Talk “Fflogger of the Year” recipient is none other than … Tyler Palmerton.

While admittedly a prestige notch or two down from the Presidential Medal of Freedom, it’s worth explaining why “The Ffloggie” represents kudos of the highest order.  The “Ffloggie” goes to the angler who demonstrates dedication to flyfishing that squarely borders the irrational … who is unafraid to chime in with unfiltered commentary on this blog … and who, above all, catches fish on the fly with unworldly skill, the likes of which we realize we will never replicate in our mortal lives.  So to the man, the machine, “Total Outdoorsman” gaffes not withstanding, here’s to Tyler.

Palmerton’s prize package includes a box of Federal 20-gauge shotgun shells, a spool of 10-pound Maxima, and a Rainier 12-pack.

Start compiling your own list of nominations for 2008.

Deeter

By Kim Hiss

Here's wishing us all straight aim and sure shots in 2008 (minus the wool skirt and painfully tight belt, though!). Happy New Year! -K.H.

By Kim Hiss

South Carolina reader Amy Tucker (you first met her a few months ago in the post about pregnant hunters) recently emailed this picture and a great little story to go with it. She'd actually posted an earlier comment about these two deer -- Amy had taken the four-pointer (her first buck - congrats!), and her friend got the 10. As she explains below, the photo itself led to some very cool workplace recognition. -K.H.

     I sent this picture to my boss, who gets a kick out of my hunting. He, in turn, sent it to his boss, who showed it to the VP of the company! This guy is a big dog and not someone who I ever thought would even know who I was, or care for that matter. It turns out he's a huge hunter! I went to a meeting, and this guy is telling the room about himself and says he likes to do what Amy Tucker likes to do on the weekends: Hunt! I about fell out of my chair.
     Anyway, we find each other after the meeting and start a friendship. He just went to Texas and got an 8-pointer that he emailed me pictures of! I now have a direct line to the VP thanks to hunting! How cool is that?! I think my other comrades must think I'm a kiss ass, or possibly that the whole thing just kicks ass - one of the two!

By Dave Hurteau & Chad Love

From a National Shooting Sports Foundation press release:

A ranking of states in categories including total number of hunters and anglers, spending by sportsmen, jobs supported, taxes generated, number of days spent hunting and fishing and the most traveled to states by hunters and anglers has been released for the first time.

Nationally, Texas is at the top of the pack. It is No. 1 in total hunters and anglers (2.6 million), money spent ($6.6 billion), jobs supported (106,000) and tax revenue generated ($1.3 billion). Florida lands the trophy for the No. 2 spot. . . .

What states have the most hunters and anglers? Texas is No. 1 (2.6 million), Florida No. 2 (two million), California No. 3 (1.7 million), Ohio No. 4 (1.48 million) and Pennsylvania No. 5 (1.41 million).

What states are the big spenders? Texas is No. 1 ($6.6 billion), Florida No.2 ($4.8 billion), California No. 3 ($3.6 billion), Pennsylvania No. 4 ($3.5 billion) and Minnesota No. 5 ($3.4 billion).
Click here for complete state-by-state rankings.