First annual Ian McMurchy Award at SHOT

Well, that’s yet another SHOT Show finished for me; I fly back to Toronto tomorrow. I put a lot of miles on my soles, met lots of people, did some networking, saw plenty of cool new gear and caught up with some old friends—just what SHOT is all about from my perspective in the media.

The highlight today was the presentation of the first annual Ian McMurchy Award from Nikon. If you are an avid reader of Canadian outdoor magazines, including Outdoor Canada, you’ve surely read at least one of Ian’s articles over the years. The widely published writer and photographer was also an accomplished marksman and expert on firearms, as well as a member of Nikon’s pro staff. Sadly, Ian passed away in late 2008. To honour Ian and his contributions—and to award outdoor writers who exemplify his passion for the outdoors—Nikon presented the inaugural award today to Scott Olmsted, editor of the National Rifle Association’s American Hunter magazine. Congrats, Scott.

On hand for the ceremony was Ian’s widow, Darlene, as well as his children Glen, Joey and Katie. It was nice to finally meet Darlene, as she was extremely helpful late last year in digging up photos of Ian from his last African hunting safari (a piece Ian wrote for Outdoor Canada before he passed away was finally published in the recent Winter 2010 issue).