Pope & Young, America’s leading bowhunting organization, recently unveiled the Pope & Young Hall of Fame and inducted its first five members into the prestigious Hall. Membership in an organization with so many iconic hunters and conservationists is something to be held in high esteem. The impact these first five inductees have had on bowhunting cannot be understated.

The inaugural round of inductees include the following five bowhunting icons:

Glenn St. Charles

Glenn was with the National Field Archery Association (NFAA), where he served as the vice president, but he knew bowhunters needed their own organization. Someone to fight for the rights of bowhunters and help create more bowhunting opportunities throughout North America. He gathered several close friends and fellow bowhunters, and the foundation for today’s Pope & Young was laid. Glenn served as the first chairman and later the first president of Pope & Young.

Fred Bear

One of the most recognized bowhunters of the 20th century, Fred’s early work filming and promoting bowhunting is unparalleled. A significant contributor to Pope & Young, Fred introduced mass production to archery equipment, making and inventing countless adaptations of bowhunting equipment. His films, books, articles, and television appearances captured the imagination of millions and introduced millions to the sport of bowhunting. Fred became a member of Pope & Young in 1961 and served on its first board.

Scott Showalter

Outgoing and very likable, Scott was instrumental in the development of Pope & Young’s record keeping system. Taking over as records chairman, Scott organized, streamlined, and promoted the records keeping program. His efforts helped Pope & Young promote bowhunting at the state level throughout the United States, and these records helped to prove that bowhunting was a legitimate means of harvesting big game animals and an effective management tool. These efforts led to greater hunting opportunities and seasons for bowhunters across North America.

Jim Dougherty

A great hunter and one of the world's best varmint, turkey and wildfowl callers, Jim served numerous roles within Pope & Young throughout his tenure. He served as P&Y executive secretary from 1969-1970, P&Y president from 1976-1984, and P&Y past president director from 1984-2002. On April 15, 2005, P&Y awarded Jim the special status of honorary lifetime senior membership — just the fourth person to receive this honor.

Harv Ebers

As a close friend to Glenn St. Charles, Harv was part of the group in Seattle that laid out the road map and outlined the initial principles of what we know as Pope & Young today. Always even keeled and charitable in his demeanor, Harv was instrumental in maintaining a cohesive working relationship among board members as the organization grew and developed. With a commitment to serving, Harv served on the first board of directors, and was records chairman for 30 years. Harv remains to this day a passionate bowhunter who gets out in the field as often as he can.

These five inductees exemplify the characteristics of Pope & Young. Their dedication to preserving, promoting and protecting the sport of bowhunting serves as the foundation for Pope & Young’s mission. P&Y is honored to induct them as the first members of the Pope & Young Hall of Fame.