Delta Waterfowl Celebrates 2025-2026 Chapter Volunteers of the Year

The Duck Hunters Organization honors the dedication and service of community leaders who support the mission for ducks and duck hunters

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — More than 6,300 men and women throughout the United States and Canada serve as Delta Waterfowl volunteers in their local communities to mentor new hunters, improve waterfowl habitat, boost duck production, enhance hunting opportunities, and raise funds to support the organization’s programs. 

Each year, Delta recognizes outstanding chapter leaders with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Every chapter selects its local Volunteer of the Year, and each is then nominated for Delta’s international awards.

Delta is proud to announce five International Volunteers of the Year for 2025-2026: 

Timothy Hoops, NORCO Chapter, Windsor, Colorado
Daniel Greak, Trinity Valley Chapter, Dayton, Texas 
Justin Cooper, Buffalo Basin Chapter, Meservey, Iowa 
Andrew Stepanuk, Northern Flyways Chapter, Fort McMurray, Alberta
Adam Gingher, Mason Dixon Line Chapter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Delta is proud to recognize all of our outstanding chapter leaders for their contributions to the organization’s mission. 

“I am continually impressed by the dedication of Delta Waterfowl volunteers,” said Jason Tharpe, chief executive officer. “They continue to show up for Delta with an unmatched commitment for waterfowl conservation. Congratulations to all the VOY honorees and thank you to all of our 6,300 volunteers who continue to drive Delta’s mission.”

Presented by Stoeger, the Delta Waterfowl International Volunteer of the Year Award recognized these chapter leaders for their hard work on behalf of ducks and duck hunters. Each was awarded a plaque at the Champions of Delta Luncheon during the 2026 Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo and will receive a Stoeger M3500 12-gauge shotgun in Realtree camo.

Timothy Hoops has always wanted to make a difference for ducks and duck hunters. 

As founder and chairman of the NORCO Chapter, he has turned that passion into record-breaking success. The chapter’s first banquet in 2024 was successful, and under Hoops’ leadership, fundraising has continued to grow through pre-event raffles, corporate table sales, and community support. In 2026, the NORCO Chapter hosted the first six-figure fundraising event in the western United States, netting a record $120,848.

“My passion for waterfowl comes from being able to hunt with my kids, family, friends, and dog,” Hoops said. “I want to make sure those opportunities are available for future generations.”

Giving back locally is a priority for the NORCO Chapter. In its third year with Delta Waterfowl, the chapter invested in Hen Houses and funded youth, veterans’, and women’s hunts. 

“The youth mentor and veterans’ hunts were a huge success,” Hoops said. “Getting new hunters involved and creating those experiences is what it’s all about.” 

Daniel Greak has a strong dedication to conservation and waterfowl hunting, which led him to help start the Trinity Valley Chapter in 2023. In just three years, it has become one of Delta Waterfowl’s most successful chapters. 

“Tons of hours spent in a blind, pit, field, and a flooded river bottom everywhere from Utah to South Texas and most of the Midwest,” Greak said. “Just appreciating the sights, sounds, and conservation that come along with being a waterfowler.”

With Greak’s leadership, the chapter has installed more than 120 nesting structures, awarded annual scholarships to students, hosted fundraising events, supported an internship program with the Trinity Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and assisted neighboring chapters.

“One of our goals is to become one of the best chapters in Texas,” Greak said. “We want to be a voice of local hunters on a national conservation platform, and to give back locally in meaningful ways that not only help hunters harvest more ducks, but conservationists to see more ducks.”

Under his guidance, the chapter has generated more than $230,000 in net fundraising revenue with the 2026 event still pending and has earned Top 25 Chapter recognition for two consecutive years.

Justin Cooper recently became chairman for the Buffalo Basin Chapter after serving as vice chairman for the past four years. He has already made a strong impact.

At the chapter’s recent banquet, Cooper generated $13,000 in table sales and $2,000 in underwriting, while recruiting four new committee members within two months.

“My greatest hope is that my family and future generations will have the same love for the outdoors, waterfowl hunting, and conservation that has truly shaped my life. That is why I volunteer and why this mission means so much to me,” Cooper said. 

Beyond his chapter leadership, Cooper creates hand-carved wooden American flags for chapters across Iowa, helping raise more than $52,000 in regional fundraising revenue. He also donated a flag at both the 2025 and 2026 Delta Expos.

“Volunteering for Delta Waterfowl gives me the opportunity to give back to a resource that has given so much to me,” Cooper said. “It’s been very rewarding to work alongside dedicated people who share a passion for conservation, community, and preserving our outdoor heritage.”

In addition to his chapter contributions, Cooper made time to take eight new youth hunters waterfowl hunting and participate and help with the region’s statewide veterans’ hunt.

Andrew Stepanuk serves as chairman of the Northern Flyways Chapter, where he is deeply committed to engaging with the next generation of hunters and strengthening local conservation efforts in Alberta.

“Some of my fondest memories are introducing friends and family to the world of waterfowl hunting,” Stepanuk said. “When one of the first flock of geese or ducks locks into the spread, it’s something special.”

The chapter hosted a sold-out event that generated $30,000. The event showcased the strength of his committee and their ability to work together and deliver a successful banquet.

“Our banquet was definitely one of the highlights of my life,” Stepanuk said.  

Under his guidance, the chapter has sourced, constructed, and installed more than 20 Hen Houses, contributing to Delta’s conservation efforts in the prairie pothole region. In addition, Stepanuk is building stronger relationships across the oil sands community by engaging with local businesses and civic leaders in support of waterfowl conservation. 

Adam Gingher is the vice chairman of the Mason Dixon Line Chapter, where his passion for community, conservation, and youth engagement in the outdoors has helped shape the chapter’s early success.  

“I am dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy for our children,” Gingher said. “By supporting conservation efforts, raising critical funds, and keeping our youth actively engaged in the outdoors.”

In just three years since its founding, the Mason Dixon Line Chapter has grown into the highest-grossing chapter in its region. Gingher played a key role in that growth while also supporting neighboring chapters through HunteR3 efforts, the University Hunting Program, and ongoing fundraising initiatives.
 
“Our chapter’s achievements mean everything to us because they represent more than just success,” Gingher said. “It represents our commitment to the future.”

Balancing a demanding work schedule and being a father, Gingher continues to show that no role or responsibility is too small when it comes to advancing conservation. He is helping ensure the traditions of waterfowl hunting continue for years to come.

Congratulations to all of the recipients and thank you to all of Delta’s volunteers!

Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group founded in 1911 that uses science-based solutions to produce ducks, conserve prairie wetlands, and ensure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.

For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact Scott Terning.