DNR biologist presented with national lifetime award

Indiana DNR Release:

Indiana Department of Natural Resources biologist Steve Backs, who has been intimately involved with the restoration of the state's wild turkey population, was recently presented with a lifetime achievement award by the National Wild Turkey Federation at its national convention.

Backs, a member of the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, was one of two men receiving the Federation’s Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award.

"Indiana hunters largely owe the opportunity to enjoy their sport within state lines to Steve and his lifetime body of work," said Robert E. Carter Jr. DNR director. "This recognition on a national level affirms what DNR staff members have known for a long time."

Backs has spent 31 years dedicating his career to quail, wild turkey and grouse research and conservation. During that time, the number of wild turkeys in the state has increased dramatically, and its number of turkey hunters has grown from fewer than 1,000 to more than 60,000.

In 1996, Backs was honored as the IDNR's Division of Fish and Wildlife Biologist of the Year. During his career, he has received several other service awards.

"Steve has steadily produced quality research and insight into upland bird biology, from turkeys to quail and grouse," said Robert Abernethy, NWTF's assistant vice president of agency and outreach programs. "He has authored more than 350 internal reports and published more than 20 technical manuscripts, including papers in five of nine National Wild Turkey Symposiums.

"Upland bird biology wouldn't be what it is today without his contributions."

The award's namesake was a pioneer in the restoration of wild turkey populations.

"Wayne Bailey accomplished so much in his career and everyone looked up to him," Backs said. "To receive an award named after one of my mentors is truly humbling."