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Orvis Announces 2016 Endorsed Lodges, Outfitters and Guide Awards:
Recognizing the Very Finest Sporting Operations Worldwide
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“It is with great pride that we announce the 2016 award winners of the annual Orvis Endorsed Lodges, Outfitters and Guides,” explains David Perkins, Vice Chairman of Orvis. “These designees are selected based on the feedback from customers – the people who matter most to all of us here at Orvis. Each of these winners demonstrates the highest standards for customer service, professionalism, commitment to conservation, and respect for our natural world. These are the factors that have earned them the prestigious designation of 2016 Orvis Endorsed Lodges, Outfitters, and Guides.”
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2016 Orvis-Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year
Paul Nelson Farm - Gettysburg, SD
In 1992, the Nelson’s began hosting pheasant hunters, as they pioneered habitat management to enhance bird populations. Today Paul Nelson Farm (pictured on right) is known worldwide for its extraordinary wingshooting hunts. Located in the heart of pheasant country, the 12,000-acre farm is sustainably managed for bird habitat. With unforgettable menus, unrivaled hunting, and an uncommon passion for genial hospitality, the Paul Nelson Farm experience is like no other.

2016 Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge of the Year
The Lodge at Glendorn – Bradford, PA
Steeped in history and culture, The Lodge at Glendorn is northwest Pennsylvania’s only luxury nature resort designed in the style of historic, grand family campus. Ensconced in more than 1,500 acres bordering the Allegheny National Forest, The Lodge at Glendorn offers 16 uniquely designed accommodations, family-friendly activities for every season, and a custom experience for each and every guest.

2016 Orvis-Endorsed International Destination of the Year
Magic Waters Patagonia Lodge – Coyhaique, Chile
Magic Waters is nestled in the mountain valleys of the Aysén region in Southern Chile. The lodge’s close proximity to the costal rainforests and Eastern Patagonian Steppe provide each angler with a multitude of opportunities to experience the region’s best fishing while enjoying some of the world’s most impressive, natural scenery.

2016 Orvis-Endorsed Outfitter of the Year
Ellensburg Angler – Ellensburg, WA
The patient, friendly guide staff of Ellensburg Angler is dedicated to giving you the fishing trip of a lifetime, regardless of age or skill level. Believing that a guided fly-fishing trip is about a lot more than just fish in the net; we pride ourselves not just on our ability to catch fish, but also on our ability to teach, talk and help you enjoy your day on the river to the fullest.

2016 Orvis-Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year
Randy Matis, Classic Bird Hunts – Elgin, AZ
Catering to the foot hunter in pursuit of wild game birds over classic pointing dogs, Randy Matis has been in the guiding business for over 30 years. His upland hunts are not for the faint of heart—you will be walking miles in a day’s hunt. It will be worth every step, as heart stopping memories will be your reward.

2016 Orvis-Endorsed Freshwater Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year
John Herzer, Blackfoot River Outfitters – Missoula, MT
John Herzer, owner and guide of Blackfoot River Outfitters, has been sharing Montana’s rivers with anglers for over 25 years and has been known for treating his customers like they are family. John and his staff strive to make your trip arrangements flawless and impart fly fishing knowledge that is informed, honest, and timely. Along the way, you’ll have some fun catching beautiful, wild, Montana trout.

2016 Orvis-Endorsed Saltwater Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year
Capt. Ken Chambers, Backcountry Guide Service – Naples, FL
Capt. Ken Chambers believes chasing fish with a fly rod is the ultimate shallow water experience. He spends days with clients targeting snook, redfish and tarpon in the shallow bays and coves of the 10,000 Islands and Everglades National Park.

2016 Orvis-Endorsed Guide Lifetime Achievement Award
Carolyn Parker, River Run Outfitters – Branson, MO
Carolyn started fly fishing Lake Tannycomo in the mid-1960’s. Seeking a life that allowed them to pursue their passion, Carolyn and her husband Stan started the River Run Outfitters in Branson, Missouri. Teaching expert and beginner anglers with equal enthusiasm has been Carolyn’s hallmark. It is her goal with each student to get them as excited about fly fishing as she is. Through Carolyn’s leadership, positive attitude and focus on making fly fishing accessible, River Run Outfitters have been multiple finalists and earned the 2006 Orvis Outfitter of the Year Award.

Carolyn’s real passion is promoting women’s participation in fly fishing. She runs several women’s classes each year and through this has helped form The River Runners Women’s Fly Fishing Club. She is the first to share; some of her best days have been spent helping women catch their first fly-caught fish.

For thirty years the Orvis Company has been recognizing excellence in sporting experiences through its Endorsed Lodges Outfitters and Guides program. Each endorsed operation has its own character, but all share the same high standards: great service, great fishing or wingshooting, and an experienced, professional staff. These standards of excellence are continually reviewed by the Orvis staff and evaluated by visiting guests in post-visit critiques sent directly to The Orvis Company. Orvis-Endorsed operations cater to sportsmen of every ability, from beginners to experts.

About Orvis Company
Founded in 1856, Orvis pioneered the mail order industry in the United States. It now operates multiple catalog titles, three websites, more than 80 retail stores in the US and the UK, including its Flagship Store in Manchester, Vermont, and serves a network of over 400 authorized dealers worldwide. The oldest continuously operated catalog company in the country, Orvis provides authentic products, knowledge and experience that define outdoor adventures, with unsurpassed innovation and expertise in fly-fishing and wingshooting. A leading corporate steward for the environment, Orvis contributes 5% of pre-tax profits every year to protect nature, support communities and advance canine health and wellbeing. The company’s international headquarters for its mail order, ecommerce, retail, and wholesale businesses are in Manchester, Vermont. Learn more at www.orvis.com.

Media Contact:
Tyler Atkins
Orvis
802-362-8729