In the heart of Wisconsin’s hunting community, two individuals stood out in 2024 for their commitment to doing the right thing in the field. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) named Eliot Babino of Platteville and Cody Kabus of Independence as the recipients of the 2024 Ethical Hunter Award. The ceremony, held on April 17 at Vortex Optics headquarters in Barneveld, celebrated their actions, which exemplified the kind of character and respect that hunters across the state strive to embody.
The Ethical Hunter Award, sponsored by Vortex Optics, a trusted name in hunting gear, is a prestigious recognition that highlights hunters who demonstrate outstanding moral conduct during their time in the field. This year’s winners, one an archer and the other a gun-deer hunter, were chosen for their actions that went above and beyond the expectations of fair chase and respect for the sport. The award ceremony brought together DNR game wardens, including April Dombrowski, Jane Voskuilen, and Renee Thok, alongside Ryan Muckenhirn from Vortex Optics, to honor these two individuals who represent the best of Wisconsin’s hunting tradition.
Eliot Babino, hailing from Platteville, and Cody Kabus, from Independence, were selected from nominations submitted by peers, community members, or others who witnessed their ethical behavior. The DNR’s Ethical Hunter Award, established in 1997, has long been a way to shine a spotlight on those who make tough but honorable choices, whether it’s respecting wildlife, adhering to regulations, or ensuring safety in the field. Each winner received a wooden plaque, a symbol of their dedication to the principles that keep hunting a respected tradition in Wisconsin.
The April 17 event at Vortex Optics was more than just a ceremony—it was a moment to reflect on what hunting means to so many in Wisconsin. For Babino, an archer, and Kabus, a gun-deer hunter, their actions in the field set an example for others. While the specifics of their deeds weren’t detailed in the announcements, the DNR emphasized that both hunters showed exceptional character, likely involving decisions that prioritized fairness, respect for the land, or the safety of others. These are the kinds of choices that resonate with hunters who know the weight of carrying a bow or rifle in the woods.
Wisconsin’s hunting culture runs deep, with deer season being a time-honored tradition that brings families and friends together. The Ethical Hunter Award serves as a reminder that hunting is about more than the harvest—it’s about integrity, respect for nature, and passing on values to the next generation. Vortex Optics, based in Barneveld, has been a proud sponsor of the award, aligning their brand with the values of responsibility and sportsmanship that hunters hold dear. The company’s headquarters provided a fitting backdrop for the ceremony, surrounded by the rolling hills of Wisconsin’s countryside, where so many hunters spend their fall mornings.
The 2024 award recipients, Babino and Kabus, represent the kind of hunters who make the sport something to be proud of. Their recognition comes at a time when Wisconsin’s deer hunting season is in the spotlight, with preliminary data showing a 5.2% increase in deer harvest during the 2024 gun season. This uptick reflects the passion and dedication of hunters across the state, but it’s the actions of individuals like Babino and Kabus that remind everyone why ethical behavior matters. Whether it’s choosing not to take a risky shot, helping a fellow hunter, or respecting the land, these small but significant acts strengthen the hunting community.
Nominations for the Ethical Hunter Award are a key part of the process, and the DNR encourages hunters and community members to submit stories of exceptional conduct each year. The 2024 nomination period, which ran through late December, saw stories pour in from across Wisconsin, highlighting the many ways hunters uphold the values of the sport. For those who nominated Babino and Kabus, their stories clearly stood out to the award committee, which includes experienced game wardens like Dombrowski, Voskuilen, and Thok, who understand the challenges hunters face in the field.
For hunters in Wisconsin, the Ethical Hunter Award is a point of pride, a way to celebrate those who lead by example. Since its inception, the award has recognized dozens of hunters who’ve made tough calls in the moment—decisions that might not always lead to a successful hunt but always reflect the right thing to do. Babino and Kabus now join that group, their names etched into the legacy of Wisconsin’s hunting heritage. Their wooden plaques, presented at the Vortex Optics headquarters, serve as a lasting reminder of their commitment to the sport and the values it upholds.
As the 2024 hunting season fades into memory, the actions of Eliot Babino and Cody Kabus will continue to inspire. Whether stalking through the woods with a bow or waiting patiently with a rifle, hunters across Wisconsin can look to these two men as examples of what it means to hunt with honor. The Ethical Hunter Award isn’t just about one moment in the field—it’s about a mindset that respects the land, the wildlife, and the traditions that make hunting a way of life in Wisconsin.
