With countless books, articles and photographs to his name, few have cut as wide a swath in outdoor journalism as Wayne van Zwoll. And recently, the legendary journalist’s contributions to the field were recognized.
Bushnell Outdoor Products awarded van Zwoll the Bill McRae Lifetime Achievement Award for his more than 50-year career. The award was introduced in 2011 and is meant to recognize individuals who have had a profound impact on the outdoor industry.
Van Zwoll has certainly left his mark on the outdoors as one of its most respected journalists. He is a long-time contributor to Gun Digest the Magazine and has published a number of books with Gun Digest Books.
His books have touched upon firearms, ballistics and sporting optics – his latest being Mastering the Art of Long Range Shooting. And his expertise has been shaped by a lifetime of sport and competitive shooting. He has spent time afield on five continents and guided in Utah and Wyoming.
Van Zwoll's articles have appeared in Field and Steam, Outdoor Life and a number of other publications. And his “Rifles & Cartridges” column in the Bugle is the longest running feature in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation magazine. He is a life member of the RMEF and a professional member of the Boone and Crockett Club.
After graduating Michigan State University, van Zwoll worked with the Bureau of Land Management and Washington State’s Department of Game. Later, he was a contract photographer for the U.S. Forest Service before becoming one of the RMEF’s first field directors. His passion for wildlife management led van Zwoll to earn his master’s degree from Oregon State University and then his doctorate from Utah State University.
Van Zwoll has shared his passion for shooting and hunting with more than his writing. He is a former Safari Club International marksmanship instructor, a certified hunter education instructor in five states and teaches at National Archery in the Schools Program in Bridgeport, Wash., where he resides.
In addition to the achievement award, Bushnell endowed a scholarship in van Zwoll’s name at the University of California-Davis for students pursuing a degree in optical sciences and engineering.
Wayne van Zwoll Books
Mastering the Art of Long Range Shooting
