SDTA Koffler Award

The Koffler Award is presented each year in memory of Mr. Lyle Koffler, co-founder, first secretary/treasurer, and public relations director of the SDTA.

The award is presented  to an SDTA member who has stood above many in leadership qualities and places the betterment of trapping in South Dakota above his or her own personal aspirations.

2005 Koffler Award

The 2005 Koffler Award, the highest honor given to a SDTA member, was awarded to Charlie Eich from Salem, SD, at the Fall Rendezvous at Mid-States Camp near Volga, SD.

Charlie has given the SDTA many years of valuable service. For several years he helped the SDTA run the education booths at Prairie Village near Madison, SD, and many of the gun shows in eastern South Dakota. Charlie has made several appearances in our public schools, giving presentations on trapping, the history of trapping and showing the kids traps and tanned fur. Charlie and his wife, Mary Ann, have for many years donated countless hours at the Sioux Falls Sioux Empire Water Festival and last year, for the first time, the Brookings Big Sioux Water Festival, working with third and fourth graders. Whenever you see Charlie, you can’t help but notice that he is enjoying what he is doing, and he always has a smile to greet everyone. I’m sure you have seen him doing numerous tasks behind the front desk at the SDTA Spring and Fall Conventions. Charlie will not hesitate to work in the kitchen or other places when help is needed. Over the past 15 years or so, Charlie has always been one of the top raffle ticket sellers for the SDTA. Charlie has been one of the most dedicated directors the SDTA has ever had, faithfully making all the meetings and contributing his wisdom. With all of his accomplishments, Charlie has set the bar a little higher for others to follow. For all the years of dedication and help, we salute you, Charlie Eich, with the 2005 Koffler Award.

Many Thanks,
Gary Poppenga, SDTA Director

2004 Koffler Award

Terry Olson being presented the 2004 Koffler Award by Gary Poppenga

After many years of dedicated service to the SDTA, Terry Olson of Madison, SD has received the SDTA most distinguished award, THE KOFFLER AWARD. The award is named in memory of the late Lyle Koffler, who was one of the co-founders of the SDTA in 1963. Lyle was also the first Public Relations Director and Secretary/Treasurer of the SDTA.

Each year Terry takes his own personal time to sell 15-20 books of raffle tickets, and he always donates a pelt or two to the tanned fur program. The funds raised by sales of tanned fur and raffle tickets are very important in order for the SDTA to maintain quality trapping education programs.

We think the main attribute of Terry Olson is his unselfish manner in placing the welfare of others above his own. For this and other reasons mentioned, we feel that Terry Olson was the best candidate for the 2004 Koffler Award.

Kim Potter