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.

Fall 2008 Koffler Award

Bob Stephenson, a veteran of 28 years of service in the SDTA, was the recipient of the 2008 Koffler Award. Bob and his wife and kids, have lived in Highmore, SD all his life. Bob has served as an SDTA director for 12 years. He was in charge of the BB gun shoots for several years at the Fall Rendezvous. From that point, Bob moved up into several other leadership positions in the SDTA. He was a dedicated director, never missed a meeting in the 12 years that he served.
Over the past 20 years and more, Bob has been one of our top raffle ticket sellers and donor of a lot of fur to the tanned fur program. He has done several gun shows for the SDTA, and conducted two trapping schools for kids. Bob has assisted the SDTA Trapper Education Booth at the Black Hills Stock Show since the show began. He has been the SDTA manager of the SDTA booth the past four years.
With his many accomplishments, it is clear that Bob has the spirit of a dedicated trapper. The Lyle Koffler Award is given to a SDTA member annually who has demonstrated a desire and will to work for the betterment of trapping in South Dakota. Bob Stephenson has done that and more to meet that criteria. Thank you and congratulations from the SDTA board of directors and membership for all that you have done for the SDTA and trappers in South Dakota.