Congratulations! We’ve all made another outdoor trip around the sun and now 2022 is in the rearview mirror. Before I focus on what’s ahead in 2023, I want to look back and celebrate some of the events that helped make OTT and 2022 special. How should I do that? My inspiration came from Michael Scott of the popular TV show “The Office.” Instead of a Dundie, I’m awarding something better: a Davie.

The first Davie Award goes to The Journal for being named Ellsworth’s Small Business of the Year. With so many struggling and failing newspapers, The Journal is successfully swimming against the current. The newspaper continues to grow while strengthening ties to Pierce County communities. In addition to that, my annual review is coming up. Congratulations to The Journal on winning the very first Davie Award for Best Newspaper!

The Davie Award for Best Family Picture goes to the Zimmer family of Ellsworth. Kayla bagged this huge tom that her husband Jordan called in while their sons Louie and Jack silently cheered them on from the back of the turkey blind. Congratulations Zimmer family!

The Davie Award for Best Kid/Perch Picture goes out to my young fishing friend Evie from Spring Valley. This was her very first fish. The photo makes me smile every time I look at it. Congratulations Evie!

The Davie Award for Best Wild Turkey Recipe goes out to long time OTT fan Dave Johnson of Ellsworth. Dave’s bacon wrapped turkey bites … well, enough said. Congrats Dave!

The Davie Award for Best Dive Off the Back of the Boat goes to Doc Roger. While taking photos of a fish I had just caught, he dove in after his rod and reel that got snagged and then slipped out of the boat into the water. I didn’t see it, but I heard the splash. When I turned around, the musky and me were the only ones in the boat. He saved the rod and reel but lost his glasses. Regardless, nice dive and catch Doc Roger!

The final Davie Award for Best Dad Moment goes to Brady Bundy of Ellsworth who celebrated bagging his buck with his son Easton. How cool is this picture? Congrats Brady and Easton!

That concludes the very first edition of The Davies. I am looking forward to a 2023 filled with great photos. Happy New Year, and thanks for supporting OTT and The Journal!

Didn’t get enough Dave this week? Visit “Outdoor Trails and Tales with Dave Beck” on Facebook for photos and video of Dave’s adventures. You can share your own photos and video with him there as well, or by emailing him at [email protected] Also, check out OTT content on Instagram @ thepiercecountyjournal