Conservation Director
Donald L. Schoonover

     As many of you have heard by now the Ohio Bass Federation has a new Conservation Director, so let me take a few moments to introduce myself. My name is Donald L. Schoonover, known to many as Lonnie. I am a member of the Gallipolis Bass Busters and have been in and out of this club since 1990. I have held the positions of club President, Tournament Director, and Treasurer all at least one term.

     I graduated from college with an associate degree in wildlife management in 1971 and then entered into the Army where I served in the Medical Corps for ten years. After being discharged, I enlisted in the Ohio National Guard, and retired as a Master Sergeant. I am employed with the United States Postal Service as the Postmaster of Kerr, Ohio. I also have my own business, a pet store in Gallipolis, Ohio. I am married, have three children, a son in the Army, stationed in Germany and just returned from serving 17 months in Iraq, two daughters, a stepson and stepdaughter, six grandchildren and one great grandson.

      I grew up here in Gallipolis and spent much of my time hunting and fishing. My parents had a fishing cabin on the Muskingum River where I spent half my summer fishing for catfish with my Father. I did not get into bass fishing until I was in the Army and stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. I lived off Post and on Lake Vernon, and was only 15 miles from Toledo Bend. Fishing was my greatest enjoyment when I was stationed in Panama at Fort Gulick. I spent time each week fishing for Peacock Bass, with my largest one weighing 19lbs 15 oz, and Tarpon with my largest at 128lbs. Panama is truly a fishermans dream come true. I did not do any tournament fishing until I joined the Gallipolis Bass Busters and then only club level for several years. I still enjoy this type of competition fishing best. 

     The position of Conservation Director is not one to be taken lightly with all of the anti groups we have today. We must strive to continue our sport and to do so in a manner that conserves the resources that are available to us. This means more than just fishing and taking care of our catch. Each one of us must be aware of the issues at hand and give some of our time to tackle the issues that arise and to do so in timely manner. Some of the things that come up may not seem important to you as an individual but they will have an impact on all outdoor sports, and thus us. I will try to keep you informed as to what issues there are, how they will effect us, and what we need to do to tackle an issue. I look forward to serving this fine organization.