SPRING GREEN, WI, September 8, 2026, … The Wisconsin Sporting Alliance today announced that Wisconsin State Senator Howard Marklein (R–Spring Green) has been selected as its 2026 Wisconsin Senate Sportsman of the Year in recognition of his leadership in advancing Wisconsin’s hunting, fishing, conservation and outdoor heritage.
Marklein represents Wisconsin’s 17th Senate District, a predominantly rural district stretching across portions of southwest Wisconsin that includes communities where agriculture, hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation remain an important part of the local economy and culture. As co-chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance, he has played a leading role in shaping state conservation investments through the biennial budget.
The Wisconsin Sporting Alliance cited Senator Marklein’s support for:
· Funding for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources conservation and wildlife management programs.
>> WisPolitics is now on the State Affairs network. Get custom keyword notifications, bill tracking and all WisPolitics content. Get the app or access via desktop.
· Investments in fish hatcheries and fisheries management.
· Habitat restoration and outdoor recreation opportunities.
· Significant state funding to address PFAS contamination and protect Wisconsin’s drinking water.
· Conservation initiatives that benefit sportsmen while protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources through the state budget process.
“Sen. Howard Marklein understands that Wisconsin’s hunters and anglers have always been among our state’s greatest conservationists,” said Craig Peterson, of the Wisconsin Sporting Alliance. “His leadership has helped ensure that wildlife management, fisheries, habitat conservation and clean water remain priorities for Wisconsin.”
“Strong conservation and a strong sporting tradition go hand in hand,” Peterson said. “Sen. Marklein has demonstrated that protecting our outdoor heritage and responsibly managing our natural resources are investments in Wisconsin’s future.”
The Wisconsin Sporting Alliance’s Sportsman of the Year Award recognizes public officials whose legislative leadership has strengthened hunting, fishing, wildlife conservation, clean water and public access to outdoor recreation.
An award presentation will be announced at a later date.
About the Wisconsin Sporting Alliance
The Wisconsin Sporting Alliance is a statewide organization dedicated to protecting Wisconsin’s outdoor heritage through the promotion of hunting, fishing, wildlife conservation, clean water, clean air, public access and responsible stewardship of Wisconsin’s natural resources.
