MADISON, WI, September 8, 2026…The Wisconsin Sporting Alliance today announced that State Representative Todd Novak (R–Dodgeville) has been selected as its 2026 Sportsman of the Year for his outstanding legislative leadership on behalf of Wisconsin’s hunters, anglers, conservationists and outdoor recreation community.

Novak represents Wisconsin’s 51st Assembly District in southwest Wisconsin, an area known for its exceptional trout streams, public hunting lands, forests, farms and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The Wisconsin Sporting Alliance recognized Representative Novak for his longstanding commitment to conservation, including:

  • Chairing the bipartisan Assembly Task Force on Water Quality.
  • Authoring legislation to strengthen county Land and Water Conservation Departments.
  • Supporting the University of Wisconsin Freshwater Collaborative to advance research on water quality and emerging contaminants.
  • Supporting conservation practices that improve water quality while maintaining Wisconsin’s hunting and fishing traditions.
  • Consistent support for wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation and responsible stewardship of Wisconsin’s natural resources.

“Rep. Todd Novak has earned a statewide reputation as one of Wisconsin’s most thoughtful conservation leaders,” said Craig Peterson, representing the Wisconsin Sporting Alliance. “Whether the issue is clean water, healthy fisheries, wildlife habitat or protecting our outdoor traditions, Rep. Novak has demonstrated a willingness to work across party lines to find practical solutions.”

“Sportsmen understand that conservation is not a partisan issue,” Peterson said. “Rep. Novak’s leadership has reflected the longstanding Wisconsin conservation ethic established by generations of hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.”

The Wisconsin Sporting Alliance’s Sportsman of the Year Award recognizes public officials whose leadership has advanced 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.