Dallas Safari Club (DSC) is proud to announce that Wayne F. Farnsworth, Jr. has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Bob Speegle Outstanding Hunting Achievement Award (OHAA). A dedicated outdoorsman whose hunting pursuits have spanned all six huntable continents over 36 years, Farnsworth embodies the spirit of ethical, fair-chase hunting and the commitment to personal challenge that the award represents.
"Wayne's record of achievement is built on respect—for wildlife, for the hunt, and for the people who make these adventures possible," said DSC President Ray Mulholland. "His dedication to ethical, free-range hunting and his deep appreciation for the traditions of our sport make him a fitting recipient of this prestigious honor."
OHAA Chair Wilson Stout added, "The Outstanding Hunting Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the lifelong pursuit of ethical hunting. Wayne's accomplishments—spanning continents, species, and extreme conditions—speak to a hunter who embraces challenge and honors the legacy of those who came before him."
Farnsworth expressed sincere appreciation for the award and those who contributed to his journey. "Knowing how hard the OHAA committee and associates work in making this award possible, how proud they are of it and how serious they are in scrutinizing all applicants to ensure the highest integrity - I'm more than honored to be selected as this year's recipient of the Dr. Bob Speegle Outstanding Hunting Achievement Award," he said. "This is the most prestigious hunting award I've ever received. That makes it very special to me and my family."
He also credited the many outfitters, guides, booking agents, friends, and family members who helped shape his global hunting career. "Winning this award has been made possible through the team effort of the outstanding outfitters, guides, and booking agents I have had the honor to book and hunt with. I'm honored and grateful to have been chosen."
Throughout his career, Farnsworth has gravitated toward physically demanding mountain hunts, pursuing sheep and goats around the world. He also recalls his 2004 archery polar bear hunt as one of his most mentally challenging experiences—surviving a three-day blizzard on the ice with Inuit guides before ultimately taking a record book archery polar bear. "Three days in a small tent with Inuit guides, that I would not have survived without them, is definitely a mental challenge." he said.
Farnsworth's passion for hunting began in childhood, deeply influenced by his father, who lost his sight and left hand in a hunting accident at age nineteen. Though unable to hunt himself, his father encouraged Wayne's early archery and rifle practice and lived the hunting life vicariously through his son's experiences. One of Wayne's most treasured memories came in 1999, when he guided his father—who had not hunted since his accident—to harvest a 368-inch bull elk in Idaho. "The elk I assisted my father in shooting meant the most to me, even though I did not pull the trigger." he reflected.
Farnsworth shared that he will miss having his father present to celebrate the award. The two enjoyed many years of fishing together on Lake Erie, where Wayne served as a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captain guiding walleye charters. "He was a major part of my success," he said. "I wish he could be there when I receive the OHAA."
DSC congratulates Wayne F. Farnsworth, Jr. on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to honoring him at the Saturday evening banquet during the 2026 Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.