NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA, January 15, 2013 - Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, the world's leading manufacturer in high performance sports optics since 1846, is pleased to announce Mike Schoby of Petersen's Hunting magazine as the 2012 Carl Zeiss Outdoor Writer of the year.
The award was presented on January 14, 2013 at the company's annual writer's party during SHOT Show week in Las Vegas. In addition to receiving a plaque recognizing his contributions to the hunting and shooting sports, Schoby also received one of the brand new CONQUEST HD5 riflescopes with 5x superzoom.
"Mike Schoby is a talented writer and editor and a hard-core hunter who appreciates quality products and precision in the field," said Michael A. Jensen, President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics. "He masterfully communicates the experience of the hunt - with soulful insight and, at times, great humor - along with accurate and in-depth technical information that benefits his readers. Quite simply, his passion and appreciation for the outdoors resonates throughout all of his work which makes him immensely enjoyable to follow."
Schoby began his outdoor writing career as a freelancer in 1995 after graduating from Washington State University. He has since published more than 300 articles and over 1000 photos in numerous North American hunting and fishing publications. He has also written five books: Successful Predator Hunting, Hunter's Guide to Whitetail Rifles, Do It Yourself Dream Hunts, The Complete Predator Hunter and The Michael Waddell Biography. Prior to becoming editor of Petersen's Hunting magazine, Schoby worked for Cabela's as managing editor of Cabela's Outfitter Journal and Cabelas.com and was also communications manager for Gander Mountain.
Schoby's passion for the outdoors had taken him throughout the world. He has hunted and/or fished in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Argentina, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, New Zealand, Great Britain, Spain, Sweden, Canada, Newfoundland and throughout the United States. As an active member of the hunting and shooting industry, Schoby is a member of POMA, SCI, FNAWS, NWTF and is a Life Member of the NRA.
Established in 2003, the Carl Zeiss Outdoor Writer of the Year Award is in its 10th year. The previous winners are: Wayne van Zwoll (2003), David Fortier (2004), David Petzal (2005), Ron Spomer (2006), John Barsness (2007), Terry Wieland (2008), Craig Boddington (2009), John Zent (2010) and Andrew McKean (2011). Carl Zeiss has also honored several writers with Lifetime Achievement Awards. These went to Bill McRae (2003) and Jim Carmichel (2008).
ZEISS Category Breakdown:
/// VICTORY: Super Premium Optics. Made and handcrafted in Germany. Exceptional in every way.
// CONQUEST: Premium Optics. Made or Assembled in Germany. Exceptional Quality,
Exceptional Value.
/ TERRA: Premium Optics. Made by Carl Zeiss. Pure Performance, Clearly Zeiss.
