Linsday Thomas Jr. Earns Award For CWD Article

The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) named Lindsay Thomas Jr., Director of Communications for QDMA, the winner of the 2019 Pinnacle Award in the Magazine category for an article published in Quality Whitetails magazine in 2018. The award was announced at POMA’s 14th Annual Business Conference on June 19.

Lindsay began his career in outdoor journalism as an editor at GON in the mid 1990s and worked here through our move to Morgan County in the early 2000s.

POMA’s annual Pinnacle Awards, presented in partnership with Mossy Oak, honor journalists for remarkable achievement in traditional outdoor sports-focused communications, including writing, photography, broadcasting as well as content focused on wildlife conservation. Thomas’s article, “Yes, CWD Kills Deer. A Mississippi Hunter Watched it Happen,” tells the story of the first case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) found in the Deep South, how it impacted the hunters involved, and the broader implications for all deer hunters.

Kevin Tate, Vice President of Media Productions for Mossy Oak (left), presented the POMA Pinnacle Award for magazine writing to Lindsay Thomas Jr. of QDMA at POMA’s June 19 conference in Wichita, Kansas.

“QDMA is very proud of the recognition Lindsay received from his peers for his article chronicling the spread of CWD into the state of Mississippi, as it highlights the importance of fighting this disease on behalf of the whitetail,” said John Eastman, QDMA Senior Director of Operations. “Along with being one of the top editors in the outdoor publication space, Lindsay is also an accomplished writer, and QDMA is fortunate to have his talents to help us in our fight against CWD.”

CWD is a 100% fatal disease found in whitetails, mule deer, elk and moose that is spread through direct contact with infected urine, feces, saliva, blood, carcasses and live deer. CWD has been identified in 26 U.S. states.

Prevention is critical, and deer hunters in all areas can take a number of active steps to help stop the spread of CWD to new areas.