Ohio Chapter Board

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Dustin Lindley, Board of Directors

You can most often find Dustin kicking around public lands and waterways in the vicinity of his home in Milford, Ohio, often with either a fly rod, shotgun, or bow in hand. A late in life angler and then hunter, his scope has expanded to include trips to the salt for stripers and tarpon and to the mountains in search of the mighty elk. Also keeping him busy are his wife and two kids (both accomplished frog hunters), and a career as an engineer specializing in metal 3d printing, which is a fitting job for a fan of all things metal, music included. Dustin has a deep commitment to the protection of public lands, based largely on his extensive use of these places, but also to preserve, improve, and expand opportunity to experience wilderness for generations to come.

 


Henry Distad, Co-Chair

Raised in Shaker Height Ohio in a non-hunting family but was always drawn to the outdoors and wildlife. He would often escape to metro parks to fish, but I always wanted to hunt.  When old enough to drive he would frequent public wildlife areas figuring out hunting through trial and error. From the start he was using public lands and waters to feed his outdoor appetite. After high school Henry did an enlistment in the Marine Corps where he spent time hunting deer on timber company land, and inshore saltwater fishing in Georgia. Now back in Ohio living in Bainbridge Twp. in Geauga County, spending many weekends recreating on county, state, and federal lands, and waters.

 


Jared Hostetler, Treasurer 

Jared Hostetler is a husband, father, and small business owner from northeast Ohio.  His favorite game species is the Whitetail Deer but is slowly learning how to Turkey hunt.  He also recently started to learn fly fish with his wife, and enjoys it more than he’d expected.  His love for public lands and waters began when he was stationed in Montana, where he and some friends decided to figure out deer hunting with some second-hand rifles from Big Bear.  It was there he discovered just how important and impactful public spaces can be, and it’s why he joined BHA several years ago at a pint night.  He trusts in the North American Model of Conservation, believing firmly that wildlife belongs to the people, and while heartedly supports BHA’s approach to it’s defense.  He has chosen to dedicate his time and resources to BHA as it has given the average hunter and angler a voice and a seat at the table.  As members, BHA makes it easy for us to have our voices heard both individually and as a group. 


 

Kyle Iwanicki, Board of Directors

Kyle is a certified North American Hunting Guide, Local 500 member, and self-proclaimed creature from the Great Black Swamp. He was raised in the cornfields of Fulton county and spent many summers on the shores of Lake Erie. His early life revolved around art, BMX bikes, and punk music. These days he runs a DIY music venue out of his garage while creating event graphics for BHA on state and national levels. Some of his favorite outdoor pursuits involve hunting Doves, Squirrels, Rabbits, Turkey, and most of all, Whitetail. He knows his way around a trapline, loves fishing for Walleye & Perch, and has even been known to (poorly) cast a few flies when he can. If you know Kyle, chances are that you know his better half: an American Bully named Apple that is an absolute rabbit hunting machine.

 

 

 


James Morton, Board of Directors

James grew up as part of an Army family so he spent his childhood across the country. He grew up shooting and passively fishing with his Dad, but other activities got in the way. After moving to Ohio in 2002 he took the long way around in finding the outdoors as his missing piece, "learning" to fish again in 2016 and has constantly been out fished ever since. In 2021, at 32 years old he decided to start hunting and hasn't looked back. James is passionate about wildlife and their habitats. He has taken every opportunity to learn more about them and ways to protect and enhance them. In 2023 he became a certified hunters education instructor with the hopes of bringing local communities together with hands on mentorship and stewardship programs to help bolster our hunting and angling heritage and promoting more reverence for and connection with the natural world.

 


Sarah Medziuch, Board of Directors

Sarah grew up in Medina County looking for any excuse to get into the woods and onto the water.  She started fishing when she could walk and now has experience fishing saltwater, freshwater (and even electrofishing).  She also enjoys hunting for whitetail, waterfowl, pheasant and the elusive unicorn that is the public land wild turkey. Her career as an environmental scientist gives her a great perspective on the importance of conservation of our natural habitats.  Her botany background contributes to her obsession with foraging for wild mushrooms and other edible plants.  On the weekends you can find Sarah experimenting with new recipes for wild game and her edible forest finds.  

 

 


Leslie Gair, BHA Board Bio 

A native of Ohio, Leslie spent her childhood fishing for walleye on Lake Erie with her grandfather and going on fishing trips to Canada with her family, targeting pike and musky from old cedar-strip canoes. It was during high school that she first picked up a fly rod, sparking a passion that would grow into a lifelong obsession. Her favorite species to target are musky, pike, and smallmouth. When the rivers freeze, you’ll likely find her tying flies. Leslie also enjoys skeet shooting and will on occasion go duck hunting. Over the years, she has come to deeply appreciate Ohio’s diverse fisheries, landscapes, and ecosystems. A Zoology graduate from Miami University, Leslie has combined her love for the environment with a career as a high school environmental science teacher and fly fishing club advisor. Through her experiences and passions, Leslie is committed to conserving our natural lands for future generations.

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