Ralph Winingham, San Antonio, has been recognized by The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters as a “Pioneer of Hunting.” This honor is given to those who have made contributions to Texas hunting for many years.

Ralph has combined his talents as a writer, hunter and chef into a career that includes his newest book, Bustin’ Clays & Cookin’ Game with Old Boots & Bacon Grease II, which melds together wingshooting, clay target busting and outdoor cooking advice. 

Ralph, who was a staff member and editor for the North Texas Daily before graduating from UNT in December 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism, is an award-winning writer and photographer who retired in 2019.  He is a past president and former board chairman of the Texas Outdoor Writers Association, which awarded him the organization's highest honor -- the L.A. Wilke Award -- in 2018.  He also is the author of The Campfire Chef: Old Boots and Bacon Grease and Revenge of Old Boots and Bacon Grease, named the TOWA book of the year in 2006, in addition to creating Chef Ralph's Super Seasoning.

A seasoned hunter and clay target competitor, Ralph won the Tiro Al Pichon Association Live Flyer World Championship in 1984; is ranked as a Master Class shooter; and has been certified as a Level II Instructor with the National Sporting Clays Association.