Dale Bowman is calling it quits as the Sun-Times' outdoors columnist after nearly 30 years behind the wheel. His decision marks a natural evolution for the veteran writer, who has long said he wanted to leave his mark on the Chicago sports scene.
Bowman's career in journalism began with a chance conversation with Jerry Krause over the phone during the Bulls' championship run of the 1990s. The Palmisano brothers at Henry's Sports and Bait tipped him off to local fishing spots, giving him credibility that would serve him well throughout his tenure as an outdoors columnist.
Over the years, Bowman has developed a reputation for connecting with ordinary people in the Chicago region, from anglers to hunters. His column has explored topics ranging from fishing to conservation, often walking a fine line between sharing his passion for the outdoors and imparting practical advice.
One of Bowman's most memorable stories involved hogging flathead and channel catfish on Rend Lake, which showcased his ability to craft engaging narratives around even the most mundane subjects. His adventures with guides like Todd Gessner and Mike Norris have become legendary among Chicago fishing enthusiasts.
Throughout his career, Bowman has enjoyed a close relationship with sports editor Bill Adee, who helped him land his first assignment as an outdoors columnist. Their partnership has allowed Bowman to grow into his role, eventually landing double-truck columns on weekends that showcased his versatility as a writer.
Bowman's decision to leave the Sun-Times' column comes at a time when the Chicago River is facing unprecedented challenges from invasive species and pollution. His coverage of the river revival over the years has highlighted the importance of conservation efforts in protecting this vital waterway.
As Bowman embarks on the next chapter of his life, he will continue to write about the outdoors, albeit in a new capacity. With four kids to keep up with and a wife who shares his love for adventure, Bowman is looking forward to exploring new horizons while still sharing his passion for nature with the world.
Bowman's career in journalism began with a chance conversation with Jerry Krause over the phone during the Bulls' championship run of the 1990s. The Palmisano brothers at Henry's Sports and Bait tipped him off to local fishing spots, giving him credibility that would serve him well throughout his tenure as an outdoors columnist.
Over the years, Bowman has developed a reputation for connecting with ordinary people in the Chicago region, from anglers to hunters. His column has explored topics ranging from fishing to conservation, often walking a fine line between sharing his passion for the outdoors and imparting practical advice.
One of Bowman's most memorable stories involved hogging flathead and channel catfish on Rend Lake, which showcased his ability to craft engaging narratives around even the most mundane subjects. His adventures with guides like Todd Gessner and Mike Norris have become legendary among Chicago fishing enthusiasts.
Throughout his career, Bowman has enjoyed a close relationship with sports editor Bill Adee, who helped him land his first assignment as an outdoors columnist. Their partnership has allowed Bowman to grow into his role, eventually landing double-truck columns on weekends that showcased his versatility as a writer.
Bowman's decision to leave the Sun-Times' column comes at a time when the Chicago River is facing unprecedented challenges from invasive species and pollution. His coverage of the river revival over the years has highlighted the importance of conservation efforts in protecting this vital waterway.
As Bowman embarks on the next chapter of his life, he will continue to write about the outdoors, albeit in a new capacity. With four kids to keep up with and a wife who shares his love for adventure, Bowman is looking forward to exploring new horizons while still sharing his passion for nature with the world.
. I'm gonna miss reading his take on Chicago's great outdoors, but I guess 30 years is a long time to be stuck in one spot. 
His departure also means we might not see as many fishy stories from him again... which kinda sucks, tbh 
. On the bright side, who knows what new adventures he'll have with his fam? 
it's sad to see Dale go, he's had such an amazing impact on Chicago sports scene over all those years. I mean, 30 years is a long time, and it's great that he's getting to explore new horizons... four little ones to keep up with must be keeping him on his toes already! 
anyway, he'll always have the heart of a fisherman, and we can only hope he'll stay true to his passion for nature. conservation is more important now than ever, especially with the Chicago River facing those challenges. 
...all those yrs he's been exposin us 2 the real issues like pollution n invasive species...wannabe know wht's really goin on behind the scenes, dont u? lol just kiddin 
but seriously, cya'll miss his columns. btw, dale bowman sounds like a total legend 
They're gonna axe all the good features and just stick to clickbait headlines like everyone else? 
And now that he's leaving, who's gonna take over? 
i mean who doesn't love a good fishin story? 
and can we talk about how amazing it is that he's leaving behind such a legacy? 
the way he connects with people from all walks of life is truly inspiring 
and omg four kids?!?!?! 
he must be exhausted but i'm sure his wife is super supportive 
and i'm loving the fact that he'll still be writing about the outdoors just in a new capacity 
he had this way of making me wanna grab my rod and hit the lakes ASAP 
always loved how he'd share these crazy fishing stories that made you laugh but also learn something new at the same time 
it's crazy to think bowman's been doin' this outdoors column thing for almost 30 years - that's like, forever in chicago sports circles lol. i remember readin' some of his old pieces on fishin' and just gettin' lost in the stories he tells about the people and places he encounters out there. it's not just about catchin' a bunch of fish, you know? it's about sharin' the human side of nature too 
. can't wait to see what he does next though! maybe we'll catch him out on the water again someday 
. I'm so grateful for the stories he's shared with us over the years, from Rend Lake flathead catfish to the Chicago River revival - always inspiring people to get out there and enjoy nature 
! 
The thing that gets me is how he balances sharing his passion for the outdoors with giving people actual advice and info... it's not always easy to do that without sounding too preachy 
Either way, I'm excited to see where life takes him and his fam 
!
and now he's hangin' up his pen? I'm gonna miss readin' about his fishin' adventures on Rend Lake, dude was always able to make even the most basic topics sound excitin' 
you're all growed up with four little ones to take care of 
. It'll be interesting to see where his next chapter takes him 
. Maybe we'll get more stories from Rend Lake or other lakes he's explored over the years 
I think it's about finding a more sustainable model that works for him and his family. 30 years is a long time, especially considering the rise of digital content and social media platforms. It's like the traditional newspaper model just isn't cutting it anymore. 
Dale's been killing it as an outdoors columnist for like 30 years its crazy how he's gotta move on from the Sun-Times. i mean its awesome that he's leaving behind a legacy and getting to explore new horizons...i hope he can keep his passion for nature alive even if hes not writing for us anymore 
He'll definitely be able to share his love for nature with them in different ways now. Maybe we'll see some outdoor adventures with the whole crew soon! 
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