EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is accepting nominations for the 13th annual ethical hunter award.

The award, started in 1997 by the La Crosse Tribune and DNR, acknowledges positive contributions made by safe and responsible hunters. Warden supervisor Steve Dewald says the award counters the violators who generally attract all the attention.

An 18-year-old Rhinelander hunter won last year. He helped a sobbing young female hunter alone in the woods trail, field dress and retrieve a 17-point buck she shot but couldn't find.

Nominees for the 2009 award must be a licensed hunter and there must be a witness to the ethical behavior. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 15.

One previous winner was honored for opening private land to new hunters.