Dale Bowman, longtime Sun-Times outdoors columnist, embarks on a new journey
After nearly three decades of engaging readers at the Sun-Times, Dale Bowman is saying farewell to his role. His career as an outdoors columnist was shaped by several key moments and connections early on.
Early influences and opportunities
In 1997, during the Bulls’ championship run, Jerry Krause surprised Bowman by answering a call from Cleveland and starting a conversation about fishing. Quick to respond, Bowman began typing his thoughts, resulting in what became his best column to that point. Sports editor Bill Adee framed this column as a gift for Krause’s office at the Berto Center.
Foundations of a career
- Krause provided Bowman with credibility simply by engaging with him.
- The Palmisano brothers at Henry’s Sports and Bait informed Bowman about the Illinois-record brown trout before social media existed, beating out John Husar, the Tribune’s renowned outdoors columnist.
- Ken Schneider and Carl Vizzone introduced Bowman to fishing spots around Chicago and northwest Indiana, as well as everyday people, boosting his credibility on the streets.
Relationships with sports figures
Krause was outspoken about his dislike for Jay Mariotti, a sports columnist at the Sun-Times, to the point where he and Jerry Reinsdorf avoided talking to the paper. Despite this, editor Dan Cahill occasionally asked Bowman if he could reach out to Krause for comments. Bowman would call, and although Krause often declined to contribute, their conversations frequently turned back to fishing and upcoming shows.
Krause was right about Mariotti.
Author’s summary: Bowman’s nearly 30-year Sun-Times career was rooted in authentic relationships and firsthand stories that connected readers to the outdoors world with sincerity and insight.