Longtime writer and OWAA member Harold “Hal” Swiggett, 87, died March 2, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas. His 38-year relationship with OWAA included service on its board of directors. He also was a past president of the Texas Outdoor Writers Association.
He was a gun writer for more than 50 years, having sold his first handgun article in 1947. He was a 30-year contributor to Gun Digest, field editor of North American Hunter magazine, shooting editor of Texas Fish & Game and senior editor of Harris Publications.
Swiggett hunted big game in Africa, using a handgun only on more than 25 hunts. He was included in the Top 10 Outstanding American Handgunner Award for 10 years and was awarded the first place bronze sculpture on the 10th occasion. He served on the committee that built the NRA National Firearms Museum.
Swiggett also was an ordained minister who gave comfort to hospital patients daily.
He was preceded in death by a son, Vernon Lee Swiggett.
Survivors include his wife, Wilma C. Swiggett; son Dr. Gerald Eugene Swiggett; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests yard plants.
Swiggett’s longtime friend and hunting partner Jim Foster wrote about him in an “OWAA Legends” article in the June 2008 issue of Outdoors Unlimited. ◊
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