Dale Bowman Begins a New Chapter After Three Decades at the Sun-Times
After nearly 30 years of bringing joy to readers as the Sun-Times outdoors columnist, Dale Bowman is setting off on a new adventure. His long run began with a mix of luck, timing, and connection to the city’s rich outdoors community.
The Moment That Sparked It All
In 1997, during the Chicago Bulls’ championship years, Jerry Krause unexpectedly answered a call Bowman made while on a trip to Cleveland. Bowman recalled typing quickly as Krause began talking about fishing—a conversation that became one of his most memorable columns.
“I couldn’t believe it when Jerry Krause picked up his phone on a trip to Cleveland in 1997 during the Bulls’ run of championships and started talking fishing.”
That story impressed sports editor Bill Adee so much that he framed the column as a gift for Krause’s office at the Berto Center.
Building Credibility and Community
Bowman credits three early influences for shaping his career as an outdoors writer:
- Jerry Krause, who offered credibility simply by speaking with him.
- The Palmisano brothers at Henry’s Sports and Bait, who provided the tip on the Illinois-record brown trout before the days of social media.
- Ken Schneider and Carl Vizzone, who introduced Bowman to key outdoor spots in Chicago and northwest Indiana, and connected him with the local community.
A Complex Relationship with Krause
Krause’s contentious relationship with some Sun-Times writers also shaped Bowman’s experience. Krause had openly expressed his dislike for columnist Jay Mariotti, which led to tensions between the Bulls organization and the newspaper.
“Krause said he hated Jay Mariotti, a Sun-Times sports columnist, so much that Krause and Jerry Reinsdorf would not talk to the paper.”
Despite that, Bowman remained one of the few who could reach Krause directly. Editors occasionally asked him to get a quote for a story, but Krause always declined. The two would then discuss fishing and upcoming shows instead.
“At least twice Dan Cahill, in an editor role, asked if I still had Krause’s number and could I get a quote for a story. I would call Krause, who would decline, then we chatted fishing and upcoming shows.”
Author’s Note
Bowman’s career was shaped by trust, authenticity, and his deep connection to both the people and landscapes of Chicago’s outdoors. His departure marks the close of an era for readers who followed his stories for decades.
Author’s summary: For nearly 30 years, Dale Bowman captured Chicago’s outdoor spirit with heart and integrity; now, he embarks on a new journey beyond the Sun-Times.
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