Arizona Game And Fish Seeks Nominations For 2024 Commission Awards

PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2024 Commission Awards. The awards recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state's wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD).

There are 13 award categories (see list below). Nominations may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. AZGFD employees are not eligible for nomination.

To nominate someone, download a nomination form, fill in the requested information, and click "submit" at the bottom of the form. Nominations must be received by the department no later than 5 p.m. Aug. 21, 2024.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will select the 2024 Commission Award recipients at its Sept. 6, 2024, meeting. The awards will be presented at the annual Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet to be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85020.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission held its first annual awards banquet on Jan. 12, 1991. Since then, more than 400 recipients have been recognized with Commission awards.

All of the costs associated with the awards banquet must be paid for by ticket sales and sponsorship donations, including the complimentary tickets for award recipients and their spouse or guest. Table sponsorships for organizations are available in several categories and include logo advertisement in the event program, and sponsorship recognition during introductory PowerPoint presentation.

2024 AWARD CATEGORIES

Award of Excellence

Any individual, group, organization, club, foundation, or agency that has excelled in efforts to benefit wildlife, wildlife habitats, or programs of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Youth Conservationist of the Year

Any individual, 18 years of age or younger, who has excelled in efforts to benefit wildlife and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Media of the Year

Any media source (radio, television, magazine, newsletter, or periodical) that has published articles or materials beneficial to public interest about wildlife or wildlife-related topics and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Conservation Organization of the Year

Any organization, group, foundation, or agency that has excelled in efforts to enhance the welfare of wildlife, wildlife-related recreation, and the mission of the Game and Fish Department.

Conservationist of the Year

Any individual, not associated with a professional agency, who has excelled in efforts to enhance, conserve, and manage wildlife or their habitats.

Natural Resource Professional of the Year

Any individual who through a professional agency affiliation has excelled in efforts to enhance, conserve, and manage wildlife or their habitats.

Volunteer of the Year

Any individual who, as a registered volunteer with the Department, has excelled in efforts to support and benefit the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Educator of the Year

Any individual whose educational activities have advanced and supported the welfare of wildlife, wildlife-related recreation, or the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Mentor of the Year

Any individual who has acted in the role of a mentor and whose efforts have resulted in the promotion and support of future wildlife conservation efforts and the development of future wildlife conservation leaders in Arizona.

Advocate of the Year - State

Any individual who has engaged in political advocacy for the betterment of wildlife conservation and in the support of the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Advocate of the Year - Federal

Any individual who has engaged in political advocacy for the betterment of wildlife conservation and in the support of the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Business Partner of the Year

Any business partner that actively promotes Game and Fish through innovative approaches, community involvement, and a customer service focus that benefits the citizens of Arizona and supports the Game and Fish's mission of wildlife conservation.

Buck Appleby Hunter Education Instructor of the Year

Any hunter education instructor who actively participates in hunter education activities and demonstrates the highest level of customer service, dedication and professionalism during these activities. Award category recently approved by the AZGFD Commission in honor of Buck Appleby, a long-time hunter education instructor who passed away in 2010.

A list of 1991-2023 Commission Award recipients can be found here.