AZ Outdoor Hall Of Fame Banquet

Eight inductees to be honored Aug. 24 at the Wigwam Resort.

PHOENIX - Make plans to honor your fellow conservationists at the Wildlife for Tomorrow(WFT) Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet Aug. 24 at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park.

Eight new members will be inducted this year, a diverse group of experts and advocates who have made significant contributions to Arizona's natural heritage and have demonstrated passion and leadership in shaping the future of wildlife conservation in Arizona:

A Passionate Advocate

Tom Slaughter: A passionate advocate for outdoor sports and wildlife conservation, Tom is nominated for the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame for his extensive work in promoting a safe shooting sports culture. Over 18 years, Tom's initiatives, such as founding Arizona Outdoor Sports and coaching youth in shotgun programs, have transformed the lives of many, fostering confidence and leadership skills. His dedication to coaching excellence and commitment to youth involvement in shooting sports have made a lasting impact, influencing programs like the Scholastic Clay Target Program. Tom's efforts reach beyond Arizona, impacting national initiatives and expanding access to shotgun coaching through innovative programs, highlighting his leadership in outdoor sports and conservation.

Dedicated To Wildlife Conservation

Randy Stalcup: A dedicated wildlife conservation advocate, Randy has contributed significantly to various organizations in Arizona for over three decades. His journey began as a volunteer for Arizona's wildlife in the early 1990s. Since then, he has played integral roles in organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Arizona Deer Association (ADA), Outdoor Experience for All (OE4A), and more. Randy's graphic design expertise has been instrumental in organizing successful fundraisers, creating banquet programs, and supporting initiatives like the Adopt-A-Ranch program with the O'Haco Ranch. His tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, as reflected in awards like the 2022 RMEF Chairman's Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to wildlife conservation. Randy's selfless dedication and professional services have made a lasting impact on Arizona's wildlife and conservation efforts.

A Strategic Approach

Jim Walker: Jim's strategic approach to conservation challenges has resulted in efficient and timely solutions, showcasing his talent for identifying and nurturing conservation leaders. His notable contributions to Trout Unlimited in Arizona include unifying fragmented chapters in Phoenix, Tucson, and Payson into a strong, collaborative organization. He has played a crucial role in various conservation projects. Jim's leadership extends to legislative advocacy on conservation and water issues, with extensive involvement in the Western River Action Network and visits to congressional offices. His co-founding of the annual Arizona Native and Wild Trout Conference has significantly contributed to the restoration of Apache and Gila trout populations in the state. Beyond Trout Unlimited, Jim has actively promoted expansion of initiatives such as the Trout in the Classroom program and has been active with various conservation councils and federations.

Lifelong Love For Outdoors

Tom Britt: Tom's lifelong love for the outdoors began in South Carolina and Southwest Virginia, where he was introduced to fishing by one grandfather, while the other grandfather was involved in running trail hounds. Settling in Tucson as a teenager sparked a profound connection to the Sonoran Desert. After two years of employment with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission as a Wildlife Biologist II stationed in the headwaters of the Atchafalaya Swamp, he returned to Arizona. For 26 years, Tom dedicated himself to the Arizona Game And Fish Department, beginning as a Wildlife Manager in Game Management Unit 24B. Later, he was promoted to Wildlife Specialist II in Flagstaff, where he worked extensively with elk and the Kaibab Deer Herd. In 1984, he was further promoted as Region II Supervisor in Flagstaff. Even after retiring in 1999, Tom continued his commitment by teaching Hunter Education for over 50 years in Arizona, instilling conservation values in generations to come.

Unwavering Dedication

Suzanne and Hays Gilstrap: Suzanne and Hays have exhibited an unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation and outdoor pursuits. Suzanne's advocacy work, particularly in client representation and government relations, has influenced critical legislation benefiting Arizona's wildlife, while Hays' extensive business experience led him to serve on notable boards and commissions, including the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Together, they have made significant contributions to the state's conservation efforts, with Suzanne's leadership at Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation and Hays' instrumental role in initiatives like Arizona Initiative 202. Their passion for the outdoors and commitment to conservation have left a lasting impact on Arizona's wildlife and conservation ethos.

Deep-Rooted Connection To The Land

Kelly Glenn Kimbro: A fifth-generation Arizona cattle rancher, Kelly embodies a deep-rooted connection to the land and a fervent commitment to conservation and community service. Her tireless advocacy for natural resources, wildlife, and western traditions marks her as a respected figure in the ranching community. From owning and operating multiple ranches with her family to actively engaging in conservation projects and supporting local initiatives, Kelly's impact resonates far and wide. Her dedication to environmental conservation, coupled with her leadership in the livestock industry, distinguishes her as a champion for sustainable land management and cultural heritage. Inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2023, Kelly's legacy is a testament to her unwavering passion for ranching, conservation, and community enrichment.

Dedicated To Sustainability/Conservation

Jackie A. Meck: Former Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck has dedicated himself to sustainability and conservation in the West Valley. His list of accomplishments in urban planning and environmental conservation over eight decades has had a profound impact. His visionary leadership includes founding the White Tanks Mountains Conservancy and spearheading the expansion of the White Tanks Regional Park. His passion for ecological restoration is evident in projects like the El Rio Restoration initiative, where he engaged Senator John McCain and others to restore the Gila River's habitat. His commitment to environmental education is reflected in the creation of the Tres Rios Nature Festival. In addition to his public service, Mayor Meck's agricultural background and role as the retired General Manager of the Buckeye Water Conservation and Drainage District underscore his dedication to sustainable land and water management.

Need-To-Knows

The inductees will be honored at the 26th annual Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame banquet on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Wigwam Resort, 300 Wigwam Blvd. in Litchfield Park. The evening will feature a social hour fundraiser beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner and awards ceremony.

To purchase banquet tickets, or for information on sponsorship opportunities, visit https://www.wildlifefortomorrow.org/halloffame and scroll down to the appropriate links.

Established In 1998

Wildlife for Tomorrow established the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame in 1998. This prestigious award honors individuals and organizations that have made remarkable and enduring contributions towards the conservation of Arizona's wildlife, the preservation of its natural resources, and the promotion of the state's outdoor heritage.

Past Hall Of Fame Inductees

Past Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees have been individuals with backgrounds in wildlife volunteerism, corporate leadership, politics, wildlife and the media, including Ben Avery, Barry Goldwater, Morris Udall, John McCain, Bill Quimby, Margie Anderson, Tom Woods, and Steve Hirsch, as well as groups and organizations such as Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Volunteers, Arizona Antelope Foundation, Rio Salado Sportsman's Club, Arizona Deer Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Audubon Arizona, Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, and others (see list of past inductees here: https://www.wildlifefortomorrow.org/halloffame by scrolling to the bottom of that page).

For More Information

Wildlife for Tomorrow was created in 1990 to enhance the management, protection and enjoyment of Arizona's fish and wildlife resources. As the official 501(c)(3) partner of AZGFD, WFT works to provide funds to advance key programs and initiatives beyond AZGFD's self-funding capacity. For more information, visit https://www.wildlifefortomorrow.org/.

Subscribe to WFT for more information on how you can make an impact on wildlife conservation efforts in Arizona.