Overview

Recognizing conservation excellence

 

The nomination period for the 2023 Annuals Awards are now CLOSED. Please review the Nominations & Criteria section for more information.

Each year, the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies honors individuals and organizations for their exemplary commitment to conservation stewardship through its prestigious Annual Awards program.
 

Seth Gordon Award, the Association's highest honor, is conferred on Administrators who have worked steadfastly and effectively for the best use of North American natural resources in the public trust and for contributions to the programs of the Association.

The John L. Morris Award recognizes lifetime commitment to fish and wildlife stewardship by citizen conservationists who have exhibited exemplary leadership at the highest level and demonstrated a steadfast commitment to large scale natural resouce challenges. 

The Ernest Thompson Seton Award is given to the state, provincial, or federal agency which has best promoted a public awareness of the need to support the science and practice of wildlife management. A companion award is also presented to the individual deemed by the agency as the one most responsible for its successful and award-winning program.

The Boone and Crockett Award is sponsored by the Boone and Crockett Club and awarded to a state, territorial or provincial agency for outstanding achievement in promoting and encouraging outdoor ethics. A companion award is given to the individual who has been the prime mover in the recognized program.

The Mark Reeff Award recognizes a distinguished early career professionals for outstanding service in the conservation of fish and wildlife resources.

The Private Lands Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Award honors an individual- or family-run farm, ranch or forest operation that has incorporated proactive conservation and environmental protective measures.

The Stephen Kellert Award recognizes a distinguished individual or group effort for outstanding service in advancing connections between humans and the natural world to all peoples in a diverse and inclusive manner. 

The Gary Taylor Award recognizes a distinguished individual for outstanding achievement in the field of public conservation policy, specifically related to state fish and wildlife agency jurisdiction over fish and wildlife management.

The Conservation Law Enforcement Award recognizes exceptional achievement in fish and wildlife resource enforcement management.* 

Special Recognition Awards and Honorary Life Memberships are given to individuals who have a distinguished record of accomplishment.

The Association pays tribute to wildlife professionals, Fallen Heroes, who have lost their lives while carrying out their duties to enforce conservation laws and regulations and manage fish and wildlife resources within the past year.

The nomination period for the 2023 Annual Awards are now CLOSED. Deadline to submit nomination was COB July 1, 2023. Please visit the Nominations & Criteria section for more information. 


The Awards were presented at the Association's 113th Annual Meeting.  See press release here.


AFWA Staff Contact

Patricia Allen
202-838-3474
pallen@fishwildlife.org