The Arizona Chapter of
The Wildlife Society
"Excellence in Wildlife Stewardship through Science and Education"

AWARDS

The Arizona Chapter has traditionally recognized outstanding accomplishments in wildlife management, both by professionals and laymen, by bestowing awards in February of each year at the joint meeting of the Arizona and New Mexico TWS and Southwest American Fisheries Society. Members are encouraged to nominate deserving people or organizations for the awards  by writing a letter of support for the nominee. Include 1) the name and affiliation of the nominee, 2) the award nominated for, 3) the nominator's contact information, and 4) letter(s) of support or endorsement of two other individuals. Endorsers may sign the nominating letter or send separate supporting letters. Send the letter(s) to Richard Ockenfels by mail at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 (Voice 623-236-7379) or by
E-mail to rockenfels@azgfd.gov.  Nominating letters must be received by 31 December to be considered for that year's award.

Arizona TWS Awards

Agency abbreviations

The Doug Morrison Award

Given in memory of Doug Morrison to an Arizona Biologist in a non-supervisory position who has made significant contributions to the management and conservation of wildlife in Arizona. This Award exemplifies the dedicated work ethic of the Chapter's former President and U.S. Forest Service Biologist, Doug Morrison. Contributions can be in areas of wildlife research, education and training, management, conservation (including legislation), or law enforcement. Contributions can be over a relatively short period of time (e.g. months) or over several years. Weight is given to the significance of contributions and not necessarily the number of years in service. This Award differs from the Professional Award primarily in that it is given to a non-supervisory biologist in memory of Doug Morrison.

Past Recipients of the Doug Morrison Award

• 1975 Fred Phillips AGFD
• 1976 Bobby Hernbrode, Jr. AGFD
• 1977 Jim McKibbens USFS
• 1978 Melvin Wilhelm BLM and Normal Woolsey AGFD
• 1979 Tom Waddell AGFD
• 1980 Al LeCount AGFD
• 1981 Pat Morrison USFS
• 1982 Bill Kepner and Brian Millsap BLM
• 1983 Tom Deecken USFS
• 1984 Pat O'Brien AGFD
• 1985 Jim Burton AGFD
• 1986 not awarded
• 1987 Norris Dodd AGFD
• 1988 Bill Kepner USFWS
• 1989 Bill Carrel AGFD
• 1990 Steve Andrews AGFD
• 1991 Dave Conrad and John Hervert AGFD
• 1992 not awarded
• 1993 not awarded
• 1994 not awarded
• 1995 not awarded
• 1996 Lee Leudeker AGFD
• 1997 not awarded
• 1998 Randy Babb AGFD
• 1999 Bob Barsch AGFD
• 2000 Dave Carrothers AGFD
• 2001 Stanley C. Cunningham AGFD
• 2002 John Hervert AGFD
• 2003 Art Fuller AGFD Retired
• 2004 not awarded
• 2005 not awarded
• 2006 James W. Cain III UA
• 2007 David Belitsky, AGFD

Professional Service Award (Professional Wildlifer Award)

Given to an Arizona Biologist for outstanding contributions to management and conservation of wildlife. The individual is also recognized for their professional work standards and conduct. Contributions can be in the areas of wildlife research, education and training, management, conservation (including legislative), or law enforcement. These contributions can be over several years or limited to a few years of outstanding service. Weight is given to the significance of contributions and professional work ethic, not necessarily the number of years in service. Both supervisory and non-supervisory biologists may be considered for this Award.

Past Recipients of the Professional Award

• 1979 Bob Furlow BLM
• 1980 Gary Ferrier BLM
• 1981 Bruce Jones BLM
• 1982 Bob Hernbrode, Sr. Oracle Wildlife Refuge
• 1983 Tom Britt AGFD
• 1984 Jerry Davis USFS
• 1985 Kerry Baldwin AGFD
• 1986 Tice Supplee AGFD
• 1987 Tom Gatz BR
• 1988 Larry Voyles AGFD
• 1989 Ray Lee AGFD
• 1990 Robert Mesta USFWS
• 1991 David Patton NAU
• 1992 not awarded
• 1993 Bruce Palmer USFWS
• 1994 Rick Miller AGFD
• 1995 Bill Werner AGFD, Ron McKinstry USFWS, Ron Powell BR, Gerald Mulcahy California Department Fish & Game
• 1996 not awarded
• 1997 not awarded
• 1998 Heather Green USFS
• 1999 John Goodwin AGFD
• 2000 Jim Heffelfinger AGFD
• 2001 Cecelia Dargan-Overby USFS
• 2002 John Morgart USFWS
• 2003 Rebecca Peck BLM
• 2004 not awarded
• 2005 William Shaw UA
• 2006 Mark Brown AGFD
• 2007 Brian Wakeling, AGFD

Conservation Award (Non-Professional Award)

Given to a person, or persons, not employed directly as a wildlife biologist, or an organization not directly involved in wildlife management (including researchers at universities), who contribute significantly to the conservation of wildlife and/or their habitat in Arizona. Conservation can include, but is not limited to research, education, legislation, and protection or enhancement of wildlife and their habitat. Weight is given to the significance of the contribution to conservation.

Past Recipients of the Conservation Award

• 1973 Jack Robison, Jr
• 1976 Buenos Aires Ranch
• 1978 Frances Werner
• 1980 Charles Beeler
• 1981 Jack Wight, Wildlife Studios
• 1982 Not Awarded
• 1983 Barbara Van Cleve, Save Our Public Lands
• 1984 Ace Peterson, Arizona Wildlife Federation
• 1985 Sen. John Hays and Rep. Larry Hawke, Arizona Legislature
• 1986 Les Rosenkrance, BLM
• 1987 Dick & Judy Newbold, BLM Volunteers
• 1988 Paul Pierce, Save the Grahams
• 1989 not awarded
• 1990 not awarded
• 1991 Barry Burkhart, Arizona Republic
• 1992 Rick Erman, Arizona Wildlife Federation
• 1993 Thomas Woods, Jr., Arizona Public Service, Arizona Game & Fish Commission
• 1994 not awarded
• 1995 not awarded
• 1996 Anita MacFarlane, Northern Arizona Audubon Society
• 1997 Oscar Camou, Sonora Mexico
• 1998 Frank & Linda Brandt, Elaine Morrall
• 1999 Beth Wooden, Heritage Alliance, Arizona Game & Fish Commission
• 2000 Dave Dalton
• 2001 not awarded
• 2002 Harris Environmental Group, Inc.
• 2003 Bob Hoffa Grand Canyon Trust
• 2004 Tom Brennan
• 2005 not awarded
• 2006 Trust for Public Land
• 2007 Elaine Morrall

Wildlife Habitat Relationships Award (WILDHARE Award)

Given to a professional wildlife biologist in Arizona for their contribution to understanding or applying habitat principles to management of an animal species or group of species. The recipient receives a check based on the interest generated for the year in the Habitat Relationships account.

Past Recipients of the Wildlife Habitat Relationships Award

• 1989 Greg Goodwin USFS
• 1990 not awarded
• 1991 Bob Vahle USFS
• 1992 not awarded
• 1993 not awarded
• 1994 not awarded
• 1995 Heather Green USFS
• 1996 not awarded
• 1997 Joe Ganey USFS
• 1998 Rick Miller AGFD & Tammy Randall Parker USFS
• 1999 Steve Rosenstock AGFD
• 2000 not awarded
• 2001 Mary Ann Benoit USFS
• 2002 Bill Mannan UA
• 2003 Norris Dodd AGFD
• 2004 not awarded
• 2005 Paul Krausman UA
• 2006 Bill Mannan UA
• 2007 Richard Reynolds, USFS

Scrapping Bear Award

The recipient has gone beyond the normal call of duty in support of wildlife issues and has made exceptional contributions toward the management and protection of wildlife and habitat resources AND the recipient has stood up for what they thought was right, even if it was controversial or perceived as contrary to their agency's official position, supervisor's positions, or had the potential to put the recipients job on the line. The recipient does not have to be a member of the Arizona Chapter.

Past Recipients of the Scrapping Bear Award

• 1987 Tom Waddell AGFD
• 1988 Bob Vahle USFS
• 1989 Norris Dodd AGFD
• 1990 Lesley Fitzpatrick USFWS
• 1991 Rick Miller AGFD
• 1992 Heather Green USFS and Susi MacVean AGFD
• 1993 Sandra Nagiller USFS
• 1994 Tim Tibbitts USFWS
• 1995 Sally Stefferud USFWS
• 1996 Jim Copeland USFS
• 1997 Linda White Trifaro USFS
• 1998 Bob Csargo USFS
• 1999 not awarded
• 2000 not awarded
• 2001 Bruce Palmer USFWS
• 2002 not awarded
• 2003 Duke USFS
• 2004 not awarded
• 2005 Bill Mannan UA
• 2006 Shaula Hedwall USFWS
• 2007 John Morgart

Roger Hungerford Student Award

Given to a student who while attending an Arizona college or university made significant contributions to the management and conservation of Arizona's wildlife and/or habitat. Management and conservation categories are similar to those listed for the Professional Award. Weight is given to the significance of the contribution. The Award is given in memory of one of Arizona's finest research biologists, Roger Hungerford.

Past Recipients of the Roger Hungerford Student Award

• 1983 Tom Ohmart ASU
• 1984 Kerry Christensen NAU
• 1985 Dave Smith UA
• 1986 Chuck Hunter ASU
• 1987 Heather Green NAU
• 1988 not awarded
• 1989 Mark Wallace UA
• 1990 Joe Ganey NAU
• 1991 not awarded
• 1992 Rich Etchberger UA
• 1993 Rick Keller NAU
• 1994 David Olson NAU
• 1995 not awarded
• 1996 not awarded
• 1997 Lisa Fox UA
• 1998 Mike Rabe NAU
• 1999 Mike Ingraldi NAU
• 2000 Karen Mock NAU
• 2001 Shaula Hedwall NAU
• 2002 Cathy Blasch UA
• 2003 Mikele Painter NAU
• 2004 Kristin Covert NAU
• 2005 Bret S. Pasch UA
• 2006 Brian Jansen UA
• 2007 Jeff Gagnon, NAU

Best Student Paper Certificate

A Best Student Paper Certificate is awarded at the Joint Annual Meeting following evaluation by a three-member panel of referees. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible from both states and will have their presentations judged under six major categories; organization, audience involvement, delivery, knowledge of subject, use of visuals, and content.

Past Recipients of the Best Student Paper Certificate

Special Awards

Past Recipients of Special Awards

• 1979 Bob Furlow BLM
• 1980 Gary Ferrier BLM
• 1980 Judy Hohman and Cindy Edwards
• 2006 Reed Sanderson UA

Definitions for Agency Abbreviation

AGFD: Arizona Game and Fish Department

BLM: Bureau of Land Management

BR: Bureau of Reclamation

NAU: Northern Arizona University

UA: University of Arizona

USFS: U.S. Forest Service

USFWS: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

[top]