NEWS RELEASE
March 31, 2026
PHOENIX — Arizona Game and Fish Commission (Commission) Chair Marsha Petrie Sue, presented the 2025 State Advocate of the Year Award Monday, February 16, to Senate Natural Resources Committee Chairman T.J. Shope at the Arizona State Capitol.
The award recognizes elected officials who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing wildlife conservation and responsible outdoor recreation across Arizona.
“Conservation does not just happen in the field,” said Chair Petrie Sue. “It happens in committee hearings, on the Senate floor, and sometimes during very long conversations that begin with, ‘This won’t take much of your time…’ Senator Shope understands that protecting Arizona’s wildlife requires thoughtful policy, sound funding, and a willingness to listen.”
As Chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Senator Shope has facilitated the legislative process to ensure timely confirmation of Arizona Game and Fish Commissioners and consistently ensured that the voices of wildlife professionals, sportsmen and women, rural communities, conservation partners, and the citizens who value outdoor recreation are heard.
“He understands that wildlife conservation isn’t partisan – it’s simply part of being an Arizonan,” Petrie Sue added.
The State Advocate of the Year Award was originally announced during the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards ceremony, where Chairwoman Sue accepted the award on Senator Shope’s behalf. The February 16th presentation at the Capitol provided an opportunity to formally recognize his service in person.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission extends its gratitude to Senator Shope for his steadfast advocacy and his commitment to ensuring that Arizona’s wildlife and outdoor heritage remain strong for future generations.