Now Open: Nominations for the 2026 Commission Awards
Deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 12
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2026 Commission Awards. These 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.
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, fill out a nomination form with 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. on Aug. 12, 2026.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will select the 2026 Commission Award recipients at its September meeting. The awards will be presented at the annual Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet to be held on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027, at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 N. 7th Street, in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Sponsors receive logo placement in the event program and on-screen presentation, recognition on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website (which receives more than 1 million views annually), and exposure to an influential audience of conservation leaders, outdoor recreation supporters and state decision-makers. Your sponsorship not only helps celebrate Arizona’s conservationists but also ensures that this important event is possible, as all banquet costs are covered through ticket sales and sponsor contributions.
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2026 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department.
CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR: Any individual, not associated with a professional agency, which 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 (Two Nominations): Any individual that 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 Arizona Game and Fish through innovative approaches, community involvement and a customer service focus that benefits the citizens of Arizona and supports the Department’s mission of wildlife conservation.
BUCK APPLEBY HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD: 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.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission held its first awards banquet on Jan. 12, 1991. Since then, more than 400 recipients have been recognized with Commission awards. The awards banquet gives the Commission an opportunity to recognize individuals, groups and organizations for their contributions to Arizona’s wildlife resources.
Past Award Recipients
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