Each year, we recognize the hard work and dedication of professionals and citizens across the state.
Professional of the Year
This award recognizes the wildlife professional who best exemplifies the values consistent TWS code of ethics and makes outstanding contributions to the wildlife profession in Wyoming, in the given year. These contributions to wildlife and habitat conservation include and are not limited to excellence in research, management, public relations, and/or policy.
2023 Dale Woolwine
2022 Bryan Bedrosian
2021 Embere Hall
2020 Chris Colligan
2019 Hank Edwards
2018 Dan Thompson
2017 Matthew J. Kauffman
2016 Rusty Kaiser
2015 Kevin Monteith
2014 Jill Randall
2013 Gary Fralick
2023 Aly Courtemanch
2022 Daly Edmunds
2017 Merav Ben-David
2014 Roger Wilson
2023 Tayler LaSharr
2018 Susan Patla
2017 Bill Rudd
2016 Dave Savage
2015 Scott Smith
2014 Steve Kilpatrick
2022 Chris Bonter
2021 Julie Hugel
2020 Amy Ramage
2019 Jessica Western
2018 Stan Blake
2017 Steve Sharkey
2016 Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation
2013 Francis Bergquist
2012 Linda Cooper
2011 Dwight France
Citizen of the Year
This award recognizes an individual who does not have a “wildlife” job but whose efforts directly benefit wildlife and/or associated habitats. Individuals presented with this award range from science teachers to Governors.
2010 Rollie Sparrowe
2009 Bill Cheney
2008 Mark Winland
2007 Jim and Peggy Price
2006 The 58th Wyoming Legislature
2005 Chuck and Carol Schneebeck
2004 Governor Dave Freudenthal
2003 Barbara Parsons
2002 Tony Malmberg
2001 Jim Collins
2012 Hall Sawyer
2011 Phil Gonzales
2010 Pat Deibert
2009 Doug McWhirter
2008 Tom Ryder
2007 Todd Cornish
2006 Hank Edwards
2005 Steve Kilpatrick
2004 Rich Guenzel
2003 Mark McKinstry
2008 Terry Cleveland
2007 Dave Roberts
2005 Stan Anderson
2004 Fred Lindzey
2002 Harry Harju
1999 Mike Hunzie
1997 Tom Farrell
1996 Gretchen Hurley
1995 Carl Herbel
1994 Barb Gorges
1993 Don Johnson
1992 Phyllis Atchison
1990 Robert Crooks
1989 Norma Hunt
1988 Frank and Lois Layton
2001 Ron Lockwood
2000 Dennie Hammer
1999 Kevin Hurley
1998 Stan Anderson
1997 Tom Christiansen
1996 Bill Long
1995 Gary Butler
1994 Bob Luce
1993 Beth Williams
1992 Fred and Linda Reed
1988 Frank and Lois Layton
1987 Bert and Meg Raynes
1986 FNAWS
1985 Oliver Scott
1984 Dick Randall
1983 Tom Dougherty
1982 Lynn Dickey
1991 Bob Lanka
1990 Jack Welch
1989 Art Reese
1988 Dove Lockman
1987 Bob Oakleaf
1986 Tom Thorne
1985 Lorin Ward
1984 Jim Roseberry
1983 Rex Corsi
1982 Don Bartschi
1981 Harry Harju
Distinguished Service Award
This award recognizes an individual’s lifetime contribution to The Wildlife Society, the Wyoming Chapter, and the Central Mountain and Plains Section. Their leadership and actions have furthered the mission of the Society. This award is presented as warranted to recognize outstanding wildlife professionals who make lasting contributions to the leadership of the Chapter, Section, or Parent Society.
Kilpatrick Outstanding Mentor Award
This award recognizes an individual in the wildlife field who has demonstrated commitment to supporting and promoting others (students, colleagues, early-career professionals) within the wildlife field. Mentors have had a substantial, positive impact on mentees by cultivating their knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for wildlife issues.
Roger Wilson Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognizes an outstanding wildlife professional that has tirelessly dedicated themselves throughout their career to promoting wildlife values, conservation, education, and advancing the science of wildlife management. This award is not given annually, and only when a deserving recipient is identified.
2023 Bob Budd
2022 Andrea Orabona
2021 Frank Blomquist and Dan Bjornlie
2020 Tim Woolley
2019 Terry Kreeger
If you are interested in nominating a hardworking professional or citizen for one of the awards listed below, please contact Ellen Whittle, the chair of the Nominations and Awards committee, for more information.