Awards

Do you know an individual who deserves to be recognized for their outstanding contributions to conservation or our organization? This is your chance to help us honor their work with one of our 2024 Awards! Award recipients are announced annually at the North American Rendezvous, set this year for April 18 - 20, 2024 - Minneapolis Convention Center, MN! 

Award Ceremony will be on April 20th 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Take this opportunity to nominate individuals or chapters for the following awards:

  • The Jim Posewitz Award for advancing ethical, responsible behavior in the hunting and fishing fields by example, leadership or education. Through advocacy or programming, they have proven themselves as a galvanizing force in maintaining a positive perception of hunting and angling in the eye of the general public. This person exemplifies the BHA ethos as a role model to novice and seasoned hunters and anglers alike to ensure that our sporting traditions have and keep their place in 21st-century society.
  • The Rachel L. Carson Award for an outstanding emerging young leader who has gone above and beyond in their contributions to the conservation, hunting, or angling communities. This person should be early in their career and should demonstrate leadership on behalf of conservation, be innovative, and have strong potential for future contributions to fish, wildlife, and their habitat. The recipient should uphold BHA’s mission and values and the standards of fair chase in their line of work.
  • The Armed Forces Initiative Award for exceptional work on behalf of our active duty military and veterans. This award recognizes those outstanding AFI volunteers whose unselfish and dedicated service to BHA and the AFI has made a significant difference in their local military community, conservation, and the overarching mission of BHA.
  • The Aldo Leopold Award for outstanding effort in conserving terrestrial wildlife habitat. The award recipient embodies Leopold’s quote “To those devoid of imagination a blank place on the map is a useless waste; to others, the most valuable part.” This person has showcased a storied amount of time given to and notable accomplishments that have led to the long-term or in-perpetuity enhancement and protection of wild land. The recipient shows, undoubtedly, the ability to raise awareness through testimony, advocacy campaigns, or fundraising support for BHA’s continued on-the-ground efforts. 
  • The Sigurd F. Olson Award for outstanding effort in conserving rivers, lakes or wetland habitat. Olson not only recognized the ecological significance of healthy aquatic habitats, but he also recognized the innate and almost spiritual connection that we have to these places. This award is given to someone who makes those same connections and who has worked tirelessly to protect, restore, and preserve aquatic habitats.
  • The Ted Trueblood Award for outstanding communication on behalf of backcountry habitat and values. This person should be a journalist covering important conservation issues and seeking to tell the story of our wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. The recipient should be a positive and unbiased source of conservation news and information for hunters and anglers.
  • The Larry Fischer Award for outstanding corporate contribution to BHA’s mission. This award celebrates the remarkable corporate partners that have made exceptional contributions to advancing BHA's mission. Businesses play a pivotal role in supporting BHA's and our chapters by generously donating funds and products, empowering them to effectively raise resources for vital local initiatives. Moreover, these deserving partners extend their support beyond financial means by actively engaging in communication efforts and rallying supporters to advocate for crucial conservation legislation at both local and federal levels.
  • The George Bird Grinnell Award for the outstanding BHA chapter of the year.  A chapter that is leading the way in success, hard work, and innovation in making an undeniable difference for public lands, waters, and wildlife.  The chapter displays outstanding effort in most or all of these areas: state policy, stewardship projects, membership growth, events, fundraising, and communications.  The chapter adheres to organizational standards and guidelines and exhibits a collaborative ‘One BHA’ spirit. It is comprised of exceptional volunteers who consistently exceed expectations. 
  • The Mike Beagle-Chairman’s Award for remarkable dedication to BHA's mission. This individual has exemplified extraordinary commitment and passion in advancing conservation efforts on behalf of BHA. Their tireless work spans across various projects, from spearheading state-level policy initiatives to bolstering BHA's federal endeavors. Whether stopping detrimental legislation or championing new laws to promote conservation, they have consistently demonstrated a steadfast alignment with BHA's mission surrounding public lands, waters, and wildlife. Their unwavering commitment not only amplifies our collective voice in the conservation arena, but also inspires others to join in our noble cause.  

Nominate individuals and chapters via the form below. The final deadline for nominations is Friday, March 15, 2024. Awardees will be announced at BHA’s North American Rendezvous, April 18-20, 2024 - Minneapolis Convention Center, MN.

A list of prior award winners can be found here. 

Want to submit letters of recommendation or supporting documents? Send them to [email protected].

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