Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet

Make plans to attend the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet
Jan. 21 event recognizes advocates who support AZ’s wildlife, outdoor heritage
 
 
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will recognize 14 individuals and one group at the annual Commission Awards Banquet set for Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, Grande Ballroom, 11111 N. 7 Street in Phoenix. 
 
The Commission Awards honor those 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.
 
Reservations are being accepted for $75 per person by filling out and submitting the online registration and sponsorship form below. The event begins with a social hour at 4 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 5:30 p.m. All RSVPs are due by Dec. 16, 2022.
 
 
Those being honored are:
 
  • Award of Excellence – Brian McIntyre, Cochise County Attorney’s Office
  • Youth Conservationist of the Year – Buck Pruit, Gila Ridge High School FFA Agricultural Mechanical Team
  • Media of the Year – Robbie Kroger, Blood Origins
  • Conservation Organization of the Year – Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society
  • Conservationist of the Year – Don McDowell
  • Natural Resource Professional of the Year – Scott Feldhausen
  • Volunteer of the Year – Doug Beach
  • Educator of the Year – Kathy Balman
  • Mentor of the Year – Gabriel Paz
  • Advocate of the Year – Senator David Gowan
  • Business Partner of the Year - KUIU
  • Buck Appleby Hunter Education Instructor of the Year – Jim Rich
  • Wildlife Habitat Steward of the Year – Scott and Dawn Dunton, Dunton Ranch
  • North American Model Commissioner's Award – Kelly Alkhoury
 
All of the costs associated with the awards banquet are paid for by ticket sales and sponsorship donations, including the complimentary tickets for award recipients and their spouse or guest. Table Sponsorships for organizations are available in several categories and include a logo advertisement in the event program and sponsorship recognition.

The first Commission Awards event was held in January 1991. Since then, more than 400 people have been recognized for their dedicated work toward securing Arizona’s wildlife for generations to come.
 
If you have questions, please contact Olga Kline at (623) 236-7276 or e-mail at okline@azgfd.gov.