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The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2017 Commission Awards. The deadline for submission is Aug. 24. The purpose of these awards is to 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.

Nominations may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. Arizona Game and Fish Department employees are not eligible for nomination.

To submit a Commission Awards nomination, download a nomination form and submit the completed form and all supplemental materials to -

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Attn: 2017 Commission Awards

5000 W. Carefree Highway

Phoenix, AZ 85086

Nominations also can be submitted via email to lroe@azgfd.gov or faxed to 623-236-7299. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. on Aug. 24, 2017.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will select the 2017 Commission Award recipients at its Sept. 8-9, 2017, meeting. The awards will be presented at the annual Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet to be held on Jan. 13, 2018.

2017 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 Environmentalist 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) or professional or freelance writer 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 Game and Fish Department.

Conservationist Of The Year: Any individual, not associated with a professional agency, who 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 - State: Any individual who 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.

Advocate Of The Year Federal - Any individual who 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 of the Arizona Game and Fish Department that actively promotes the department through innovative approaches, community involvement and a customer service focus that benefits the citizens of Arizona and supports the Game and Fish mission of wildlife conservation.

Buck Appleby Hunter Education Instructor Of The Year: 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.

To Download A Nomination Form

To download a nomination form or view a list of past award recipients, visit http://www.azgfd.com/agency/commission/awards.