One hundred years ago, wildlife biologists began determining which plant species provided food and cover for ducks and geese and then how to manage coastal wetlands to promote those plants. Within decades, that knowledge was the basis for managing water levels, water salinity, fire, and land acquisition on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts. By the end of the last century, that knowledge also was being used to improve habitat for wading birds, shore birds and other associated species habitat and also in efforts to combat coastal wetland loss.

In 1905, a Florida game warden named Guy Bradley became the first wildlife law enforcement agent killed while performing his duties to protect the nation’s wildlife. Law enforcement agents like Bradley are essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation, from recovering endangered species to managing waterfowl and big game resources.  In honor of Guy Bradley, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation established this lifetime achievement award to recognize individuals for their commitment and performance in the field of wildlife law enforcement.

The Guy Bradley Award will be presented to one state agency and one federal agency officer whose dedication and public service to protecting the nation's natural resources demonstrates outstanding leadership, excellence in implementation, knowledge, and actions that have advanced the cause of wildlife conservation.

Jay McAninch given 2017 SEAFWA Directors’ Special Recognition Award

LOUISVILLE, Kent. – Oct. 31, 2017 – The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) presented CEO and President of the Archery Trade Association Jay McAninch with a special recognition award at their annual meeting in Louisville this week. McAninch has led the ATA since 2000, and a hallmark of his tenure has been the rejuvenation of the relationship between industry and the state agencies.

Dan Gibbs named 2017 SEAFWA Wildlife Biologist of the Year

LOUISVILLE, Kent. – Oct. 31, 2017 – The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Dan Gibbs the 2017 Wildlife Biologist of the Year at their annual meeting in Louisville this week. Gibbs is the Bear Program Leader for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

George C. Palmer Named 2017 SEAFWA Fisheries Biologist of the Year

LOUISVILLE, Kent. – Oct. 31, 2017 – The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named George C. Palmer the 2017 Fisheries Biologist of the Year at their annual meeting in Louisville this week. Palmer has been an aquatic biologist for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) since 2000.

LOUISVILLE, Kent. – Oct. 31, 2017 – The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) as the 2017 SEAFWA Diversity and Inclusion Award winner in the category of Diversity Outreach and Education at their annual meeting in Louisville this week. The AGFC’s Family and Community Fishing Program partners with community organizations to raise the profile and awareness of conservation within the state’s growing minority communities.

Cindy Dohner named C. W. Watson Award Winner

LOUISVILLE, Kent. – Oct. 31, 2017 – The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s former Southeast Regional Director Cindy Dohner the 2017 C. W. Watson Award winner at their annual meeting in Louisville this week. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the Association.

Curtis Hopkins, Ph. D. Named National Blue-Winged Teal Award Winner

LOUISVILLE, Kent. – Oct. 31, 2017 – The North American Waterfowl Management Plan partners recognized Ducks Unlimited’s (DU) retired Director of the Southern Region, Dr. Curtis Hopkins, as the 2017 National Blue-Winged Teal Award winner at the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) annual meeting in Louisville this week. The award honors extraordinary commitment to conservation and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP).

Brad Hasamear named 2017 SEAFWA Wildlife Officer of the Year

LOUISVILLE, Kent. – Nov. 2, 2017 – The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named Brad Hasamear the 2017 Colonel Bob Brantley Wildlife Officer of the Year at their annual meeting in Louisville this week. Stewart is a senior conservation officer for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Committee Given 2017 SEAFWA Directors’ Special Recognition Award

LOUISVILLE, Kent. – Oct. 31, 2017 – The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) presented the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Electrofishing Equipment and Safety Committee with a special recognition award at their annual meeting in Louisville this week. The ten-member team has updated and standardized electrofishing guidelines, which multiple states are adopting.