Honorary Lifetime WAFWA Memberships

Ty Gray. Ty retired from the Arizona Game and Fish Department after serving 31 dedicated years. Ty was active in WAFWA for over 21 years, serving in the leadership roles in WAFWA’s Human Dimensions Committee, Public Affairs Committee, Legal Committee, Executive Committee and he retired in November of 2024 while serving as WAFWA’s Vice-President. Ty left his mark on WAFWA and many who interacted with him. He was not able to make it here from his new home in South Carolina. Be sure he is likely sitting somewhere on a boat, with fishing pole in hand, and a pair of loyal dogs by his side.

J Shirley. J Shirley served Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for 22 years, most of that time was served as a Conservation Officer. He moved up to Law Enforcement Chief in 2019 and became Director of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in 2021. While J became active in WAFWA only recently, he made the most of it. He served as leadership for WAFWA’s Law Enforcement Committee, Awards and Recognition Committee, and Executive Committee, and ALSO retired while he was serving as Vice President of WAFWA. J is known for bringing people together. He graciously paused his retirement to organize the Fun Run hosted at Summer Meeting.

Federal Conservation Partner of the Year Award

This year, we’re proud to recognize Connor White from Pheasants Forever and BLM Boise Fuels Team, along with Josh White and Alex Webb from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This collaborative interagency team, led by Connor, in association with the Bruneau-Owyhee Sage-grouse Habitat project (or BOSH project) has impacted vast portions of rangelands in Idaho’s Owyhee Mountains. This team did not stop at the BLM borders, thanks to the collaborative efforts of this group and the scores of participating landowners. Their primary focus has been removing invasive juniper trees to restore sagebrush, grasslands, and aspen stands. In many cases, they have used these juniper cuttings with low-tech, process-based restoration techniques to improve the capacity of these areas to hold water longer into the summer and broaden the wetted area along the riparian corridor; a process intended to mimic beaver activity
The accomplishments of this team are astounding: they have removed juniper on over 350,000 acres since 2019, treated over 2000 acres of invasive annual grasses, planted 56,000 shrubs and planted over 300 acres of seeds, restored over 130 acres of wetlands, and treated over 9000 acres with prescribed burning of slash.
The figures just scratch the surface as many of this group have worked on substantial projects like the restoration associated with the Soda Fire.

Outstanding Citizen Wildlife Contributor of the Year Award

Wil Warren. Wil Warren has dedicated 36 years to connecting youth and families with the outdoors through fishing, beginning with Oregon’s first statewide Free Fishing Day in 1989. Wil is the founder and CEO of a 501(c)(3) organization called “I’m Hooked Inc—A Positive Youth Development Making a Reel Difference.” His organization uses fishing as a gateway to teach problem-solving, leadership, and environmental stewardship to today’s youth. Wil’s lifelong work and founding of I’m Hooked Inc came from his own desire to pay forward the gifts of connection that he received from his father. Growing up in Oregon, his family came from meager beginnings with both parents working multiple jobs and shifts to provide for the family, making it difficult to spend time together during the work week. Weekends became a form of sacred respite as Wil would have the opportunity to spend time connecting with his father outdoors, exchanging stories, and learning how to fish. Wil has reached at least 54,000 people with free events that offer fishing gear, safety instruction, and hands-on education in conservation and outdoor skills.
Wil understands that everyone needs an opportunity to be engaged in the outdoors and recognizes that it is bigger than he and “I’m Hooked Inc” can do alone. As a result, Wil has become a deeply respected and connected community organizer that brings local organizations, state agencies, federal agencies, community volunteers, professional guides, and enthusiastic educators together as partners to deliver high impact events throughout the year.

Conservation Change Agent Award

Bill Haase. Bill has been in his current role as Assistant Chief of the Wildlife Division for 4 years now. In that short time, he has shown a great ability to connect with staff and the public. He has held numerous positions in the Department – from Fisheries Development crew leader to District Wildlife Supervisor – before becoming the Assistant Chief of the Wildlife Division and has been very valuable to our small agency. Haase has become a strong advocate for not only for the Wildlife Division but for the entire Department. Recognizing the growing challenge of recruiting top talent, he has spearheaded efforts to engage college students in working for the Department by promoting temporary, seasonal positions so they can start gaining experience. Bill is also pursuing legislative support for a ride-along recruitment program. He is also working closely with our marketing and communications team to increase awareness of job openings and the importance of our work. In addition, Bill has worked with the Department’s partners to create a scholarship fund for people who have successfully completed a summer seasonal term with the Department to help them along the way in our field of work.

Ian Petkash. Wildlife Officer Ian Petkash has served Colorado Parks and Wildlife since 2013, consistently demonstrating excellence in conservation law enforcement, community engagement, habitat improvement, exposing poachers, and youth education. His standout contribution is the creation and development of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s first K9 program. Beginning with vision and determination, Ian secured a grant from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation to acquire and train K9 Samson—a Belgian Malinois uniquely certified in detecting Colorado’s big game wildlife, fish, waterfowl and article searches. Together, Ian and Samson have become an invaluable statewide resource in anti-poaching investigations. Ian expanded Samson’s role to include criminal investigations and hazing black bears along the Front Range of the State. Through research and some trial and error, Ian developed a programmatic approach to mitigating bear conflict with K9 Samson that includes consideration of when and how to set bear traps, release locations, types of conflict, and hazing techniques. Using this methodology, Ian was able to haze bears to deter repeated conflict at a rate greater than 80%. During the 2024 legislative session, the Governor learned about Ian’s efforts with K9 Samson and insisted on providing CPW with the backing through Colorado’s Long Bill, to create a standalone, 6-person K9 program, modeled after Ian’s work through CPW’s K9 pilot program. Ian and Samson received the 2022 John D. Hart Wildlife Officer of the Year for his pioneering efforts, and this year we are pleased to recognize Ian with a Conservation Change Agent Award.

WAFWA President Tim McCoy (far left) and Brian Hosek (far right) present the WAFWA 2025 Commission of the Year Award to Arizona Fish and Game Commission (left to right) Clay Hernandez, Marsha Petrie Sue, James Goughnour, Jeff Buchanan, and Kurt Kerr.

Commission of the Year Award

Arizona Game and Fish Commission. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission continues to be a national leader in wildlife conservation as well as a strong supporter of WAFWA and state authorities. They strive to improve how wildlife is managed and how customers are served under the tenets of the North American Model. Here are just a few examples of their great work to conserve wildlife and provide recreational opportunities all in service to the citizens of Arizona:
They empowered the Game and Fish Department to work with the State Land Department to address road closures on State Trust Land and restoring access to over 600,000 acres of public land. They recently instituted a limited entry draw called the “Copper State Draw” which has already generated 2 million dollars for the conservation fund – avoiding a raise in license and tag fees. They are responsive to the needs of the Game and Fish Department, including authorizing immediate and apportioned funds to help with drought response.
Recovery of an apex predator is controversial and requires true leadership. The Commission has supported recovery of the Mexican wolf since the first release in 1998 while also supporting livestock operators. The Commission also shows incredible support for Department staff and their work. At every one of their public meetings, the Commission recognizes a local staff member for their efforts and accomplishments, as well as a local partner individual or organization that has furthered the mission. Finally, the Arizona Commissioners are loyal members of and participants in the WAFWA Commissioners Committee.

Outstanding WAFWA Contributor of the Year Award

Cathy Campbell. Cathy has made many notable contributions to WAFWA in her 10 years with the organization. She has a unique ability to lead her department with vision and is always willing to embrace what gets thrown her way. Her commitment to member services and our conservation mission is second to none. “Grants & Contracts” are one of the key pillars of WAFWA’s operations and Cathy is constantly in the background of every conservation product and member service WAFWA can provide. Cathy is our most senior employee and has stayed committed to WAFWA’s core mission and people during times of crisis, reform, invigoration, and hard-fought stability.
WAFWA’s grants program has flourished under her leadership, and she is known to be a professional whose grant reports, bookkeeping, and compliance are “right and tight” with administrators and auditors alike. Cathy’s solid foundation enabled WAFWA to confidently grow the Grants program. That growth has brought increased responsibilities and needed innovations to the organization, and Cathy has met every request with a can-do attitude. She is a highly valuable team member, and WAFWA is lucky to have her!

President’s Award

Bill Van Pelt was selected by WAFWA’s President Tim McCoy to receive this award for his dedication and vision within the Grassland’s Initiative.

After graduating from Iowa State University in 1991, Bill was contracted as a bald eagle nest watcher by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and after completing that was hired by the Department to conduct the biological evaluation of the Aubrey Valley for a black-footed ferret reintroduction. Bill was promoted to Nongame Birds and Mammals Program Manager in 1996 and was able to release black-footed ferrets, and also Mexican wolves, California condors, and black-tailed prairie dogs. He became involved with WAFWA in 1997 with the development of the black-tailed prairie dog Conservation Plan, which was completed in 1999.  In 2008, with a sudden departure of the Western Association’s Grassland Coordinator, Bill stepped in to fill the end of the existing contract (which ran through 2010) and has continued in that role for WAFWA (almost) 17 years. As Coordinator, Bill continues an array of efforts for grassland species such as prairie dogs, ferrets, swift fox and lesser prairie chickens. His focus is on conservation plans that are effective, efficient, and provide information on habitat and species to inform listing efforts. He coordinates the Endangered Species Act-Information Work group (established in 2015) between WAFWA states and the USFWS to help make more informed listing decisions and prioritize conservation actions. Bill also coordinates the Western Monarch Working Group (established in 2017) that has since expanded to native insect pollinators. Bill has led and implements plans for WAFWA including the LPC Rangewide Plan, the Swift Fox Conservation Plan and Strategy, Conservation Plans for BT prairie dog, WT prairie dog and Gunnison’s prairie dog, the Western Monarch Conservation Plan, and the GPC and STG Conservation Plan (in conjunction with MAFWA). As a WAFWA coordinator, bill has been adaptable, is always willing to step in and make a difference for WAFWA states and brings exceptional skill organizing and working with diverse groups of experts to move conservation forward.  I am pleased to honor bill with the 2025 WAFWA Presidents Award.  

Pogue-Elms Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award

Shane Kitchen. Sergeant Shane Kitchen of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources possess the personality and intelligence to have chosen any career path he wanted, but Utah Department of Natural Resources is grateful for his decision to represent the best in Conservation Law Enforcement. Shane is known as a mentor and a leader. He is a friend to everyone he encounters, always greets people with a smile, and approaches life and work with a great attitude and integrity. Among his many accomplishments, Shane has been successful in identifying individuals who are purposefully committing license fraud with his innate skill set and ingenuity.
In 2020, Shane was the first officer to respond to a motorhome fully engulfed in fire. Not knowing if anybody was inside, Shane broke through the windows to verify that no one was trapped. While making entry, Shane was severely cut by glass but still had the wherewithal to “clear” the motor home of danger, back out, and self-apply a tourniquet to control bleeding, all the while keeping bystanders at a safe distance and out of harm’s way. Shane the officer you want standing next to you when danger threatens. His situational awareness, officer safety techniques, and mental and physical preparation make him one of Utah’s finest.

Professional of the Year Award

Reid DeWalt. Reid has served as a District Wildlife Manager, Area Wildlife Manager, Assistant Director, and Deputy Director within Colorado Parks and Wildlife. He consistently demonstrates a profound commitment to preserving natural resources and advancing conservation efforts, not only within his home state but across the western region. His ability to integrate science, policy, and community engagement has resulted in numerous successful programs that have had a far-reaching impact on wildlife conservation efforts in the western United States. One of Reid’s most significant contributions is his leadership in the management and restoration of endangered species. Under his guidance, multiple species at risk of extinction, including several threatened bird species and aquatic life, have seen marked improvements in both population numbers and habitat quality. His work in advocating for habitat protection, as well as spearheading reintroduction and recovery programs, has been instrumental in moving the needle toward conservation success Reid’s ability to collaborate, build relationships, and work together across different levels of government, private landowners, conservation organizations, and local communities is a driving force behind his success. Reid’s dedication and pride in public service are unrivaled. In the face of increasingly polarizing opinions, Reid has led efforts to develop the wolf restoration plan that resulted from numerous contentious public meetings as well as leading adaptive management strategies that help both wolves and livestock production. His foresight and innovation have allowed proactive measures that ensure the long-term health of species and ecosystems, even in the face of social, political, and logistical challenges. In addition to his work in Colorado, Reid currently serves as co-chair of the Lesser Prairie Chicken Initiative Council, working to improve outcomes for Lesser Prairie-chickens across their range.

WAFWA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

The final and most prestigious award of the evening. WAFWA’s Lifetime Achievement Award is named for Phillip W. Schneider of Oregon, whose legendary commitment to fish and wildlife resources spanned more than 40 years in a career in which he served as director of the state’s game and fish agency, and later as a commissioner and commissioner emeritus of Oregon’s Fish and Wildlife Commission. This award recognizes an individual who has dedicated his or her entire career to conservation of fish and wildlife resources in the West.

Daryl Lutz. Daryl started with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in 1990 as a Habitat biologist in Southwest Wyoming. From there, Daryl worked in wildlife biologist and Wildlife Management Coordinator positions around the state. His positive, can-do attitude and collaborative approach to wildlife management allows him to make great strides in conservation that reaches well beyond Wyoming’s borders. For example, he was an integral part of Wyoming’s Mule Deer Initiative and was one of the early members of the WAFWA Mule Deer Working Group.
Daryl co-chairs Wyoming’s Bighorn Sheep Working group. He has been instrumental in maintaining and improving the relationship between the agencies and the Wild Sheep Foundation. In addition to his regular wildlife management duties in Wyoming, Daryl stepped up to serve as Coordinator of the WAFWA Wild Sheep Initiative. In this role, Daryl has been a strong advocate for taking action to mitigate the impacts of disease on the West’s wild sheep herds.
Daryl is a true asset to sportsmen across the west. He has a keen interest in seasonal wildlife movements and more than a decade ago began communicating with the Wyoming Department of Transportation engineers about wildlife and road crossings. This resulted in one of the West’s first Wyoming Wildlife and Roadways Summits. These Summits brought together engineers, wildlife biologists, non-governmental organizations, federal agencies, and the public to focus on solutions to reduce conflicts between motorists and wildlife. Daryl demonstrates amazing foresight in identifying potential problems and issues concerning wildlife management in the west and provides creative solutions and recommendations. He strives to listen to landowners, the public, agencies, and other constituents to truly understand their desires and needs concerning wildlife management.