The Indiana Chapter of The Wildlife Society confers awards to individuals for various accomplishments, from stellar presentations to lifetime achievements. Explore our awards and past recipients below.
If you would like to nominate someone for a Chapter award, you can find nomination forms for the Hoosier Wildlife and Champion of Wildlife Awards below. If you would like to nominate someone for Honorary Member or have award related questions, reach out directly to Zack DeYoung, Awards Chair.
This award is intended to recognize an individual who has made, or is making, a significant contribution to professional wildlife conservation in Indiana through research, management, law enforcement, education, or administration. This award is not restricted to members of The Indiana Chapter of the Wildlife Society and may, but is not required to, be conferred annually.
Request for Award Nominations
Nominations for the Hoosier Wildlife Award should be made by completing the awards nomination form below. The Awards Committee evaluates the nominations received, and based upon supporting documentation, makes its recommendation of a recipient to the Executive Board. Presentation of this award is at the annual meeting of the Chapter which is held in the spring. The award consists of a plaque, and the wording of each award would be specific to the recipient’s accomplishments.
Nomination Deadline: January 15 of each year
2025 – Katie Smith
2024 – Brian MacGowan
2017 – Scott Johnson
2016 – Robert K. Swhihart
2015 – John Castrale
2014 – William J. McCoy, Jr.
2013 – Steven E. Backs
2011 – Timothy A. Hayes
2009 – Brian Miller
2008 – Lee Sterrenburg
2007 – Olin E. Rhodes, Jr.
2006 – Harmon P. Weeks, Jr.
2004 – Jeffrey M. Hampshire
2003 – Richard H. Hudson
2001 – Carl H. Eisfelder
2000 – Edward T. Theroff
1999 – Dean Zimmerman
1997 – David C. Hudak
1996 – Russell E. Mumford
1974 – Charles M. Kirkpatrick
1971 – William B. Barnes
The Champion of Wildlife Award is intended to recognize an individual, group, or organization for being instrumental in enacting an important wildlife resource conservation measure in Indiana during the past year.
Requests for Award Nominations
Nominations for the Champion of Wildlife Award should be made by completing the awards nomination form below. The Awards Committee evaluates the nominations received, and based upon supporting documentation, makes its recommendation of a recipient to the Executive Board. Presentation of this award is at the annual meeting of the Chapter which is held in the spring. The award consists of a plaque, and the wording of each award would be specific to the recipient’s accomplishments.
Nomination Deadline: January 15 of each year
2025 – Sycamore Land Trust, recognized for restoring critical wetland and bottomland habitat across Southern Indiana in partnership with the Indiana DNR and other organizations.
2018 – Sam Shine, recognized for his instrumental role in many important wildlife conservation measures in Indiana and across the country.
2015 – Bob and Ellen Mulford, recognized for restoring and enhancing nearly 400 acres of high-quality wildlife habitat and for promoting wildlife education, research, and conservation efforts in Indiana.
The Honorary Member Award is intended to acknowledge long-term, outstanding service to the Indiana Chapter of The Wildlife Society by an individual retired from professional employment. Nominees must be either a current or past member of the Chapter who was/is an active participant in Chapter activities over a long period of time.
Requests for Award Nominations
Nominations for the Honorary member should be sent directly to Zack DeYoung, Awards Chair. Honorary membership in the Indiana Chapter of The Wildlife Society is determined by those nominees that receive a majority vote of all members of the Chapter.
Nomination Deadline: January 15 of each year
Send all nomination materials to:
Zack DeYoung, (219) 992-3019, zdeyoung@dnr.IN.gov
2025 – Rob Swihart; Sally Weeks; John Castrale
2024 – Steven E. Backs; Scott Johnson; Mitch Marcus
2018 – Dean Zimmerman
2016 – Harmon P. Weeks, Jr.
2008 – John D. Wade
1999 – David C. Hudak
1998 – Ralph D. Kirkpatrick; David L. Herbst; Warren Rowe
1997 – Robert D. Feldt; Kenneth C. Nettles; George Seketa; D. David Turner
1988 – Harald A. Demaree, Jr.; Herbert C. Krauch, Jr.
1987 – William E. Madden; Charles E. Scheffe
1986 – William B. Barnes; William E. Ginn; Charles M. Kirkpatrick; James D. McCall
This is presented at the annual spring meeting. A plaque is awarded to the winner. In some years, a best student presentation and best professional presentation award may be given. A small panel of attendees not presenting are selected and provided a scoring key at the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the award is presented.
This is presented at the annual spring meeting. A plaque is awarded to the winner. In some years, if the meeting is large enough, a best student flash talk or poster and best professional flash talk or poster award may be given. A small panel of attendees not presenting are selected and provided a scoring key at the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the award is presented.