The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2015 Conservation and Branch Achievement awards. The honorees were first unveiled at the 2015 QDMA National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, May 8-9.

Each year, QDMA accepts nominations for its Conservation awards, and it honors a number of people and groups for achievements in whitetail conservation and management. This year's winners are:

2015 QDMA Conservation Awards:
• Joe Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Gary Alt of Pennsylvania
• Al Brothers Deer Manager of the Year: Roland Dugas III of Louisiana
• Al Brothers Professional Deer Manager of the Year: Tony Vidrine of Louisiana
• Agency of the Year: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Wildlife Officer of the Year: Scott Herndon of Kentucky
• Signpost Communicator of the Year: Will Brantley of Field & Stream
• Rack Pack Four-Point Award: Katelyn Sette of West Virginia
The Branch Achievement awards recognize outstanding volunteers who have achieved success at a very high level. This year's winners are:

2015 QDMA Branch Achievement Awards:
• Branch of the Year: Bayou Branch of Louisiana
• Branch President of the Year: Jeff Eames of the First New Hampshire Branch
• Volunteer of the Year: Joe Shreves of the Derby City Branch in Kentucky
• Volunteer Appreciation Award: Snooky McCullar of South Carolina
• Event of the Year: The Kentucky Military Youth Hunt (Derby City, Owensboro, Kentucky Heartland, Barren River Branches)
• Membership Branch of the Year: Lowcountry Branch of South Carolina
• Sponsor Membership Branch of the Year: Lowcountry Branch of South Carolina
New Branch of the Year: Farm Country Whitetails Branch of Minnesota