The DSC Foundation named Michael Schneider of Driftwood Valley Outfitters as the 2027 Education Award recipient for his leadership in wildlife conservation education. Schneider's Driftwood Outdoor Guide and Business Apprenticeship program combines practical skills, classroom learning, and Indigenous teachings for Takla Nation youth in British Columbia.
Hayden Walkush, a master's student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, received the Boone and Crockett Club Fellow Outstanding Achievement Award for his research on Wisconsin's black bears. His work, conducted under advisor Dr. Cady Sartini at UWSP's Wisconsin Center for Wildlife, studies bear movement through working forests and hunting areas in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) and the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) honored Mark Haldane of Zambeze Delta Safaris, Mozambique, with the 2026 Markhor Award for three decades of conservation work, including recovering buffalo populations from 2,300 to 30,000 and reintroducing lions in the Zambeze Delta.
Hook & Barrel Magazine announces the third annual Top Shelf Awards, a reader-driven event celebrating top outdoor brands, products, and personalities across 23 categories. Voting is open through November 30, with select category winners receiving awards at SHOT Show 2027.
PRADCO Outdoor Brands recognized three outstanding sales representatives for 2026: Chad Bauman as Sales Representative of the Year, Bert Moore as Regional Representative of the Year for the Southeast, and Rocky Stewart as Regional Representative of the Year for the Northeast.
Dallas Safari Club announced Gray N. Thornton as the 2027 recipient of the Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award, recognizing his three decades of leadership in wildlife conservation with Safari Club International, Dallas Safari Club, and the Wild Sheep Foundation, where he currently serves as President and CEO.
Dallas Safari Club announced that Trackan Lemon, a 13-year-old from Holden, Utah, is the 2027 Colin Caruthers Young Hunter Award recipient. Lemon, who completed the World Slam of wild turkeys and has participated in hunts across North America, exemplifies the award's values of leadership, conservation dedication, and community involvement. He will be formally recognized at the 2027 DSC Convention in Atlanta.
Shane Mahoney, president and CEO of Conservation Visions Inc., received the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies' 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award for over four decades of wildlife conservation leadership. AFWA recognized his work shaping conservation policy across North America and advancing One Health approaches that connect human, animal, and environmental health.
Whitetails Unlimited named Dan Vogt and Darel Martin as Field Directors of the Year for fiscal year 2025-2026, while Brian Kittrell received the Pathfinder Award for the third consecutive year. Executive Director Chris Konop praised the honorees' dedication to the organization's conservation mission.
Paul Butski, a longtime GSM Outdoors staff member, has been inducted into the Legends of The Outdoors Hall of Fame for his decades of conservation work and contributions to the outdoor industry. Butski is a decorated turkey calling champion with three NWTF Grand National Championships, six U.S. Open Championships, and two Levi Garrett Opens, and developed signature turkey calls for GSM and the Mantis 25 Turkey Call for Hunting Made Easy (HME).
Senior Conservation Officer Meghan Roos of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game received the 2026 IWC Guidefitter Game Warden of the Year Award from International Wildlife Crimestoppers and Guidefitter. Roos was recognized for leading significant wildlife crime investigations resulting in lifetime hunting revocations, over $180,000 in fines, and exposing a massive poaching operation involving 15+ suspects and 200+ illegally taken animals.
Outdoor Life selected TenPoint Crossbow Technologies' TX Ultra 29.5 as the 2026 Best Premium Crossbow. Scott Einsmann praised the crossbow for its accuracy, ergonomics, and ease of use. The TX Ultra 29.5 shoots up to 460 FPS and features new 8MM Axles, X-Wide Limbs, and ACUslide MAXX cocking technology.
The National Bowhunter Education Foundation presented Bob Barnette with its International Instructor of the Year award at the IHEA-USA Conference in Glendale, AZ. Mathews supplied Barnette with a signed 2026 ARC bow. Barnette, a Texas bowhunter and educator, has certified hundreds of students and serves as a field operations coordinator for the Texas Wildlife Association's Youth Hunting Program.
Outdoor Life selected TenPoint Crossbow Technologies' Titan X De-Cock as the 2026 Best Value Crossbow at $799, also achieving the most accurate performance with a 1.4-inch group average, outperforming the Ravin R10X Pro and Excalibur Rev X TD in testing.
Dave Roberts of MWS Associates, Inc. has been named 2026 Sales Rep of the Year by TenPoint Crossbow Technologies for exceptional performance in driving sales growth and expanding brand presence across Texas and Oklahoma. The award recognizes his consistent execution in strengthening dealer relationships and recruiting new accounts.
Winchester Ammunition received the Industry Partner of the Year Award from the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) U.S.A. for supporting the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program through employee volunteer efforts.
Pursuit Channel celebrates Ted Nugent's induction into the Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame and receipt of the Legend of the Outdoors Award. Nugent, host of Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild, is recognized for his lifelong dedication to hunting heritage, conservation, and outdoor television.
Marilyn Bentz, Executive Director of the National Bowhunter Education Foundation since 2003, received the Ann Weber Hoyt Award of Merit for her excellence in archery and bowhunting. Bentz has been instrumental in advancing bowhunter education and safety through her leadership roles and contributions to the archery community.
The Wild Sheep Foundation announced Gervasio Negrete as the 2027 Conklin Award recipient, recognizing him as the 25th winner of this prestigious "Tough Man" award. Negrete, a dual citizen of Mexico and Spain, has hunted across all continents and achieved 39 Ovis species and 36 Capra species worldwide. The award presentation will occur at WSF's Legacy Night banquet during the 2027 Sheep Show in Reno, Nevada on February 5th.
Field & Stream selected the Wicked Ridge Commander 400 as the 2026 Best Value Crossbow, praising its accuracy, built-in ACUdraw cocking system, and American-made quality. The crossbow, manufactured by TenPoint Crossbow Technologies in Mogadore, Ohio, features Gordon Glass limbs and retails for under $600.