.jpg) | THE WISCONSIN CHAPTER OF THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY |
The Wisconsin Award Our chapter’s highest recognition of a person or group that exemplifies the wildlife profession in Wisconsin. The award is intended to be given out annually and nominees are evaluated on the basis of their overall achievement or service to the wildlife profession in the fields of: management, research, teaching, public relations, or legislative direction. Nominees may be any member of the wildlife profession and its supporting disciplines including members of governing bodies. Awardees receive a plaque and professionally framed, custom, limited edition print or painting that symbolizes a part of their career, research, or interests. |
Past Recipients
Note: Each caption is only a small snippet of the Awardee's accomplishments and contributions.
2024 John Olson Furbearer Specialist - retired, Wisconsin DNR In recognition of his career advancing wildlife management in Wisconsin through a several decade long career in the state. Most recognizably is his work formalizing a world-renowned trapper education program, fur school for professionals, and BMPs for regulated trapping. 2021 Dr. Robert Rolley Wildlife Research Scientist - retired, Wisconsin DNR In recognition of his nationally recognized leadership in advancing the science of wildlife population modelling. This included models for bear, bobcat, and fisher populations. Most recognizably though, is his expertise in monitoring and modeling deer populations accurately, along with monitoring deer regulations and harvest impacts in CWD areas. 2019 Tami Ryan Wildlife Health Section Supervisor, Wisconsin DNR In recognition for an exemplary career promoting sound wildlife resource management, wildlife health monitoring, and mentoring many young wildlife professionals during their career progression. Most recognizably is her leadership in response to the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) discovery in Wisconsin, along with almost two decades monitoring for and managing the spread of the disease. 2017 Dr. Tom Nicholls Wildlife Research Scientist - retired, US - Forest Service In recognition for his committed career to researching and managing forests for wildlife, most notably for many avian species. Also, for his decades of bird population monitoring through several studies, surveys and banding several thousands of birds of many species. Lastly, for him and his wife's, Mary Lou, efforts to educate future generations of wildlife enthusiasts by founding the Fifield Nature Center in 2001. 2015 Dr. Eric Anderson Professor - retired, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point In recognition for his decades of educating and mentoring the next generations of wildlife professionals at UWSP. He instructed over 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 20 different courses. He was an academic advisor to 18 graduate students and served as a graduate committee member for another 35. Amongst all that, Eric served on many statewide advisory committees and published many journal articles and book chapters. 2013 Dr. Tim Van Deelen Professor, University of Wisconsin - Madison In recognition for his significant advancements in wildlife research and population modeling that has led to many practical applications in the field. Also, for his many years mentoring and advising the students at UW-Madison and the members of their student TWS chapter. | 2025 Dr. Shelli Dubay Professor, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point In recognition for her unmeasurable positive impact on the wildlife profession through decades of education and mentorship of students at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. Also, for her leadership and expertise on applicable wildlife research projects across various areas of interest. 2023 Dr. Jonathan Gilbert Wildlife Section Supervisor, Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) In recognition of his career advocating science-based natural resource management with a strong emphasis on tribal culture and history as a factor in decision making. Also, for his education of Ojibwe culture through several trainings, workshops and articles. 2020 Ron Eckstein Wildlife Biologist - retired, Wisconsin DNR In recognition of breaking the traditional mold, since he's a "city kid" from Milwaukee, and blazing forth through an exceptional career for decades as a Wildlife Biologist in northern Wisconsin. His work is highlighted by efforts to sustainably manage deer populations for healthy forests, his banding of over 1,500 eagle and osprey chicks, and his leadership in erecting over 70 nesting platforms for ospreys. 2018 Mike Foy Wildlife Biologist, Wisconsin DNR In recognition for his career implementing and advocating for science-based wildlife population and habitat management. Along with actively promoting a strong and sound approach to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) management. Also, for decades of mentoring the new generations of wildlife professionals, many of which are biologists, technicians, and leaders today. 2016 Tom Hauge Wildlife Bureau Director - retired, Wisconsin DNR In recognition for his 37-year career advancing wildlife management, policy, and regulation of which 25 were spent as the Bureau Director of the Wildlife Management Program (WMP). Tom's leadership in promoting science-based habitat and population management were forefront during many challenges such as the discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), Deer Trustee Report, and program restructurings and prioritizations. 2014 Dr. James Hardin Professor - retired, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point In recognition for over 30 years of service teaching and advising thousands of students at UWSP. During his tenure, Jim developed eight new courses and taught an additional 17. Outside of University teaching, he gave many presentations to community groups and was a consultant to many councils, boards, and groups. Jim was also named a Fellow by The Wildlife Society in 2005, for his significant contributions to wildlife resources and the profession. Pictured is Ellen Hardin, wife of the late Dr. Hardin, accepting the award. 2012 Adrian Wydeven Wildlife Ecologist, Wisconsin DNR In recognition for his 35+ years of dedication to conserving and restoring wildlife habitat and species populations in Wisconsin. Most notably for his leadership, advocacy, and science-based approach as the wolf recovery program leader from 1990 to 2013, as the species began to recolonize the state. |
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