Past MTAFS Award Winners
You can find the names of award and scholarship recipients since 1985 here
For a PDF version of the award winners list, click HERE
| Award | Year | Recipients |
| Award of Excellence | 2011 | Matt Boyer |
| Best Professional Paper | 2022 | Tim Cline (USGS) |
| Best Professional Paper | 2021 | Ryan Kovach (MFWP) |
| Best Professional Paper | 2018 | Amber Steed (FWP) |
| Best Professional Paper | 2017 | Patrick Hutchins (USGS) |
| Best Professional Paper | 2015 | Barry Hanson (CSKT) |
| Best Professional Paper | 2014 | Dave Fuller (MFWP) |
| Best Professional Paper | 2013 | Chris Clancy (MFWP) |
| Best Professional Paper | 2011 | Craig Stafford (UM) |
| Best Professional Paper | 2010 | Matthew Boyer (MFWP) |
| Best Professional Paper | 2009 | Dan Carty |
| Best Professional Paper | 2008 | David Schmetterling |
| Best Professional Paper | 2007 | Matt Jaeger |
| Best Professional Paper | 2006 | Eric Roberts |
| Brad Shepard Best Student Paper | 2022 | Ian Anderson (MSU) |
| Best Student Paper | 2021 | Donavan Bell (UM) |
| Best Student Paper | 2018 | Ben Triano (MSU) |
| Best Student Paper | 2017 | Lauren McGarvey (MSU) |
| Best Student Paper | 2016 | Lindsy Ciepiela (U Wyo) |
| Best Student Paper | 2015 | Addie Dutton (MSU) |
| Best Student Paper | 2014 | Jan Boyer |
| Best Student Paper | 2013 | Jan Boyer |
| Best Student Paper | 2011 | Mariah Mayfield |
| Best Student Paper | 2010 | Matthew Corsi |
| Best Student Paper | 2009 | John Syslo |
| Best Student Paper | 2008 | Hilary Billman |
| Best Student Paper | 2007 | Peter Brown |
| Best Student Paper | 2006 | Kiza Gates |
| Best Student Paper | 2002 | Stan Proboszcz |
| Best Student Paper | 2001 | Nathaniel Hitt |
| Best Student Paper | 2000 | Eileen Ryce |
| Best Student Paper | 1998 | Clint Muhlfeld |
| Best Student Paper | 1997 | Laura Katzman |
| Best Student Paper | 1996 | Susan Adams |
| Best Student Paper | 1995 | Brad Covello |
| Best Student Poster | 2016 | Adam Baca (NMSU) |
| Career Achievement | 2022 | Travis Horton |
| Career Achievement | 2022 | Beth Gardner |
| Career Achievement | 2022 | Pat VanEimeren |
| Career Achievement | 2021 | Scott Spaulding |
| Career Achievement | 2021 | Tom McMahon |
| Career Achievement | 2021 | Sue Ireland |
| Career Achievement | 2019 | Brian Marotz |
| Career Achievement | 2019 | Mark Novak |
| Career Achievement | 2019 | Robb Leary |
| Career Achievement | 2019 | Winston Greeley |
| Career Achievement | 2018 | Don Skaar |
| Career Achievement | 2018 | Ken Frazer |
| Career Achievement | 2018 | Ron Pierce |
| Career Achievement | 2017 | Brent Mabbott |
| Career Achievement | 2017 | Bruce Roberts |
| Career Achievement | 2017 | Buddy Drake |
| Career Achievement | 2017 | Chris Clancy |
| Career Achievement | 2017 | Pat Bigelow |
| Career Achievement | 2017 | Steve Leathe |
| Career Achievement | 2016 | Bruce Farling |
| Career Achievement | 2016 | Dr. Bob Gresswell |
| Career Achievement | 2015 | Dan Mahony |
| Career Achievement | 2015 | Jim Darling |
| Career Achievement | 2015 | Pat Clancy |
| Career Achievement | 2015 | Robbin Wagner |
| Career Achievement | 2015 | Wade Fredenberg, |
| Career Achievement | 2014 | Gary Michael |
| Career Achievement | 2014 | Joe DosSantos |
| Career Achievement | 2014 | Mark Lere |
| Career Achievement | 2013 | Glenn Boltz |
| Career Achievement | 2013 | Paul Hamlin |
| Career Achievement | 2012 | Mike Hensler |
| Career Achievement | 2010 | Chris Hunter |
| Career Achievement | 2010 | Len Walch |
| Career Achievement | 2010 | Stan Bradshaw |
| Career Achievement | 2009 | Brad Shpard |
| Career Achievement | 2009 | Mike Enk |
| Career Achievement | 2008 | Jim Peterson |
| Career Achievement | 2008 | Larry Peterman |
| Career Achievement | 2004 | Bruce May |
| Career Achievement | 2003 | Wally McClure |
| Career Achievement | 2002 | Dr. Andrew Sheldon |
| Career Achievement | 2001 | Dr. Robert G White |
| Career Achievement | 2001 | William P. Dwyer |
| Career Achievement | 2000 | Patrick Graham |
| Career Achievement | 2000 | Wes Orr |
| Career Achievement | 1999 | Don Peters |
| Career Achievement | 1999 | Fred Nelson |
| Career Achievement | 1995 | Joe Huston |
| Communicator of the Year | 2020 | David Schmetterling |
| Communicator of the Year | 2019 | Whitney Tilt |
| Conservation Achievment Award | 2012 | Erin Sexton |
| Early Career Achievement | 2015 | Ryan Kovach |
| Educators | 2013 | Christina Gillespie (Livingston Eastside Elementary) |
| Educators | 2010 | Pat Volkmar |
| Educators | 2009 | Brandon Day |
| Educators | 2009 | Dave Hagenguber |
| Educators | 2009 | Nathan Olson |
| Educators | 2007 | Al Zale |
| Educators | 2006 | Lisa Eby |
| Educators | 2005 | Robin Arnold |
| Educators | 2004 | Matt Wilhelm |
| Educators | 2002 | Betsy Sharkey |
| Educators | 2002 | Linda Hicks |
| Educators | 2000 | Bridger Outdoor Science school |
| Educators | 1994 | Kurt Cunningham |
| Fisheries Resource Individual of the Year Award | 2020 | Jim Stone |
| Fisheries Resource Group of the Year Award | 2019 | Pallid Sturgeon Research Group |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2016 | Bitter Root Water Forum |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2015 | Bob Cuffe – Bitterroot |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2015 | Conservation District |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2014 | Eddie Olwel |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2014 | Jack Mauer |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2013 | Five Valleys Land Trust |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2012 | Swan Ecosystem |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2011 | Gallatin Nat. Forest |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2011 | PPL Montana |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2010 | Fergus Co. CD |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2010 | Park Co. CD |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2010 | Rob Roberts |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2009 | Lower Clark Fork Watershed Group |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2008 | Becky Jakes-Dockter |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2008 | Bob Lane |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2008 | Jack Tuholske |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2008 | Mike Koopal |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2008 | Mitchell Slough legal |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2008 | Sara McMillian |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | Brad Schmitz |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | Burt Williams |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | Dave Jewell |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | Dave Pratt |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | George Jordan |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | Jim O’Donnell |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | Mike Backes |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | Muggli Fish Passage Group |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | Roger Muggli |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | Rusty Irion |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | Sue Camp |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | Vic Riggs |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2007 | Yvetter Converse |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2006 | John Vincent |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2006 | Rick Barrows |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2006 | Tom Pruitt and Ennis staff |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2005 | Brent Mabbott |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2005 | Bruce Roberts |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2005 | Carter Cruse |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2005 | Clint Sestrich |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2005 | Darrin Watschke |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2005 | Pat Clancey |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2005 | Scott Barndt |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2005 | Travis Lohrenz |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2004 | Daly Ditch Irrigation Dist. |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2003 | Bruce May |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2003 | Ron Haviland |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2002 | Allen McNeal |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2001 | Burce Farling |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 2000 | Brian Maioarano |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1999 | Ira Newbreast |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1999 | Tom Flowers |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1998 | Beaverhead Cons Dist. |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1998 | Darlene Edge |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1998 | Nick Stas & Ted Anderson |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1997 | Barretts Mineral |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1997 | Broadwater Cons Dist. |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1997 | Gloria Flora |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1997 | Ruby River Water Users |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1996 | Mack Long |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1995 | Bitteroot Irrigation dist. |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1995 | Carl Wolf |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1995 | Partners for Wildlife |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1995 | Whirling disease found. |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1994 | Bad Canyon Allotment |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1994 | Dept State Lands |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1992 | 3 Ditch Companies |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1992 | Rich Stevenson |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1992 | Stan Bradshaw |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1992 | Wild Trout Genetics Lab |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1991 | Inter-fluve Inc. |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1991 | MFWP |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1991 | Yellowstone Cons. Dist. |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1990 | CS&KT Tribal Council |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1990 | Dr. Willian Gould |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1990 | Harriman Trout Co. |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1989 | Kootenai Flyfishers |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1988 | Dr. Richard Graham |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1988 | Montana Land Reliance |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1987 | Flathead Conservation D. |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1986 | Art Whitney |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1986 | Clark Fork Coalition |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1986 | Emmet Colley |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1986 | Washington Water Power |
| Groups, Organizations, other individuals | 1985 | Montana Power Company |
| Landowner of the Year | 2020 | Prickly Pear Land Trust |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2011 | John Stevenson-Love |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2010 | Jim Stone |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2010 | Nick Knight |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2010 | Robin Street |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2010 | Ted Turner |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2009 | Alan Johnstone |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2008 | Bruce Malcom |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2006 | Dale Koelzer |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2006 | Roger Nelson |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2004 | James Smith |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2003 | Pat & Blanche Flanagan |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2002 | Roger & Cynthia Lang |
| Landowners /Legislators | 2001 | North Fork Blackfoot R. Irr |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1998 | Carl and Irene Heiken |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1998 | Joe and Barbara Pirrie |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1996 | Ken Storey |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1995 | Bill Edelman |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1992 | Ted Hawn |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1991 | Judge Thomas Olson |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1990 | Glen Meir |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1989 | Bill Good |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1989 | L.M. & Colleen Powell |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1988 | Bob Auger |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1988 | George Turman |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1988 | Morris Brusett |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1987 | Marshall Bloom-BTU |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1986 | George Grant |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1985 | Adam Michnevich |
| Landowners /Legislators | 1985 | Norm Larum |
| Meritorious Service Award | 2020 | Scott Opitz |
| Meritorious Service Award | 2020 | Marc Terrazas |
| Natural Resource Professional | 2014 | Dean Yashan |
| Natural Resource Professional | 2013 | Shane Hendrickson |
| Natural Resource Professional | 2012 | Carol Fox |
| Natural Resource Professional | 2011 | Tim Love |
| Natural Resource Professional | 2010 | Jeff Ryan |
| Natural Resource Professional | 2009 | Jeff Everett |
| Natural Resource Professional | 2007 | Yvette Converse |
| Natural Resource Professional | 2006 | Greg Tollefson |
| Natural Resource Professional | 2005 | Mark Petroni |
| Natural Resource Professional | 2004 | Jeff McLaughlin |
| Natural Resource Professional | 2003 | Bill Westover |
| Natural Resource Professional | 1998 | Doug McDonald |
| Natural Resource Professional | 1994 | Pat Flowers |
| Outdoor Writers or Reporters | 2016 | Tom Dickson, MT Outdoors |
| Outdoor Writers or Reporters | 2011 | Lori Curtis |
| Outdoor Writers or Reporters | 2010 | Micheal Jamison |
| Outdoor Writers or Reporters | 2006 | Michael Howell |
| Outdoor Writers or Reporters | 2004 | Mark Henckel |
| Outdoor Writers or Reporters | 2001 | Daryl Gadbow |
| Outdoor Writers or Reporters | 2000 | Andrew Munro |
| Outdoor Writers or Reporters | 1996 | Jeff Herman |
| Outdoor Writers or Reporters | 1995 | Craig Jourdannais |
| Outdoor Writers or Reporters | 1994 | Perry Backus |
| Outdoor Writers or Reporters | 1991 | Greg Lakes |
| Outdoor Writers or Reporters | 1987 | Bert Lindler-GF Tribune |
| George Holton Outstanding Fisheries Professional | 2022 | Clint Sestrich |
| George Holton Outstanding Fisheries Professional | 2022 | Mike Backes, Caleb Bollman, Kevin McKoy, Jordan Pesik, Matt Rugg, Brad Schmitz (Intake Diversion Dam Fish Bypass Project) |
| George Holton Outstanding Fisheries Professional | 2020 | Cody Nagel |
| George Holton Outstanding Fisheries Professional | 2019 | Zach Shattuck |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2018 | Matt Boyer |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2017 | Mike Jakober |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2016 | Mike Ruggles |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2015 | Brian Marotz |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2014 | Carter Kruse |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2013 | Scott Relyea |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2012 | Robb Leary |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2011 | Pat Saffel |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2010 | Pat Clancey |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2009 | Ladd Knotek |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2008 | Lee Nelson |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2007 | Matt Jaeger |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2006 | Steve Leathe |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2005 | Pat Byorth |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2004 | Jim Magee |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2003 | Mike Enk |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2002 | Scott Rumsey |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2001 | Tom McMahon |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 2000 | Brent Mabbot |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1999 | David Schmetterling |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1998 | Tom Weaver |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1997 | Beth McConnell |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1996 | Ginger Thomas |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1995 | Bob Wiltshire |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1994 | Bruce May |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1993 | Chris Clancy |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1992 | Buddy Drake |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1991 | Wade Fredenberg |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1990 | Brad Shepard |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1989 | Bob Gresswell |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1988 | George Liknes |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1987 | Chris Hunter |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1986 | George Holten |
| Outstanding Fishery Professional | 1985 | Ralph Boland |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2021 | G: Kadie Heinle |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2021 | U: Kelsey Stansberry |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2020 | G: Madeline Lewis |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2020 | U: Tanner Kohal |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2019 | G: Adriana Puchany |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2019 | U: Chad Alan Shelton |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2018 | G: Hayley Glassic (MSU) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2018 | U: Kadie Heinle (UM) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2017 | G: Kurt Heim (MSU) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2017 | U: Troy Smith (UM) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2016 | G: Addie Dutton (MSU) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2016 | U: Andrhea Massey |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2015 | G: Allison Stringer (MSU) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2015 | U: Niall Clancy (MSU) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2014 | G: Luke Holmqust |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2014 | U: Rennie Winkelman |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2013 | G: Austin McCullough (MSU) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2013 | U: Patrick Luckenbill |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2012 | G: Carter Fredenberg (MSU) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2012 | U: Eric Leinonen |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2011 | G: John Syslo (MSU) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2011 | U: Morgan Sparks (UM) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2010 | Evan Faulk |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2010 | Shane Vatland |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2009 | G: Matthew Corsi (UM) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2009 | U: Jason Blakney (UM) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2008 | Ben Cox (MSU) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2008 | Davis Garfield |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2007 | G: Laura Tenant (MSU) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2007 | U: Carter Fredenberg (MSU) |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2006 | Leslie Bahn |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2006 | Micheal Meeuwig |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2005 | Windy Davis |
| Wally McClure Sholarship | 2004 | Andy Dux |
| WSCTU Fellowship | 2011 | Kellie Carim (UM) |
| WSCTU Fellowship | 2010 | Lily Coble (UM) |
| WSCTU Fellowship | 2009 | Mariah Mayfield (MSU) |
| WSCTU Fellowship | 2008 | Matt Corsi (UM) |