The Arizona Game and Fish Commission’s upcoming Commission Awards Banquet will recognize statewide residents who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state’s wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The event takes place Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, Highland Plaza, 11111 N. 7th St., in Phoenix.

Fifteen award recipients chosen at the commission's September meeting in Eagar will be honored at the banquet:

• Award of Excellence – Ed Sanchez and David Fernandez
• Youth Conservationist of the Year – Matthew Hong
• Media of the Year – Mike Russell
• Conservation Organization of the Year – Tom Hannagan, Desert Fence Busters
• Conservationist of the Year – Chuck Podolak
• Natural Resource Professional of the Year – Elvy Barton
• Volunteer of the Year – Cosimo Ingrande
• Educator of the Year – Vatsal Chikani
• Mentor of the Year – Jonathan Ochoa
• State Advocate of the Year - Senator T.J. Shope
• Business Partner of the Year - Rio Salado Sportsman's Club
• Buck Appleby Hunter Education Instructor of the Year – Michael Zaccardi
• Wildlife Habitat Steward of the Year – Gail Steiger of the Spider Ranch
• North American Model Commissioner's Award – Anne Justice Allen

To reserve your attendance or a sponsorship, use the 2026 Commission Awards banquet registration form.

The banquet will begin with a social hour at 4 p.m. followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m. and the awards program starting at 6 p.m. Cost is $90 per person.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission held its first annual awards banquet in 1991. Since then, more than 400 recipients have been recognized with Commission Awards.