Awards

CRITERIA AND INFORMATION FOR AWARDS
Past Award Winners | All Awards

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Professional Awards

 

CCTWS Special Recognition Award

The CCTWS Special Recognition Award is intended to recognize individual(s) whose unwavering dedication, exceptional service, and profound influence has left a lasting mark on the CCTWS. Nominees must be either a current or past member of the CCTWS. The recipient of this award has exemplified the highest standards of commitment, integrity, and leadership throughout their journey with the CCTWS. This award recognizes not only years of involvement, but also the depth of contribution – someone who has generously shared their knowledge and experience, mentored others with patience and wisdom, and consistently uplifted other members of the CCTWS. Through their guidance, they have shaped future leaders and fostered a culture of growth, respect, and excellence within the CCTWS. This award may, but is not required to, be conferred annually.

 

Professional Achievement in Wildlife Management Award

The Professional Achievement in Wildlife Management Award is an award intended to recognize
individual(s) with significant achievement in Wildlife Management in Colorado. Wildlife Management may include administration, law enforcement, conservation, restoration, monitoring, game management, etc. Nominees must be either a current or past member of the CCTWS. The recipient of this award has demonstrated exceptional professional accomplishments that have advanced the field of Wildlife Management in Colorado. Through
leadership, innovation, and sustained contributions, they have had a meaningful impact on the stewardship and understanding of Colorado’s wildlife resources. This individual embodies a commitment to scientific excellence, ethical practices, and collaborative approaches that benefit both wildlife and the communities that depend on them. Their work stands as a model of dedication and professionalism, and they have earned the respect of peers, partners, and the public alike.

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Professional Achievement in Wildlife Sciences Award

The Professional Achievement in Wildlife Sciences Award is an annually conferred award intended to recognize individual(s) with significant achievement in Wildlife Sciences in Colorado. Wildlife Sciences may include ecology, animal and avian biology, wildlife diseases, population dynamics, field research, conservation, etc. Nominees must be either a current or past member of the CCTWS. The recipient of this award has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the advancement of Wildlife Science through rigorous research, innovative methodologies, and a
commitment to scientific integrity. Their work has significantly enhanced understanding of wildlife populations, ecosystems, and the complex interactions that shape Colorado’s natural heritage. This individual exemplifies excellence in scientific inquiry and application, and their efforts have informed management decisions, conservation strategies, and policy development within Colorado.

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Jim Olterman Award for Professional Achievement in Wildlife Management

The Jim Olterman Award for Professional Achievement in Wildlife Management is intended to honor and recognize a practicing or retired individual who develop, apply, administer, or complete an especially significant program of management (wildlife and habitat), education, research, administration, or law enforcement that results in an outstanding contribution to wildlife resources in Colorado. The Jim Olterman Award recognizes achievement in Wildlife Management that have normally received, or are worthy of, statewide recognition. Nominees may be a member or non-member of the CCTWS.

 

Jim was a dedicated wildlife biologist, pilot, and law enforcement officer for the Division of Wildlife (now Colorado Parks and Wildlife) whose passion for Colorado’s wildlife shaped
landmark conservation efforts, including bighorn sheep restoration, lynx reintroduction, and habitat protection across the western slope. Known for his deep knowledge, southern charm, and fearless advocacy, Jim left a lasting legacy through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to wildlife until his final day in the field. This award may, but is not required to, be conferred annually.

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Douglas L. Gilbert Award for Professional Achievement in Wildlife Sciences

The Douglas L. Gilbert Award for Professional Achievement in Wildlife Sciences is the CCTWS highest award. The Douglas L. Gilbert Award is intended to honor and recognize a practicing or retired individual whose achievements in Wildlife Sciences have normally received, or are worthy of, national recognition. Nominees may be a member or non-member of the CCTWS.

 

Dr. Gilbert was a visionary wildlife biologist, educator, and mentor whose groundbreaking work in public relations and natural resources helped shape the field’s human dimensions decades
ahead of its time. A dedicated professor, leader, and advocate for professionalism in wildlife science, Dr. Gilbert’s legacy endures through the countless students he inspired and the profound impact he had on conservation across Colorado and the nation. This award may, but is not required to, be conferred annually.

 

 

Blown Blunderbuss Award

The Blown Blunderbuss Award is intended to acknowledge and recognize the most humorous blunder. Blunders may include a misadventure in the field, a memorable communication mix-up, an unforgettable equipment failure, or even unexpected outcomes from well-intentioned plans. This lighthearted award celebrates those moments when things didn’t quite go as expected – but left everyone with a good story and a good laugh. Nominees may be individual(s) or organizations and either member(s) or non-member(s) of the CCTWS. Nominees should be able to laugh at themselves, demonstrate humility, and embrace the unpredictable nature of working in wildlife science and management.

 

Nominating is easy!

Simply provide the name, position/title, and email address of the person you are
nominating plus no more than a two-page description of why they deserve a professional award.
 

Nominations are due to Jeff Henderson (henderson@pinyon-env.com) by December 15th, 2025.
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Student Awards

 

 

Allen Anderson Award for Outstanding Wildlife Student

The Allen Anderson Award for Outstanding Wildlife Student is intended to recognize an outstanding undergraduate student at a Colorado college or university. Allen Anderson was a wildlife biologist for the Division of Wildlife (now Colorado Parks and Wildlife) whose landmark research on mule deer and puma in Colorado helped shape modern understanding of their ecology. A man of deep conviction, resilience, and integrity, Allen was also a passionate mentor, respected for his dedication to science, his love of the outdoors, and his unwavering commitment to excellence.

 

Any undergraduate student is eligible to receive the Allen Anderson Award; however, preference will be given to students in wildlife and wildlife related programs. Any professional may nominate students. The student’s transcripts and resume are required as part of the submission materials, which may necessitate involvement of the student in the nomination process. Nominations will be evaluated with respect to academic excellence, applied
wildlife-related experience, and extracurricular activities. The award will consist of a personalized award plaque, inclusion of the student’s name and year of award on a traveling perpetual plaque (which will be displayed at the student’s educational institution for one year), and a wildlife-related book that the CCTWS will select. This award may, but is not required to, be conferred annually.

Nomination Procedure:

1. A current transcript of all completed coursework.

2. A resume describing the student’s extracurricular wildlife-related activities, including employment, volunteer
   work, participation and service in wildlife-related organizations, or self-directed activities. The resume
   should include an email address, mailing address, and telephone number.

3. Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student’s wildlife activities.

4. All materials must be submitted to Jeff Henderson (henderson@pinyon-env.com) by December 15th, 2025

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Jim Olterman Scholarship 

The Jim Olterman Scholarship, in partnership with Robin Olterman, is intended to honor Jim Olterman and his contributions to Colorado’s wildlife legacy. Jim was a dedicated wildlife biologist, pilot, and law enforcement officer for the Division of Wildlife (now Colorado Parks and Wildlife) whose passion for Colorado’s wildlife shaped landmark conservation efforts, including bighorn sheep restoration, lynx reintroduction, and habitat protection across the western slope. Known for his deep knowledge, southern charm, and fearless advocacy, Jim left a lasting
legacy through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to wildlife until his final day in the field. The Jim Olterman Scholarship Award is offered to encourage and support an upper-level student at a Colorado college or university in the pursuit of a career in wildlife biology and/or management. The student must be a member of the CCTWS or TWS when applying and by December 2025, the student must have completed two-thirds of the credits required for graduation. The recipient will receive a $1,500 scholarship and inclusion of the
student’s name and year of award on a traveling perpetual plaque (which will be displayed at the student’s educational institution for one year). This award may, but is not required to, be conferred annually.

Application Procedure:

1. A current resume.

2. A current transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) indicating your current number of credits and
   grade point average.

3. Two letters of reference. One reference shall be from a professor familiar with your academic capabilities
   and accomplishments. The second reference shall be from a supervisor whom you worked for in a natural
   resources-related position (volunteer work is acceptable).

4. A short essay (1-2 pages in length) describing (1) your interests in the biological field, (2) your career goals
   and how they relate to wildlife management, and (3) how you would use the award to further your
   professional development.

5. All materials must be submitted to Jeff Henderson (henderson@pinyon-env.com) by December 15th 2025.