A lifelong advocate for wildlife and natural resources, Bill Brake is the co-owner and manager of the Rose Tree Ranch in Elgin, AZ. He served a full term as an Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner, appointed by governors from both parties, and is a past president of the Arizona Cattlegrowers Association. An expert in range management, Brake is known for his "deferred rest rotation" grazing system, which has significantly improved rangeland conditions while benefiting both livestock and wildlife, such as pronghorn and elk. In 2021, he was named "Range Manager of the Year" by the Arizona Section of the Society for Range Management.

Mark Hullinger has dedicated over 40 years to Arizona’s outdoors as an instructor, leader, and volunteer. He was instrumental in bringing the "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" (BOW) program to Arizona in 1994 and never missed a workshop for 30 years, teaching skills like navigation, survival, and hunting to thousands of participants. His leadership roles include serving 11 years on the Arizona Wildlife Federation board and 10 years as a chief Hunter Education instructor for the state. Additionally, he has spent the last decade as a dedicated member and instructor for the Navajo County Search and Rescue team.

James "Jim" Marquardt (1930–2007) was a pivotal figure in bighorn sheep conservation in Arizona. As an attorney and a prominent member of the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society (AZDBSS)—including a term as President—he leveraged his professional expertise to help pass landmark legislation in 1982. This legislation allowed the proceeds from big game tag auctions and raffles to be used directly for habitat improvement, a fundraising model now emulated across the country. Beyond policy, he was a hands-on volunteer who participated in dozens of waterhole development projects and bighorn transplant operations.

John Millican is a retired Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife manager who has spent decades restoring wildlife populations in southeastern Arizona. He is particularly renowned for his work with the Gould’s turkey, having founded and led the annual survey camp that remains vital for population management. In his retirement, Millican has led significant restoration efforts for the Arizona Antelope Foundation, helping the pronghorn population in the region grow from fewer than 400 to over 1,000. He also serves as the President of the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Founded in 1996 by husband-and-wife team Tom Wood and Sheri Williamson, SABO is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats in southeastern Arizona. SABO is globally recognized for its hummingbird research, particularly its long-term banding studies along the San Pedro River. The organization manages the Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary and has reached tens of thousands of people through public banding demonstrations and educational programs. Their work provides critical scientific data to state and federal agencies and was the cornerstone of the High Country Hummers Festival for over two decades.