Annual Awards

This award was established in 1997 in memory of Arthur (Art) Downs, who passed away in 1996. Art was a member of the Quesnel Rod & Gun Club for many years, serving in many capacities, including as President. He was a founding member of the Chilco Dredgers Club and a long-time member of the Surrey Fish & Game Club. 

Art served on the Board of Directors of the B.C. Wildlife Federation from 1969 through the 1970s. He was elected to the position of President of BCWF in 1975 and served with distinction until the end of his term. 

Art was a publisher, writer, and editor with a strong interest in the environment, wildlife, and the outdoors. He was the founder of the BC Outdoors magazine and served as editor until the late 1970s. As the first real environmental editor, he used the pages of his magazine to inform the public about conservation issues of the day and encouraged writers to address those issues. Art used his own “Travelers” column to focus attention on important conservation issues; such focus which is badly needed today. 

Art made a page in the magazine available to BCWF every month, allowing them to publicize their issues and projects. In the 1960s and early 1970s, many of his writers were strong BCWF members, including several directors. Art knew that he could encourage people to become involved in conservation issues through writing and publishing, but there had to be an action group who could set the ideas and issues in the magazine into action. In Art’s view, the B.C. Wildlife Federation was that organization. 

The BC Outdoors, Art Downs memorial award is designed to carry on Art’s life work of recognizing excellence in writing and a commitment to conservation and the environment. It is awarded annually to the writer who has produced the best information over the past three years, exemplifying the Art Downs philosophy as evidenced in his “Travelers” column. 

This award is for writing that is factual, accurate, well-researched and focused on the real issues where governments, private or public companies need to be taken to task on environmental infractions. Priority consideration for winning this award will be given to the author who has managed to bring about change with his/her writing in a significant and positive way. 

Nomination deadline: February 15th, 2025

This trophy is sponsored by the Board of Directors, on behalf of all the members of the B.C. Wildlife Federation and is awarded annually at the AGM convention banquet. The winner was selected by Ted Barsby, the first president of the Federation and is now selected by a committee comprised of B.C. Wildlife Federation Past Presidents. 

This award was presented to Ted Barsby by the B.C. Wildlife Federation board of directors in 1974. In return Ted was to present the award to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to conservation in British Columbia.  

The trophy itself is a large polished uncut piece of native BC jade resembling a mountain mounted on a block of Douglas Fir. The trophy was created and donated by the late Pete White from North Vancouver who was a life member and staunch supporter of our Federation for many years. 

This trophy honours Ted Barsby, of Nanaimo who was the first president of the B.C. Wildlife Federation as we know it today and is the greatest honour the Federation can bestow on any individual for an outstanding contribution to conservation over many years. 

Criteria: 

• Dedication to long term conservation of natural resources, integrity in performance toward conservation goals and displays attributes of true conservation stewardship. 
• Outstanding contribution to conservation at a provincial level over a continued number of years. This should demonstrate innovation and impact of work done, dedication, leadership, personal commitment and instances of exemplary behavior. 
• Involved in conservation minded committees or boards outside of the BCWF. 
• Has been responsible for or involved in a decision that has benefited the province’s fish and wildlife resources or their habitat. This may include the protection or restoration of the natural environment and of wildlife. 
• Helped create a legacy of sustainability and responsible use of the resource through hard work and dedication. 
• Has demonstrated outstanding personal service and a strong commitment to conservation over several years with exceptional results by expending an extraordinary amount of volunteer time and made it their personal mission to protect or improve our fish and wildlife resources.
• Has made a difference through hands on work or by educating or informing the public.
• Is well respected by his/her community and peers. 
• Has succeeded in helping and encouraging people understand the natural world which results in them becoming enthusiastic supporters of conservation and environmental protection. 
• Shows distinguished public service that resulted in an exceptional environmental achievement 

A candidate for the Ted Barsby award does not need to be a member of the B.C. Wildlife Federation and does not necessarily need to reside in British Columbia. However, the contributions, service or work recognized by the established criteria must have occurred in the province of British Columbia. 

Detailed rationale and documents to support a candidate’s nomination must accompany the submission. This will greatly assist the award committee in their decision.  

Nomination deadline: February 15th, 2025

Vancouver building contractor, Bert Palmer, had an abiding love for fish, wildlife, and the environment. Bert was an early member of the Vancouver Angling and Game Association, a founding member of the Lower Mainland of BC Gun Association, President of the Lower Mainland Zone, a director of the B.C. Fish and Game Council and one of the original directors of the B.C. Federation of Fish & Game Clubs, later to be the B.C. Wildlife Federation.

RULES:

• Trophy killed in 2024 season with fair chase rules.
• Boone and Crockett point system will be used in this contest.
• The head which rates highest in comparison to the best trophies recorded by the Boone and Crockett Club, will be the winning trophy head.
• All scores must be computed by a person competent in the Boone and Crockett scorer, and/or BC Wildlife Records Book scorer.
• ONLY MEMBERS OF THE FEDERATION, IN GOOD STANDING, MAY ENTER. MEMBERSHIP MUST BE PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE HUNT IN WHICH THE TROPHY WAS KILLED.

NOTE:  Will accept green score. Please send picture. (Digital photos are preferred.)

If possible, competing trophy heads should be brought or sent to the 2024 B.C. Wildlife Federation Convention. They will then be on display at the Convention and must be taken away by the owner. Each head must be clearly marked with the owner’s name, contact details, etc.

Nomination deadline: February 15th, 2025

The B.C. Wildlife Federation’s Lee Straight Fishing Award is sponsored by the Pfleiderer Family and is given in memory of avid fisherman and BCWF member, Lee Straight. 

This award was instituted in 2004 to give member anglers of the Federation an equivalent to the Bert Palmer Big Game Award and is dedicated to all members “who love to fish.” 

This award is open to all members of the Federation. 

RULES:  

• Must be a fish caught in British Columbia.
• All entries must have been caught in the calendar year from January 1 to December 31, 2024. 
• Must submit a picture of the fish and angler.
• Must include the name and birth date of entrant. 
• Must have species, weight, date caught, and name of lake, stream or ocean. 
• Must be witnessed.
• ONLY MEMBERS OF THE FEDERATION IN GOOD STANDING MAY ENTER. MEMBERSHIP MUST BE PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FISH BEING CAUGHT. 

All species entered will be compared to the North American record book. The entry scoring the highest percentage in comparison to the record in that category will win. 

Special Note: Any Youth entered in the BCWF Youth Fishing Award is automatically entered in the Lee Straight Award competition. 

Nomination deadline: February 15th, 2025

This prestigious award recognizes the accomplishments of a BCWF club whose recently-completed conservation project – benefiting fish, wildlife, or habitat – is deemed most worthy. 

Initially sponsored by the Carling O’Keefe Brewery of Vancouver in 1959, and generously supported for many years by two long-time members of the BCWF, both recipients of the Barsby Trophy, Howard English of Victoria, and W.W. “Curly” Chittenden of West Vancouver, it is now funded by the BCWF Memorial Awards Fund. 

In 1990, the Board of Directors proposed that the name of the award be changed, in a fitting tribute to this long-time resident of Campbell River, who was a world-renowned writer, lecturer and conservationist. With the assent of the family of the late Roderick Haig-Brown, the award was dedicated and presented by his daughter at the 1991 convention in Cranbrook. 

The magnificent trophy, a totem pole mounted on a wooden base, was carved by Ellen Neale, a renowned West Coast Indigenous artist.  

In addition, there are also cash grants provided to the top three winning projects. 

1^st Prize of $300

2^nd Prize of $200

3^rd Prize of $100

Nomination deadline: February 15th, 2025

Frank Shannon was born in 1911 in Grand Forks, B.C. As a young man living in the East Kootenay region, he became a pioneer in the promotion and protection of the province’s outstanding endowment of fish and wildlife. His leadership and inspiration provided the foundation for many organized public groups in the pursuit of a myriad of worthwhile conservation causes. Whether fighting to protect habitat or working to enhance it, Frank Shannon spent his lifetime promoting environmental citizenship. 

Established in 1994, the Frank Shannon Junior Conservation Award was developed by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks in cooperation with the B.C. Wildlife Federation. It is designed to permanently enshrine the outstanding lifetime contribution of Frank Shannon in the protection and management of fish and wildlife and their habitats. This award is presented to a youth or youth organization for participating in activities aimed at the conservation of wild organisms in natural habitats. 

Eligibility: 

Nominees will have demonstrated innovation, initiative, and leadership in one or more of the following aspects of the conservation of natural resources: 

1. Information and Education – print/video/computer/multi-media. 
2. Protection, Restoration and Enhancement – field projects. 
3. Inventory and Status – field and computer projects. 

The award recipient will be a person or group up to Grade 12 or equivalent.  

Notification: 

Each year, B.C. Wildlife Federation Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, School Boards, and other conservation groups will receive a nomination package and the opportunity to nominate a youth or youth organization for the award. 

Selection Panel: 

The selection panel will comprise of the President of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, the Directors of the Wildlife and Habitat Branches, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, and the Director of the Fisheries Management Branch, BC Fisheries. 

Nomination deadline: February 15th, 2025

The “Youth Big Game Award” is open to youth members of the B.C. Wildlife Federation who are 18 years of age or younger and who have taken a big game animal in B.C. 

RULES:  

• Trophy killed in 2024 season with fair chase rules.
• Boone and Crockett point system will be used in this contest.  
• The head which rates highest in comparison to the best trophies recorded by the Boone and Crockett Club, will be the winning trophy head. 
• All scores must be computed by a person competent in the Boone and Crockett scorer, and/or Wildlife Records scorer. 
• ONLY MEMBERS OF THE FEDERATION IN GOOD STANDING MAY ENTER. MEMBERSHIP MUST BE PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE HUNT IN WHICH THE TROPHY WAS KILLED. 

NOTE:  We will accept green score. Please send a picture. Digital format is preferred. 

If possible, competing trophy head should be brought or sent to the 2025 B.C. Wildlife Federation Convention if possible. They will be on display at the Convention and then must be taken away by the owner. Each head must be clearly marked with the owner’s name etc. 

Special Note:  Any Youth entered in the BCWF Youth Big Game Award is automatically entered into the Wild Sheep Foundation Award competition. 

Nomination deadline: February 15th, 2025

The B.C. Wildlife Federation “Youth Fishing Award” is open to youth members of the Federation who are 18 years of age or younger and who have caught the fish in British Columbia. 

Rules: 

• Must be a fish caught in British Columbia. 
• All entries must have been caught in the calendar year from January 1 to December 31, 2024 
• May be a catch and release or retention. 
• Must have picture of fish and angler. 
• Must have the name and birth date of entrant. 
• Must have species, weight, date caught, and name of lake, stream, or ocean. 
• Must be witnessed.
• ONLY MEMBERS OF THE FEDERATION IN GOOD STANDING MAY ENTER. MEMBERSHIP MUST BE PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FISH BEING CAUGHT. 

All species entered will be compared to the North American record book. The entry scoring the highest percentage in comparison to the record in that category will win. 

Special Note:  Any Youth entered in the BCWF Youth Fishing Award is automatically entered into the Lee Straight Award. 

Nomination deadline: February 15th, 2025