Three Individuals And Two Groups Will Be Inducted

The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation, the charitable arm of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, will induct five new Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame members at its 14th Annual Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Chaparral Suites Scottsdale.

FIVE TO BE HONORED -- The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation,will induct five new Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame members at its 14th Annual Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, Aug. 27. One group to be honored is the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center volunteers. The center, established by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in 1983 was the first state-operated wildlife treatment and education center in the country. Dedicated volunteers provide emergency treatment to sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, and present educational and public outreach programs to schools and events statewide.

The three individuals and two groups that will be inducted into the Hall are the following:

Joe Melton

Melton’s dedication to the wildlife conservation community is evident from the leadership roles he has held within that community. He was a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for five years after his appointment in 2002 by then-Governor Jane Hull.

He served two years as president of the Arizona Trappers Association and 10 years as the state director for the National Trappers Association. He also served several terms as president of the Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club and was on the Arizona Wildlife Conservation Council.

Roger Appleby

Roger “Buck” Appleby (posthumously) — Mr. Appleby was a legendary hunter education instructor in the Yuma area who participated in the program for more than 20 years. He led or took part in more than 150 classes, teaching well over 1,000 students about hunting, wildlife conservation, outdoor ethics and firearm safety.

He became the chief hunter education instructor for the Yuma area in 1997. He also served on the board of directors of the Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club. Since his passing in January of 2011, his spirit continues to inspire the hunting and conservation community.

Antonio Perri

Antonio “Tony” Perri (posthumously) — Mr. Perri was a strong supporter of outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation and was affiliated with Ducks Unlimited, Anglers United, and the Arizona Wildlife Federation. He played an instrumental role in the Saguaro Lake Habitat Improvement Projects in 1989 and 1993 and in the Lake Havasu Project in 1992.

He received numerous awards, including the Ducks Unlimited Sportsman of the Year in 1986, the Arizona Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Award for Fisheries and Water Conservation in 1992, and the dedication of the Perri Marsh in Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in 2001.

Arizona Antelope Foundation

The Arizona Antelope Foundation — The AAF was established in 1992 and is dedicated to the welfare of pronghorn antelope populations through habitat improvements, habitat acquisition, the translocation of animals to historic range and public comment on activities affecting pronghorn and their habitat.

AAF volunteers work actively to educate the public and assist in the conservation of this species. The group has worked on numerous projects to benefit pronghorn and other wildlife, including collaborative efforts to restore grasslands and the Cienega wetlands on Anderson Mesa, and collaborative work in support of the department’s acquisition of Horseshoe Ranch.

Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Volunteers

The Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Volunteers. The Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center was established by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in 1983. It was the first state-operated wildlife treatment and education center in the country.

Although managed by one full-time employee and one part-time student intern from the department’s Wildlife Education Program, the center relies almost entirely upon volunteers to operate. These dedicated volunteers provide emergency treatment to sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, and present educational and public outreach programs to schools and events statewide.

Last year their outreach efforts reached more than 109,000 children and adults in Arizona.

The Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame was developed in 1998 by the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation to honor those who have made significant contributions to Arizona’s wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state’s outdoor heritage.

Some Prior Inductees

Recognition is given to individuals and organizations that have worked consistently over many years through political and individual leadership, volunteer service, the mass media, conservation efforts, or educational activities on behalf of Arizona’s natural and wildlife resources. Prior inductees include Ben Avery, Barry Goldwater, Mo Udall, Larry Toschik, Tom Woods and many conservation and sportsmen’s groups active in the state, as well as conservation-minded companies such as Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project.

Selected By Wildlife For Tomorrow Foundation

Selections for induction are made each year by the board of directors of the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation. Selections are made from a list of nominations that are submitted, including those submitted by members of the public.

“This year’s class of inductees is as diverse and well qualified as the classes we’ve honored in the past several years,” said WFT Foundation President Steve Hirsch. “The Foundation strives to honor those who have meant a lot to our Arizona outdoor and wildlife heritage, but who generally don’t always receive the spotlight and accolades.

“The annual Hall of Fame banquet is a great social occasion where our supporters from birdwatchers to bird hunters come together to celebrate these deserving inductees and help the Foundation raise funds toward our mission of enhancing the productive management, protection and enjoyment of Arizona’s fish and wildlife resources.”

Open To The Public

The Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame Induction Banquet is open to the public. Tickets are $70 and may be purchased through Ticket Chairman Duane Wellnitz, 14203 S. Second Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85048, or by telephone at (480) 747-0611. To download a reservation form, visit www.azgfd.gov/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtml and scroll to the link toward the bottom of the page. The Chaparral Suites is located at 5001 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale.

More information about the banquet is available at www.azgfd.gov/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtml and at www.wildlifefortomorrow.org/Halloffame.html.

Arizona Boating & Watersports/Western Outdoor Times
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