WMI was established in 1911 by a coalition of conservationists, including a number of Boone and Crockett Club members, who were concerned about dramatic declines in many wildlife populations. These American sportsmen and businessmen saw a need for an independent, scientific voice dedicated to restoring and ensuring wild populations and their habitats. The Club recognized that WMI continues to meet this challenge, advancing both the profession of wildlife management and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

“The Wildlife Management Institute has occupied a unique and vital scientific and educational role within the conservation and wildlife management community, standing at the ready to advise, testify and provide educational services on timely wildlife and conservation issues,” noted Boone & Crockett Club stewardship and multiple-use sharing committee co-chair Jimmy Bullock during the award presentation. “With this award the Boone and Crockett Club honors the past, present and future of the Wildlife Management Institute and its unique role in representing the highest standard of excellence in facilitating strategies, actions, decisions and programs to benefit wildlife and habitat, professional wildlife and conservation management and our hunting heritage.”