Nominations are now open for the inaugural year of the Dr. Valerius Geist Wildlife Conservation Legacy Award. The Award, created in coordination with Dr. Geist’s family is intended to honor those who live their conservation values, with humility, passion, and connection to the land. It will recognize individuals who continue that legacy by contributing meaningfully to wildlife and habitat conservation across North America.

Dr. Valerius Geist was more than a scientist. He was a hunter, naturalist, storyteller, and mentor who believed that real conservation begins with people - those who live close to the land and learn the rhythms of wild places. Whether he was speaking with hunters around a campfire or advising policymakers, Val brought warmth, curiosity, and respect to every conversation.

He lived the life he spoke about, shaped by a lifetime spent in wild places and by hunting, fishing, and foraging. He believed these experiences were among the most effective teachers of conservation, helping people develop a deeper relationship with wildlife and the landscapes they depend on.

Throughout his career, Dr. Geist helped shape modern wildlife management in North America, including the foundations of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Yet for Val, conservation was never just theory - it was a way of life, grounded in responsibility and respect for wildlife and habitat.

For more information or to nominate an individual for the Award, go to the Hunters for British Columbia website. Nominations close on March 31, 2026.