Crain Earns National Conservation Award

"I am truly honored to receive the Roger Latham Award and still find it hard to believe I am the recipient of such a meaningful honor," Crain said. "Anything I have been able to accomplish for my chapter and community is only possible because of the incredible people who surround and support me — especially my wife. The success we’ve seen with our Arizona events is the result of standing on the shoulders of dedicated individuals who share a passion for uplifting the next generation of hunters. JAKES and Wheelin’ Sportsmen are my two greatest passions, and the NWTF continues to lead the way in supporting these programs. The organization’s commitment and support for these events make a lasting difference, and I am grateful to be part of it."

Crain grew up in New Mexico and has been involved with the NWTF since 2005, originally serving on the NWTF Northern Arizona Chapter banquet committee. He has served on banquet committees for chapters in New Mexico and for the NWTF Boot Heel Boss Gobblers in Missouri. Over the past 20 years, his list of accomplishments is seemingly endless as he has dedicated his time, energy and finances to the conservation of the wild turkey. His efforts have resulted in several state and national recognitions.

In 2016, Crain started the NWTF Saguaro Strutters Chapter in Tucson, Arizona. That same year, he was elected as the NWTF Arizona State Chapter treasurer, through which he served for four years until he became state chapter president in 2021. He was recently re-elected for a third term.

Crain started the NWTF Arizona Wheelin’ Sportsmen’s Chapter in 2017, through which he developed events that provide opportunities and accessibility for disabled outdoorsmen and women. He also launched the first-of-its kind JAKES trailer for visually impaired youth, opening new opportunities for adaptive participation in shooting sports. In 2018, he founded the annual Gene Hays Memorial Dove Hunt at Robbins Butte.

He was also an Arizona Game and Fish Department hunter education instructor for five years, where he taught the legal and ethical aspects of hunting and fishing, as well as various ways to enjoy wild game that is harvested. Crain helps mentor young hunters at the Marvin Robbins Youth Turkey Hunt and the Robbins Butte Youth Dove Hunt. Crain is now working with AZGFD on developing Arizona’s first WITO spring turkey hunt.

When it comes to conservation and policy, Crain visits with commissioners and legislators to develop partnerships and provide the NWTF’s perspective in these important conversations. Over the past three years, he has participated in Arizona’s Camo at the Capitol event representing the NWTF and discussing pressing issues with legislators that affect sportsmen and women.

Crain represents the NWTF on the Arizona Wildlife Federation Board, which supports science-based management of wildlife and habitat along with issues that pertain to conservation and land use. He also participates in the AZGFD Habitat Partnership Committee, which provides funding for wildlife habitat projects.

Crain has led habitat and water restoration projects in partnership with the AZGFD, including organizing repairs to 14 wildlife water catchments in 2022. He also repaired trick tanks along the Mogollon Rim and removed non-wildlife fencing to improve travel corridors for elk and other wildlife.

He was a part of the Southeastern Arizona Gould’s reintroduction project, where he assisted with multiple turkey trap and transfer projects, transporting turkeys in his personal vehicle to remote locations for release. He also assisted the AZGFD with the annual Gould’s survey in the Huachuca Mountains, which assists with species management and data collection.

His dedication goes across state borders. Crain owns property in Missouri where he has spent the last eight years working with NWTF foresters, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the USDA Forest Service to improve wildlife habitat. He has carried out prescribed burns, timber thinning and native food plot plantings to improve nesting and poult production on his property. He also assists with the Missouri Department of Conservation on their annual Missouri Governor’s whitetail deer hunt.

When it comes to communications, Crain has been a guest on podcasts, at schools and at various public events to educate the public on the importance of wildlife conservation and the mission of the NWTF.

“Roy is one of those names recognized by many, and it is because of the amazing work he has done for our organization in Arizona and beyond,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “From his start, Roy has been involved with the NWTF to the highest degree, and since then has only continued to give back and provide opportunities for new hunters to get out into the woods. He is a conservation leader, and we are so proud to have a volunteer like him in our ranks helping drive our mission.”

About the National Wild Turkey Federation 

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to deliver healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.