NWTF Board Member Richard Childress Honored with Dingell-Young Sportsmen’s Legacy Award for Lifetime of Conservation Leadership

“Richard exemplifies what it means to dedicate a lifetime to conservation and the great outdoors,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “His leadership and commitment to our natural resources and outdoor traditions align with everything the NWTF holds dear. We are proud to celebrate this achievement with him and are grateful for the lasting impact his vision and dedication have made for hunters, communities and wildlife across the nation.” 

Childress received the award during the 36^th CSF Banquet and Auction by longtime friend and conservation partner Johnny Morris, owner of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s and last year’s Dingell-Young Award recipient. 

Named in honor of bipartisan conservation champions Reps. John Dingell Sr. and Jr., Rep. Debbie Dingell and Rep. Don Young, the award recognizes extraordinary leaders who have made lasting contributions to conservation, outdoor traditions and opportunities for America’s sportsmen and women. To be eligible for this award, recipients must demonstrate leadership and long-standing dedication to advancing two or more of the following areas:  

• Influencing national conservation policy 

• Championing the role of sportsmen and women in conservation 

• Increasing public access to hunting, fishing and/or recreational shooting 

• Expanding engagement with youth and underrepresented communities in outdoor pursuits 

•  Promoting America’s outdoor heritage through policy and advocacy 

Childress’s legacy reflects these values. A lifelong outdoorsman, Childress has worked tirelessly to conserve wildlife and strengthen America’s outdoor traditions. His support for wildlife research, habitat restoration and public access has shaped conservation nationwide. 

“I’m honored to receive this award and to be part of a community that cares so deeply about our natural resources,” Childress said. “Hunting, fishing and stewardship of the outdoors have shaped who I am, and I believe it’s our duty to protect those opportunities for the next generation. This recognition is a reminder of the work still ahead, and I’m proud to continue doing my part.” 

The NWTF applauds Childress for his lifelong commitment to conservation and outdoor heritage. His leadership embodies the mission of the NWTF, and the organization is proud to celebrate his achievements alongside its partners at the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. 

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 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.