Regan Receives National Recognition from the NWTF

The award, named after NWTF National Board member C.B. McLeod, who was a pillar in building the foundation of the NWTF, recognizes an outstanding NWTF volunteer who has dedicated his or her life to wildlife conservation and hunting heritage. Regan received the C.B. McLeod Award during the NWTF’s 50th annual Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

“It would be nothing short of an understatement to express my humble gratitude for this national recognition from a conservation giant,” Regan said. “I began my career as a wildlife biologist in 1979, working with wild turkeys as a seasonal technician, using relatively new radio telemetry technology, to assess the nesting fidelity of hens and to assess potential hunter disturbance in Vermont. Those were magical days and my career, now entering its 46th year, has been full of magic as well. My passion and joy in conservation and serving the hunting community has been grounded in part by the incredibly rich contributions and the professional friendships with countless NWTF volunteers and staff across the country.”

Vermont has a rich history rooted in wild turkey restoration which started in 1969, when the state was granted permission to release 31 birds that were donated from New York. Vermont turkey populations have now reached the tens of thousands. Regan recalls fondly working as a summer technician on the turkey project in 1979, doing radio-telemetry work with hens in the Champlain Valley.

Regan graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in wildlife biology. He then worked for more than 25 years with wildlife management and conservation in Vermont. In 1999, he was appointed Commissioner of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

Over the last 18 years, Regan has fostered AFWA as a leading effort to keep all 50-state fish and wildlife agencies grounded in collaborative science-based management and conservation.

He credits his uncle as his mentor. As a young boy, his uncle helped him buy his first firearm — a .410 shotgun — and took him hunting whenever possible. His uncle would be proud of what he has accomplished for conservation and wildlife.

“I have known Ron for more than two decades, and his passion for wild turkey and wildlife conservation never ceases to impress me,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “It’s evident to everyone who knows him how passionate he is about the wild turkey, and the NWTF is honored to recognize his efforts, which started almost 50 years ago. We are proud of all Ron has accomplished and are happy to award him with this year’s C.B. McLeod Award.”

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.