2026 Award Winner:
Commissioner Walter Rabon
Dallas Safari Club (DSC) is proud to announce that Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Walter Rabon has been named the 2026 Conservation Trailblazer Award recipient. The award recognizes wildlife professionals whose work has significantly advanced game and non-game conservation, applied research, habitat stewardship, and forward-looking policy.
Commissioner Rabon brings more than 30 years of devoted service to conserving Georgia’s natural resources. Beginning his career as a Conservation Ranger in 1993, he steadily advanced through the DNR Law Enforcement Division, serving as Conservation Corporal, Field Sergeant, Captain, and Major.
From 2015 to 2023, Rabon served as Deputy Commissioner, overseeing daily operations across the agency’s four divisions: Coastal Resources, Law Enforcement, State Parks and Historic Sites, and Wildlife Resources. In August 2023, he was appointed Commissioner by the Board of Natural Resources, assuming responsibility for guiding the state agency charged with protecting and enhancing Georgia’s natural, historic, and cultural resources for present and future generations.
“Commissioner Rabon’s career exemplifies steadfast leadership, collaborative spirit, and a deep personal commitment to conservation,” said DSC President Ray Mulholland. “His work has strengthened access to the outdoors, empowered youth and new participants, and helped ensure that Georgia’s natural resources are managed with excellence and foresight.”
Rabon said he is honored to receive the 2026 Conservation Trailblazer Award, emphasizing that the recognition reflects the work of many. “This award represents far more than myself, it reflects the dedication, expertise, and passion of the entire DNR team,” he noted. “This award reinforces the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving meaningful conservation outcomes. It takes everyone working together, across divisions, programs, and communities, to protect and sustain Georgia’s natural resources, and I am proud to be part of such a committed Department.”
Among the initiatives Rabon highlights as especially meaningful is the DNR Career Academy, which introduces rising high-school juniors and seniors to conservation careers through hands-on training across state parks, wildlife management areas, and historic sites. “Seeing students inspired to pursue careers with DNR is incredibly rewarding,” he said.
He also points to Outdoors Beyond Barriers (OBB), launched by Georgia DNR in 2024, as an effort that broadens access to outdoor recreation for individuals of all abilities. The program provides instruction, equipment, and opportunities that allow participants to become independent users of Georgia’s natural resources. “We recognize that there are many barriers to people getting outdoors, and this program provides a path for everyone to get outside and enjoy the many sporting and outdoor activities Georgia has to offer,” Rabon said, noting that more than 400 individuals with disabilities have already taken part in hunting and fishing opportunities through the program.
Rabon’s conservation philosophy is deeply informed by a lifetime spent outdoors. Introduced to hunting by his father, he grew up pursuing small game and later developed passions for deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunting, as well as fishing. He credits several mentors with shaping not only his skillset but also his understanding of conservation ethics and stewardship. Today, he shares that legacy with his children and grandchildren. “It’s about more than harvesting,” he said. “It’s about managing the land, sustaining wildlife populations, and appreciating the species we are fortunate to have.”
“Commissioner Rabon embodies the values of conservation leadership—responsibility, education, stewardship, and the understanding that our natural resources must be protected through the generations,” DSC Interim Executive Director Russell Stacy added. “We are honored to recognize his service and impact.”
The Conservation Trailblazer Award will be formally presented during DSC’s annual convention in Atlanta in February 2026.
Purpose
The Trailblazer Award celebrates the immense contribution of wildlife professionals to the field of game and non-game wildlife conservation, including wildlife and habitat management, applied research and policy.
Eligibility
Nominees must be full-time state, federal, tribal, provincial, government, academic institution or NGO natural resource professionals. The award may be presented to recognize the lifetime career achievements of a distinguished wildlife professional or a specific project with a significant conservation impact.
Nomination
Any interested conservationist may submit a nomination for this award. Candidates will remain eligible for two years unless re-nominated. Please send nominations and inquiries to Crystal@biggame.org by September 1.
The submission should contain:
- A detailed nomination statement with the nominee’s scope of work and impact in the field of wildlife conservation
- At least one additional supporting letter from a nominee’s peer or someone with direct knowledge of the nominee’s work
- The nominee’s resume or curriculum vitae
Award
The recipient will be presented the award plus a $10,000 contribution toward his or her work in wildlife conservation at a banquet during the annual DSC Convention. The award will not be given posthumously and can only be won once.