The Dakota Chapter provides the following awards to individuals or groups in recognition of their efforts.
If you would like to nominate someone for an award or have questions about awards or scholarships, please contact the Awards and Nominations Committee Chair.
Aquatic Resource Conservation Award – May be presented annually to an individual or group that has made an outstanding effort in ensuring the future welfare of the Dakotas’ waters and/or fisheries. Please email nomination letters to the Awards Committee Chair by January 15th, 2025.
Robert L. Hanten Distinguished Professional Service Award – May be presented annually to no more than two individuals who have made an outstanding contribution within the fishery profession. Please email nomination letters to the Awards Committee Chair by January 15th, 2025.
David W. Willis Outstanding Young Professional Award – May be presented annually to up to two individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fisheries profession during the start of their fisheries careers. Nominees must not have completed five years of full-time fisheries employment. Contributions must be substantial and go beyond that required by their position. Nominees will have become established as contributors to the improvement of aquatic resources in North or South Dakota. Nominations for the award shall come from Chapter members in good standing and shall be submitted to the Award and Nominations Committee for consideration. Please email nomination letters to the Awards Committee Chair by January 15th, 2025.
Best Student Paper Award – May be presented annually to recognize the best student paper delivered at the annual meeting.
Best Student Poster Award – May be presented annually to recognize the best student poster delivered at the annual meeting.
Best Paper Award – May be presented annually to recognize the best paper delivered at the annual meeting by a working professional.
The SDSU Subunit Sauger Scholarship – This scholarship provides room, conference fees, and will reimburse for other expenses (travel, food) for any amount up to $100.00. Eligibility: Any undergraduate student studying fisheries or a related field in South Dakota. Apply here. Application deadline is the third Friday in January (January 17, 2025).
The VCSU Subunit Northern Pike Scholarship – This scholarship will provide room, conference fees, and will reimburse for other expenses (travel, food) for any amount up to $100.00 (receipts must be retained for reimbursement). Eligibility: Any undergraduate student studying fisheries or a related field in North Dakota. Apply here. Application deadline is the third Friday in January (January 17, 2025).
Dr. James C. Schmulbach Memorial Scholarship – Eligibility: Any junior or senior undergraduate student who is studying fisheries science, or related field, at an accredited college or university in North or South Dakota. Learn more about this scholarship here. Apply here. Application deadline is January 31, 2025.
Robert A. Klumb Memorial Scholarship – Eligibility: Any student who is studying fisheries science or related field of study is eligible to apply. Apply here. Application deadline is January 31, 2025.
Will Sayler Memorial Scholarship – Eligibility: Available to the partial-day registration cost for any undergraduate student that wishes to attend part, but not all, of the conference. Apply here. Application deadline is January 31, 2025.
Click here to see past award recipients.