Olaus J. Murie (1889-1963) is regarded as the “father” of modern elk management. After earning a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan, Murie’s fieldwork as a wildlife biologist took him to the most remote areas of North America, from Hudson Bay to the wilds of Labrador. From 1920 to 1946, Murie worked for the U.S. Biological Survey (now the Fish and Wildlife Service), conducting comprehensive studies of caribou in Alaska and elk in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Murie was the first to conduct elk and elk habitat research at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole. His detailed research on elk gave rise to the classic, original edition of The Elk of North America, published in 1951. Murie was a dedicated, farsighted wildlife biologist who not only contributed immensely to our knowledge of elk and elk habitat, but also promoted the sound stewardship and protection of wildlife habitat. Murie helped found and lead the Wilderness Society, fighting for the protection of wildlife habitat and helping bridge the gap between “hunter-conservationists” and “environmentalists.” He received numerous honors and awards, including the Pugsley Bronze Medal, the Audubon Medal and the Aldo Leopold Memorial Award. He was an accomplished writer and wildlife artist, and contributed numerous articles on wildlife conservation and natural history to magazines and professional journals, including The Journal of Wildlife Management, Audubon, The Living Wilderness and American Forests. This award will honor Olaus Murie’s tremendous accomplishments, while recognizing those who have taken up his path, becoming leaders in their own right.