|
In a ceremony held on Friday, October 3, the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources bestowed its 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award on internationally acclaimed wildlife biologist Brian Murphy.
Murphy is widely recognized for his impact on deer conservation and management across universities, wildlife agencies, non-profit organizations, and the corporate sector. His 23-year tenure as CEO of the Quality Deer Management Association (now National Deer Association) resulted in the widespread adoption of QDM practices throughout the whitetail’s range. Murphy has served as HuntStand’s V.P. of Corporate Relations and staff wildlife biologist since 2020.
In addition to his contributions to deer conservation and management, Murphy has also remained deeply connected to his alma mater. He has served in multiple capacities, including past President of the Alumni Steering Committee and member of several faculty search committees. Currently, he serves as President-Elect of the Dean’s Advisory Board. Brian also mentors students, generously giving back to the next generation of conservationists.
Murphy has received numerous other awards for his achievements, including the Career Achievement Award from the Southeast Deer Study Group and the National Conservation Award from the Australian Deer Association. He was also named one of the top 25 conservationists in America by Outdoor Life magazine in 2011.
Most recently, he was honored for his role in a milestone launch by HuntStand, North America’s leading hunting and land management app, with the release of HuntStand Ultimate, a new membership tier setting the standard for e-scouting and hunting preparation nationwide. Representing the most comprehensive body of science and data to date, HuntStand Ultimate offers groundbreaking predictive tools through HuntStand’s Activity Forecasts for white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, mule deer, and elk.
Brian Murphy, along with wildlife biologist and western big game authority Jim Heffelfinger, combined decades of research and experience with others’ to create the most biologically sound species distribution maps, breeding dates, and activity models, helping HuntStand users maximize their enjoyment and success afield.
For more information about the HuntStand app, visit HuntStand.com. To get started with HuntStand Ultimate by upgrading or subscribing, visit HuntStand.com/subscriptions.
If you have additional questions or media inquiries, please email marketing@gsmorg.com. You can also learn more and check out the entire family of GSM brands at www.gsmoutdoors.com.
About HuntStand:
Founded in 2012 by Lanford Holloway, HuntStand has quickly become one of the most popular mapping apps available. Today, the HuntStand app has millions of active users throughout North America and the world, serving as a trusted source for mapping, satellite imagery, property boundaries, public land access, wind and weather information, useful tools, and many other first-to-market features catering to whitetail and other big-game hunters. HuntStand has also solidified its place in and contributions to the industry through dozens of high-impact partnerships, both with large brands and renowned conservation organizations.
Stealth Cam Walker’s Muddy Birchwood-Casey TekMat Boss Buck New Archery Products (NAP) Western Rivers Hawk Big Game Down & Out Blinds by Hawk HME Coyote Light Scent Slammer SME Bullseye Crossfire Holsters Cyclops Viking Solutions Hunters Specialties TRUGLO APEX GEAR Johnny Stewart Cold Steel Ameristep Avian X Bloodsport Evolved Flextone Halo Optics Tenzing Wildgame Innovations Zink Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Bill Lewis Buckeye Lures SteelShad HuntStand Bucca Brand Dobyns Rod Camillus Phenix Rods GPS Bags Skull Hooker Big Bite Baits Frog Factory Cuda Bonehead Roboworm Stopper Lures Northland Fishing Tackle