Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Chris Litton of Baldwin County has been honored as the Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year by the Alabama Wildlife Federation. The award was presented during the 2025 Alabama Wildlife Federation Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards banquet in Prattville. The annual event, co-sponsored by Alabama Power Company and PowerSouth Energy, recognizes exceptional contributions to the conservation of Alabama’s natural resources. Governor Kay Ivey opened the evening with remarks and participated in presenting the awards.

The banquet took place at The Marriott Legends at Capitol Hill. The Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards, known as the GCAA, have been the state’s top conservation honor for more than 50 years. The program spotlights people and organizations making a lasting impact on wildlife preservation and environmental stewardship.

Litton began volunteering with the Alabama Hunter Safety Education Program in 2005. For the past 20 years, he has dedicated his time to teaching hunter safety programs in Baldwin and nearby counties. He is known for combining a passion for the outdoors with an engaging teaching style that reaches new hunters of all ages.

In addition to his volunteer service, Litton is the fundamentals and safety coach for the Orange Beach Shooting Team, which competes in Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays. This past June, the team won 14 medals at the state competition at the Red Eagle shooting range in Childersburg, Alabama, including 11 first-place finishes, two second-place finishes, and one third-place finish. (The Orange Beach School Board recognized the team for these accomplishments Tuesday evening, August 12, 2025, at about 5:45 at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center.)

Chris’ classes often feature real-world training, including live-fire exercises, proper firearm handling, safe methods for crossing fences, and tree stand safety practices. Litton believes this hands-on approach helps students better understand hunting safety while learning respect for nature and conservation principles.

A fellow instructor praised his skills, saying his ability to explain complex safety principles clearly makes him an invaluable part of the program. Students often leave his classes with both improved knowledge and a stronger appreciation for Alabama’s outdoors.

The event’s presenting sponsors included Alabama Power Company and PowerSouth Energy. Additional support came from The Westervelt Company, Lockheed Martin, Alabama Farm Credit, Alabama AG Credit Land & Farm Lenders, and various community and corporate partners.

The Alabama Wildlife Federation established the GCAA to encourage leadership in protecting wildlife, forests, fish, soils, water, and air. By recognizing conservation leaders, AWF hopes to raise awareness of environmental issues and inspire more Alabamians to take part in protecting natural resources.

Founded in 1935 by sportsmen, AWF is Alabama’s oldest and largest citizens’ conservation organization. The nonprofit works to promote conservation and wise use of the state’s natural resources as a foundation for economic and community well-being. 

To learn more about AWF, including membership details, programs, and projects, contact Alabama Wildlife Federation at 334-285-4550 or visit the Alabama Wildlife Website.