2011 NWTF Wildlife Officer of the Year

[bigtex]

Congratulations WDFW Officer Dustin Prater of Pierce County!




NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The National Wild Turkey Federation has named Officer Dustin Prater of Tacoma, Wash., its 2011 Washington Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

The NWTF's Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards program honors the nation's top wildlife officers in appreciation for their dedication to conserving wildlife and upholding the law.

As a state NWTF Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year, Prater was among 21 winners who were eligible to win the NWTF's National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award during the NWTF's 35th annual National Convention and Sport Show recently held in Nashville, Tenn.

The national law enforcement officer of the year winner was announced during the NWTF's 35th annual National Convention and Sport Show recently held in Nashville, Tenn.

Cpl. Roger Tate of Arkansas was awarded the 2011 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.

The 2011 State Law Enforcement Officers of the Year recognized during the show included:

•Alabama — Officer Keilan Lord of Centre, Ala.

•Arkansas — Cpl. Roger Tate of Evening Shade, Ark.

•California — Warden Don Powers of Fort Bragg, Calif.

•Delaware — Cpl. Gavin Davis of Seaford, Del.

•Georgia — Ranger First Class James McLaughlin of McRae, Ga.

•Idaho — Officer Korey Owens of Preston, Idaho

•Illinois — Officer David A. Hyatt of Newton, Ill.

•Indiana — Officer Mac Spainhour of Clarksville, Ind.

•Louisiana — Sgt. William Roberts of Slaughter, La.

•Michigan — Officer Andrew Bauer of Bridgman, Mich.

•Missouri — Conservation Agent Mark Henry of West Plains, Mo.

•New Jersey — Officer Steven K. Sutton of Great Meadows, N.J.

•New York — Officer Steven Bartoszewski of Watertown, N.Y.

•North Carolina — Master Officer Bryan Scott Loflin of Lincolnton, N.C.

•Pennsylvania — Officer Christopher Ivicic of Houtzdale, Pa.

•South Carolina — Pfc. Andrew Godowns of Darlington, S.C.

•South Dakota — Regional Supervisor Mike Kintigh of Rapid City, S.D.

•Texas — Game Warden Adam Clark of Dalhart, Texas

•Washington — Officer Dustin Prater of Tacoma, Wash.

•West Virginia — Officer Ronnie Runyon of Fort Gay, W.Va.

•Wisconsin — Conservation Warden Robert Jumbeck of Alma, Wis.

The NWTF also recognized two wildlife officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, while doing a job that most law-abiding outdoors enthusiasts take for granted.

Last March, USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Christopher Andy Upton, of Monroe, Ga., was on a routine patrol in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Two men were hunting coyotes with a high-powered rifle, equipped with night vision.

The men apparently mistook Officer Upton for game and shot and killed him. He was 37 years old.

In November, Pennsylvania Wildlife Officer David L. Grove was shot and killed on a rural road west of Gettysburg, Pa.

Officer Grove pulled over a pickup truck after suspecting the men inside were poaching. The driver stepped out of the vehicle and shot Officer Grove with a pistol when he tried to cuff him.

The shooter, a convicted felon, later told police he didn't want to go back to jail for illegally carrying a gun. Officer Grove was only 31.

The convention was themed "Our Youth. Our Legacy." to honor the next generation of hunters and conservationists. MidwayUSA was the official convention sponsor.

The NWTF is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. The NWTF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $331 million to conserve nearly 16 million acres of habitat. Wild turkeys and hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds, benefit from this improved habitat.

[yelp]

Congrats to Officer Prater! Was there a story behind the selection?  We don't hear of too many turkey hunting issues out of Pierce county that much, but not sure there had to be to qualify for the award though.  We have had several winners in the past from Washington State.  I know of three but I am sure there are a few more.  Great Job Officer Prater!

[bearpaw]

congrat to officer prater....

also congrats to Korey Owens, Idaho.... (I know him, he's a hard working officer)

[bigtex]

YELP,
NWTF is essentially the sponsor or name sake of the award so thats why a WDFW Officer from a county which doesn't have turkeys won the award.

[yelp]

Thanks Big Tex.  Do you know who does the nominations?  Does the WDFW submit nominees, the WA Game Wardens Asscociation or is it the NWTF?  I could see maybe a local NWTF chapter nominating a local officer for an award for many different types of things (conservations, community service, etc.) other than turkey type activities. Just curious.  Thanks again.

[bigtex]

Thanks Big Tex.  Do you know who does the nominations?  Does the WDFW submit nominees, the WA Game Wardens Asscociation or is it the NWTF?  I could see maybe a local NWTF chapter nominating a local officer for an award for many different types of things (conservations, community service, etc.) other than turkey type activities. Just curious.  Thanks again.

Well for this award the officer is nominated by NWTF local and state chapters. I am not sure exactly how it works but it is simply the federation's decision. WDFW has their own agency awards for top officers and WA Game Warden Association has their own awards. There are also other groups such as the Elks or Lions that do local awards such as the top officer in a county and it will include officers from every agency in the county, WDFW Officers win those awards every once in awhile.