NWTF Honors Eric Bear as Wildlife Officer of the Year

MARIETTA, OH - The Ohio Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) recently honored Wildlife Officer Eric Bear with the State Officer of the Year Award.  Officer Bear has been serving Ohioans as a wildlife officer since 1998 and is currently assigned to Washington County according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. 

The outstanding qualities that Officer Bear’s award is based on include his strong record in law enforcement this year and years past.  Bear is dedicated to protecting Ohio’s fish and wildlife, demonstrated by his participation in numerous enforcement projects this past year.  Projects included targeting; turkey bait, spotlighting compliant areas, stream litter, sport fishing, state property protection, ATV enforcement on agreement areas, taxidermists, processors, ginseng, waterfowl, and deer harvest follow-ups. 

Bear is dedicated to not only protecting fish and wildlife resources, but also promoting their use and appreciation by introducing youth to the rewarding experience of hunting and fishing. In addition to year-round enforcement of State wildlife laws, Bear is involved in several area fishing derbies as well as a summer fishing program for residents of an extended care center.  Bear has served as archery and fishing instructor for the local Children’s Services 4H group, and is involved in the Washington County Farmer Youth Initiative (FYI), a program that partners youth that are interested in hunting with farmers who are experiencing crop damage from deer.

The NWTF initiated the State Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award in 2000 to highlight the contributions from wildlife officers across the country. This award recognizes that without the support for wild turkey conservation from wildlife officers, restoration efforts and wildlife management strategies would not have the success they do today.

By earning the State Wildlife Officer of the Year award, Wildlife Officer Bear and other state winners are eligible for the NWTF's National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award, which will be presented at the NWTF's national convention.