Wyandot County Wildlife Officer Receives
Shikar-Safari Club International Award

FINDLAY, OH – Brad Baaske, state wildlife officer assigned to Wyandot County, was recently named Ohio Wildlife Officer of the Year by the Shikar-Safari Club International, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

“Officer Baaske’s nearly 25 year career as a state wildlife officer is commendable and he is well deserving of this prestigious award” said Kevin Russell, Field Supervisor for the ODNR Division of Wildlife. “I am very pleased that Officer Baaske was selected for this award. His dedication in promoting the Division of Wildlife’s mission, his efforts in teaching hunting and trapping education programs, and his countless achievements as a law enforcement officer are clearly evident.”

A 29-year veteran with the ODNR Division of Wildlife, Officer Baaske began his career working in the wildlife management section in 1984. In 1989 Baaske entered the Wildlife Officer Training Academy and has served in Wyandot County since 1990. Baaske is currently a Field Training Officer and has more recently held the role as the primary Field Training Officer in his work unit. Officer Baaske’s wildlife management and law enforcement experience has been an asset to new officers.

Basske is a native of Huron, Ohio and holds an Associate degree from Hocking College in Recreation and Wildlife Management.

The Shikar-Safari Club International was founded in 1952 by an international group of hunters interested in exchanging ideas about the sport. Each year the club sponsors an award for the wildlife officer of the year in all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces, and the territories of both nations. In 1966, the Shikar-Safari International Foundation was formed to support various wildlife conservation projects with funds raised by club members.

More information about becoming a state wildlife officer or the ODNR-Ohio Division of Wildlife can be found at wildohio.com.