The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, an organization of
state agencies with primary responsibility for management and protection of the fish and
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| Dan Forster, president of Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Director of Georgia Wildlife Resources Division with Officer Robert Wayne (right). |
wildlife resources in 15 states, has named Officer Robert Wayne with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission as the top wildlife officer for 2008. The award, presented in Corpus Christi, Texas on Oct. 13, came in recognition of outstanding service to conservation and a long list of accomplishments, including a night rescue of a family whose boat was taking on water in rough seas.
“Robert Wayne is a model wildlife officer,” said Maj. Keith Templeton, the supervisor for field operations for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. “His standards are unparalleled, his integrity is unmatched and his dedication to protecting wildlife resources and service to sportsmen is without equal. This is a truly deserved award.”
Officer Wayne worked with fellow wildlife officers, as well as other state and federal law enforcement agencies, to investigate poaching and wildlife violations in large-scale efforts. He set up waterfowl details that resulted in more than 100 charges, including three subjects' illegally baiting and hunting ducks on Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. A multi-state investigation led to the apprehension of three Florida men for possessing protected species of turtles and snakes, as part of the illegal reptile trade. He was also involved with surveillance in a bear poaching case that saw 40 charges, including baiting, closed season hunting and federal felony firearms charges.
Besides his impressive enforcement efforts, Officer Wayne is active in many community organizations including the Hyde County chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
Area Chairman Brandon Marshall described Wayne as the kind of volunteer he can always count on. “Robert and his wife, Natalie, have been active DU volunteers for about seven years now, and together they do a tremendous amount of work for our banquets. Robert is the hardest working officer I’ve know; he’s determined and committed to all aspects of conservation from supporting DU to apprehending game violators.”
DU is proud to have such an outstanding officer among our volunteer ranks.