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January 5, 2009
Casper, Wyoming - John Lund, West Casper Game Warden, has
been chosen as the 2008 Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife
Officer of the Year for Wyoming. Lund was recognized for his
exceptional teamwork and contributions to critical wildlife law
enforcement work.
He was nominated by Sheridan Region wildlife supervisor Joe
Gilbert and Casper Region wildlife supervisor Scott Edberg. Shikar-Safari
Club International presents annual awards to wildlife law
enforcement officers in all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces
and territories. The organization places particular emphasis on
endangered and threatened species through the enforcement of
conservation laws and regulations. Award winners are selected on
the basis of their professional relationships with hunters,
anglers and landowners in their districts, job performance,
dedication to the wildlife law enforcement profession and
participation in activities outside of daily enforcement work.
Lund began his career with the Game and Fish on the Reservoir Crew
in Casper in 1999. This position gave him the opportunity to work
in several different regions as an enforcement aide and damage
technician. This variety of experiences exposed him to many of
Wyoming’s complex wildlife issues as well as broadened his
experience as a wildlife officer. In April of 2002 he was promoted
to game warden trainee in the Sheridan District, and then was
moved to Gillette. Lund spent a short time in Gillette before
being transferred to Cheyenne. While in Cheyenne, he assumed many
of the duties assigned to the Wildlife Law Enforcement Coordinator
position. He was responsible for assisting with the development
and maintenance of the statewide Case Management System and the
review and issuance of all scientific and commercial wildlife
permits.
In 2004, Lund was promoted to District Game Warden in the North
Gillette District where his workload grew with the booming economy
and associated influx of workers and increasing population. During
his tenure in Gillette, Lund made several high profile poaching
cases resulting in large fines and restitution as well as years of
lost hunting privileges for the violators.
In April 2008, he transferred to the West Casper Game Warden
District to replace retired Game Warden Dave Avey.
"John responds quickly to violation reports and takes swift and
appropriate action when necessary," Gilbert said. "His ability to
foster positive, cooperative working relationships with landowners
is second to none. John is friendly, approachable and has the
ability to connect with a diverse cross-section of society. He is
thorough when collecting evidence at crime scenes, interviewing
suspects and writing case reports."
As a warden, Lund spends a significant amount of his time
patrolling reservoirs and enforcing fishing and boating
regulations. He voluntarily attended watercraft accident
investigation training and assists regional wardens and wildlife
technicians with watercraft accidents. He also teaches hunter
education classes and volunteers his time with several nonprofit
wildlife conservation groups.
"His attitude, work ethic, professionalism, teamwork and overall
abilities as a game warden make him a most worthy recipient of the
2008 Shikar-Safari Wildlife Officer of the Year," Edberg said.
Lund will receive his award at the September 2009 Expo Awards
Banquet in Casper.
-WGFD-
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