Page 4 - Nov/Dec 2021 Outdoor Oklahoma

Off the Beaten Path

Not es oN Wildlife • ou t door ti ps • r ea ders’ let t ers • eN v i roN meN ta l NeWs
C om piled by doN p. broW N
DEPARTMENT STANDOUTS RACK UP PRESTIGIOUS HONORS

Several Wildlife Department employ- coordinator for ODWC, received a Spe-
ees have received recognition for out- cial Recognition Award from the South-
standing service as recent award winners eastern Association of Fish and Wildlife
from various organizations. Agencies at the group’s 75th annual meet-
Wildlife Biologist Thad Potts was ing in Roanoke, Va. Meek was recognized
selected as ODWC’s Wildlife Biologist for leading ODWC’s innovations in hunt-
of the Year, a prestigious annual honor er education.
based on nominations from coworkers “Lance Meek has proven to be a pas-
in the Wildlife Division. He oversees sionate and tireless advocate for providing
wildlife management at wildlife manage- the best possible education opportunities
ment areas scattered across six counties Thad Potts for hunters,” SEAFWA President Paul Lance Meek
in northwestern Oklahoma: Canton, Johansen said. “Over his two decades
Dewey County, Drummond Flats, Major of service, no other state in the nation
County and Sandhills. Among the many has implemented as many progressive
projects he works on, Potts has been col- changes as Oklahoma. As hunters’ needs
laborated with the U.S. Air Force to con- change and as technology evolves, Lance
duct bird surveys for restoration work at has championed bold steps to improve
Drummond Flats WMA near Vance Air the customer experience, save money and,
Force Base. most importantly, keep hunters safe.”
Wildlife Technician Cody Crisswell was “Lance’s contributions to the agen-
named ODWC’s Wildlife Technician of cy and to conservation in Oklahoma
the Year. He splits his time conducting Cody Crisswell reach far beyond the hunter education Kelly Adams
maintenance work at Beaver, Optima, program,” ODWC Director J.D. Strong
Rita Blanca, Schultz and Shorb WMAs. said. “His innovative and creative thinking have made Oklahoma
ODWC’s Fisheries Division honored a leader.”
Shane Lewis as its Fisheries Profession- ODWC Communication Supervisor Kelly Adams was honored
al of the Year. Lewis serves as assistant with the Mark Reeff Memorial Award for the outstanding young
manager of the Durant Fish Hatchery, wildlife management professional under age 35 by the Association
believed to be the largest freshwater fish of Fish and Wildlife Agencies during its annual awards ceremony
hatchery in the United States. For the past in Providence, R.I.
several years, Lewis has worked to over- AFWA said Adams has demonstrated extraordinary leadership
see extensive renovations at the hatchery. skills and commitment beyond her job title to influence other state
Communication and Education Senior Shane Lewis agencies, non-governmental organizations and others with a pas-
Specialist Lance Meek, hunter education sion for conservation.
STUDENTS, TEACHERS CAN WIN HUNTS, WILDERNESS TRIPS

Students ages 11 to 17 have a chance to “write their own ticket” antelope hunt in the Texas panhandle (or
to a great outdoor adventure next summer! Deadline is Nov. 19 equivalent) depending on availability.
to enter the 2021 Creative Writing Competition, co-sponsored Educators may also enter a contest for
by Oklahoma Station Chapter Safari Club International and the a Conservation Education Scholarship
Wildlife Department. for an eight-day session at American
The junior division first-place boy and girl will win a hunting trip Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS)
at Rack Attack Outfitters in Fairview, Okla. (or similar) and get a at Granite Ranch near Jackson, Wyo.
scholarship to the Outdoor Texas Camp for hunting during summer For complete details on both contests,
2022. The senior division first-place boy and girl will go on a guided go to www.wildlifedepartment.com/education/youth-opp.

2 Off the Beaten Path