Page 8 - 2018 NOV/DEC Outdoor Oklahoma

Game Warden’s Journal

ACCOUNTS FROM THE FIELD BY THE PUBLIC
SERVANTS WHO ENFORCE THE FISH AND
WILDLIFE LAWS OF OKLAHOMA.

Enforcing laws on Oklahoma’s backroads brings surprises
daily. On opening morning of dove hunting season, Game
Warden Blake Cottrill came across a nasty mess. Apparently
a young man decided to clean out the bed of his truck on one
of the Garfield County’s dirt roads. The game warden was
able to locate the suspect and issue a citation for littering.
The suspect also went to the site and removed the trash from
the road.
Oklahoma Game Wardens were proud to recognize the Hon.
Judge James B. Croy.
Croy presided over more than 1,800 wildlife cases in his tenure
from 1986-89 and 1997-2018. His service has made him a true On Sept. 2, Game Warden Chad Strang, based in Cleve-
ambassador for wildlife. land County, spent some “quality time” with two individuals
“In the Special Trial Division, I have presided over the Wildlife who were hunting dove over a baited field near Noble. The
Docket for almost 22 years. In that capacity, I have had the privi- individuals pleaded guilty in the field and paid fines for
lege to have had numerous Game Wardens from numerous coun- hunting migratory birds over bait.
ties appear before me. The dedication of these men and women to
the protection of Oklahoma’s wildlife while regulating hunting and (Reports from the Oklahoma Game Wardens Facebook page.)
fishing in the state has always impressed me greatly,” Croy said.
This champion of wildlife law was recognized recently by EDITOR’S NOTE: Please help make a difference! When viola-
Wildlife Department Director J.D. Strong along with Game tors break the law, they steal fish and wildlife from you! Report
Wardens Mike France, Tim Campbell and Mark Murray, all violations anonymously by calling Operation Game Thief at
based in Oklahoma County. (800) 522-8039. You could earn a cash reward.

GAME WARDEN OF THE YEAR FOR 2018 IS JAY HARVEY

The Law Enforcement Division of the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation has selected
Game Warden Jay Harvey as the 2018 Game Warden WHITNEY JENKINS/ODWC
of the Year.
Harvey recently began serving out of Atoka Coun-
ty after being based in Choctaw and Bryan Counties
for many years. He is being recognized by his peers
for his experience, dedication, efficiency and effec-
tiveness. Harvey excels in teamwork and public out-
reach. Among his achievements:
• In November 2017, his familiarity with McGee
Creek Wildlife Management Area helped him
locate and rescue a lost 69-year-old hunter.
• His proficiency in airboat operations allowed the
rescue or evacuation of more than 200 people as
he volunteered for disaster relief in the wake of
Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area.

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