At their regular March meeting, Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commissioners welcomed representatives from the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) state chapter as they honored two employees of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Marcus Thibodeau, ODWC wildlife senior biologist, was presented the 2026 Joe Kurz Excellence in Wildlife Management Award, and Michael Taylor, game warden based in Cotton County, was presented the NWTF’s 2025 Oklahoma Game Warden of the Year Award.
NWTF District Biologist Annie Farrell cited Thibodeau’s leadership and dedication in advancing Rio Grande wild turkey conservation across more than 55,000 acres in western Oklahoma, along with his efforts to partner with supportive organizations like NWTF to secure more than $1 million for habitat projects.
NWTF State Board President Mike Westmoland thanked Taylor for leading a 1.5-year investigation of a turkey hunting guide in connection with the sale of seven illegal hunts in southern Oklahoma. Since the hunts were sold online, Taylor filed charges under the computer crimes act, which are felonies. The guide was ordered to pay $17,000 in restitution.
Also, commissioners approved a position statement on House Bill 3270.
In other business, Commissioners received updates from Director Wade Free on various activities within ODWC’s five divisions. Free reported that more than 4,000 students from about 300 schools competed in the recent Oklahoma National Archery in the Schools state shoots in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department, and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate.
The next regular Wildlife Commission meeting is set for April 6 at the John D. Groendyke Wildlife Conservation Building, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.
