Williams Receives First Whitetails Unlimited Award
OutdoorHub 05.30.12
Roby Williams, state wildlife officer for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), was recently named Ohio Wildlife Officer of the Year by Whitetails Unlimited, a national conservation organization dedicated to the betterment of the white-tailed deer.
A 19-year veteran with the Division of Wildlife, Officer Williams has served in Guernsey County for his entire career. In addition to his normal duties, he serves as a field training officer for firearms and defensive tactics. Williams has also kept anglers, hunters and trappers informed of the latest information and events by being a regular guest on a local radio show. A native of Fayetteville, Ohio, Williams holds an associate degree from Hocking College.
“Williams has been a very active member of the conservation community in Guernsey County for many years,” said Scott Zody, chief of ODNR’s Division of Wildlife. “Protecting Ohio’s wildlife resources for current and future generations has always been a priority for Williams; he has worked tirelessly to promote fishing, hunting and trapping.”
For the first time, Whitetails Unlimited recognized a wildlife officer from each of Ohio’s five districts for excellence in their field. The award is based on the number of wildlife arrests, cases involving unusual circumstances related to whitetail deer, cases involving trophy bucks and professional work ethic and dedication.
Wildlife Officer Jeff Tipton (Champaign County) was honored as the top wildlife officer for District One. Wildlife Investigator Mark Weihrauch (northwest Ohio) was recognized for being an excellent representative of District Two. Wildlife Officer Wade Dunlap (Tuscarawas County) was celebrated for his role as the top wildlife officer for District Three. Wildlife Officer Ryan Garrison (Mercer County) was honored as the top wildlife officer for District Five.
Nominations are based on deer enforcement performance during the previous deer season, with one of the five officers being selected as the state officer of the year. Williams was named District Four’s top wildlife official before being honored as the top state officer of the year.
Since being founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited raises money to support its mission of conservation, education and the preservation of the hunting tradition.
For information about establishing a Whitetails Unlimited chapter, call: Tim Schlater at 937-403-5811 (western Ohio) or Denny Malloy at 330-507-9489 (eastern Ohio).
