The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) honored a Wyoming game warden and two citizen conservationists at their annual conference in July, held this year in Eugene, Oregon.
Wyoming Game Warden Dustin Shorma was honored with WAFWA’s Pogue-Elms Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for his dedication to duty. Shorma has been a game warden for more than 18 years and is widely recognized as being one of the hardest-working, effective and most dedicated wildlife officers in Wyoming.
Shorma’s nomination spoke of his attention to detail in building cases that can be successfully prosecuted. He uses technology to help crack complex cases and shares that knowledge with others. Known for his work ethic and personable, friendly demeanor, he has gained the respect and appreciation of landowners and sportspeople throughout his district. He serves as a model for landowner relations, law enforcement, and responsible wildlife management which together garner public support for the conservation work of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
“Dustin is certainly deserving of this award and is an excellent representative for our state and agency,” said Brian Nesvik, Game and Fish chief game warden. “His leadership and dedication to the resource have had a profound impact on wildlife law enforcement in Wyoming.”WAFWA also recognized the Outstanding Citizen Wildlife Contributor by honoring Joshua Coursey and Joey Faigl from Wyoming. Coursey and Faigl were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Wyoming conservation efforts, including the formation of a new conservation organization called Muley Fanatics Foundation. They have developed grassroots support for wildlife enhancement work, wildlife research and youth involvement in wildlife conservation.
Since 1922, the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) has advanced conservation in western North America. Representing 24 western states and Canadian provinces, WAFWA’s reach encompasses more than 40 percent of North America, including two-thirds of the United States. Drawing on the knowledge of scientists across the West, WAFWA is recognized as the expert source for information and analysis about western wildlife. WAFWA supports sound resource management and building partnerships at all levels to conserve wildlife for the use and benefit of all citizens, now and in the future.
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Photos- Top: Wyoming Game Warden Dustin Shorma with two mountain lion kittens. Right: Joshua Coursey and Joey Faigl with their awards.
