Bush Named NWTF National Wildlife Officer of the Year

Bush is the first female NWTF National Wildlife Officer of the Year in the history of the award, dating back to 2000.

“I would like to start out by saying I am truly honored and beyond grateful for receiving the National NWTF Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award,” Bush said. “This achievement is a reminder that the dedication of hours, days, early mornings and miles officers endure contribute to their mission. Being a wildlife officer for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and a part of the NWTF has given me the opportunity to help protect and conserve in so many aspects! Growing up in the outdoors, creating memories and being able to pass on a family heritage my grandfather taught me to upcoming generations and my little girl is a blessing from God. Something to value! I sincerely thank everyone who has helped me achieve this goal and who has continued to dedicate their time to conservation! 

Bush received the Wildlife Officer of the Year Award at the NWTF’s 50^th anniversary celebration during its 47^th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

The Wildlife Officer of the Year Award is given to individuals who have excelled and demonstrated exceptional performance in the following areas: teamwork and innovation, excellence and innovation, attitude and leadership and achievements and accomplishments.

Bush is a five-year veteran of the AGFC and has excelled in the enforcement of the state’s regulations to protect its resources. This past spring, she put in 270 hours of work during turkey season, stopping multiple hunters in violation of the regulations, in addition to contacting 110 violators throughout the year that resulted in several larger cases. She is also a major proponent of outreach, having promoted conservation and outdoor/hunting education to several local schools and other youth-oriented events. She is a significant part of the state’s effort to recruit, retain and reactivate new and lapsed hunters, attending and speaking at various venues across the Natural State to advance the future of our outdoors lifestyle and promote safe and ethical hunting. 

“Officer Bush is an exemplary wildlife officer and conservationist,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “She has illustrated a determination and compassion to conserve and enforce the laws of Arkansas’ natural resources. We are proud to recognize her efforts and all that she does for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.”

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale. 2023 is the NWTF's 50^th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50-year celebration, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the NWTF's people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.