RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 21, 2008) – The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, an organization of state agencies with primary responsibility for management and protection of the fish and wildlife resources in 15 states, has named Officer Robert Wayne with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission as the top wildlife officer for 2008.
The award came in recognition of outstanding service to conservation and a long list of accomplishments, including a night rescue of a family whose boat was taking on water in rough seas.
“Robert Wayne is a model wildlife officer,” said Maj. Keith Templeton, the supervisor for field operations for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. “His standards are unparalleled, his integrity is unmatched and his dedication to protecting wildlife resources and service to sportsmen is without equal. This is a truly deserved award.”
Officer Wayne worked with fellow wildlife officers, as well as other state and federal law enforcement agencies, to investigate poaching and wildlife violations in what can only be described as large-scale efforts. He set up waterfowl details that resulted in more than 100 charges, including three subjects’ illegally baiting and hunting ducks on Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge.
A multi-state investigation led to the apprehension of three Florida men for possessing protected species of turtles and snakes, as part of the illegal reptile trade. He was also involved with surveillance in a bear poaching case that saw 40 charges, including baiting, closed season hunting and federal felony firearms charges.
Officer Wayne has made numerous boating and fishing violation cases while patrolling the lakes and sounds of eastern North Carolina, and the Atlantic Ocean. He investigated several boating accidents, including one on the Intracoastal Waterway that resulted in $1.3 million dollars in damage.
“Besides the success in enforcement duties, Officer Wayne is a master of public outreach,” Maj. Templeton said. “He sets up programs to promote safety and wildlife protection, and is especially effective in teaching young people. He is active through his church, through the Hyde County chapter of Ducks Unlimited and the local 4-H. If that isn’t enough, he is working to start a Boy Scout troop in his community.”
The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies serves as a clearinghouse for ideas, provides support and works on issues concerning wildlife and fisheries management, research techniques, wildlife law enforcement, hunting and outdoor safety and information and education programs, and protects the right of jurisdiction of the member states over their wildlife resources on public and private lands.
The award was presented at the Omni Bayfront Hotel, Corpus Christi, Texas on Oct. 13.
Officer Wayne lives in Engelhard with his wife, Natalie and one-year-old son, Brayden.
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