Professional Support

Professional support

One of the Association's goals is to provide encouragement, recognition, and support to members. This is accomplished by providing an opportunity for networking at social events, such as a cookout or hospitality room at the WI Warden Conference, and financial assistance for members to attend professional development/career orientated events, such as the NAWEOA Conference and Basil Irwin Shoot. Members that are award recipients are also recognized in our magazine and newsletter.

The Association, in partnership with the WCEF, has also raised money to buy additional Warden Honor Guard uniforms, so that the Honor Guard can expand in number. The Honor Guard is available for WCWA member funerals and other ceremonies.

Member Recognition

Haskell Noyes Efficiency Award:
Warden Mike Hirschboeck

Haskell Noyes Efficiency Award - also known as "The Watch" Award. Named after a prominent businessman and World War I officer, Noyes was a pioneer Wisconsin conservationist who created the warden award to give credit for faithful and able service.

Shikar-Safari Award:
LT. Warden Tyler Strelow

The Shikar-Safari Club International honors the officer whose efforts during the previous year showed outstanding performance and achievement within the Wis. Department of Natural Resources' Warden Service. The club presents the award in all 50 states and 10 Canadian areas.

Basil Irwin Memorial Pistol Match

Annually, the WCWA partners with the DNR's Bureau of Law Enforcement to send 6 wardens or retiress to the Basil Irwin Memorial Pistol Match/Conference and Training. This event that began in 1966 is where wardens from the Midwest get together, discuss various topics, conduct training, and have a competitive pistol match. It is regularly attended by Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and the USFWS. In 2017 Warden Wade Romberg took gold in the individual overall match. And Wisconsin Wardens together took silver overall!

Boating OFficer of the year:
WArden Darren Kuhn

Trappers Association Warden of the YEar:
LT. Tyler Strelow

WI Conservation Congress Waterfowl Officer of the YEAr:
WArden Doug Zeihen

NAWEOA Torch Award: WArden Kaitlin Kernosky

Conservation Warden Kaitlin Kernosky of Waupaca and Outagamie Counties received a 'Torch Award' at the 2017 North America Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association (NAWEOA) Conference for having demonstrated exceptional ability and initiative in the performance of her duties, with less than 5 years on as a Conservation Warden.

Operation Dry water Officer of the year: WArden John SChreiber

Warden John Schreiber was named the 2017 Operation Dry Water Officer of the Year by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

Bow Hunter Officer of the YEar: Warden Mark Schraufnagel

Wi Conservation Congress: Outstanding professional award

Conservation Warden Mike Disher of Calumet County was honored for his extraordinary service to local sports clubs and the community with this award from the WI Conservation Congress.

wI Wildlife Federation Officer of the Year: WArden Ryan Volenberg

Harold D. Hettrick Investigative Excellence Award

Above: Members of the Hettrick family – LaJeane, seated in front, and daughters D’neece, Gail and Lynne, joined
members of the winning Mulroy Trapping Case.