Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year Named

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MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS A Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks warden sergeant based in Butte has been named the recipient of the prestigious Shikar-Safari Club International’s Wildlife Officer of the Year Award.

Coy Kline, a 10-year veteran, was recognized for his exceptional teamwork and contributions to critical FWP work.   In addition to regular supervisory and enforcement duties, Kline represented FWP during the 2000 fire season and during the Rainbow gathering in the Big Hole Valley last spring where his close coordination with other law enforcement entities and government agencies was a major factor in preventing significant resource problems.   Kline also contributed to the public planning process for the management of user conflicts on the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers.

The Shikar-Safari Award winner is selected by FWP Director Jeff Hagener from among nominations submitted by FWP warden captains.   Award winners are selected on the basis of their professional relationships with hunters, anglers and landowners in their districts, their job performance and dedication to the wildlife law enforcement profession and participation in activities outside of daily enforcement work.

The Shikar-Safari Award, which is awarded annually by the worldwide conservation organization to one wildlife law enforcement officer in each state, has been presented to a Montana game warden each year since 1969.