AGFC’s Smith earns NWTF Wildlife Officer of the Year Award

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Arkansas Game Warden Brady Smith earned the National Wild Turkey Federation’s national Wildlife Officer of the Year Award last Friday at the NWTF’s national convention awards banquet. To top it off, he accomplished this feat, a lifetime achievement for most, in only his second year as an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission game warden.

“It is a great honor,” Smith said. “I mean words can’t even describe it. I grew up hunting … I started turkey hunting when I was 6 years old, and I wanted to be a game warden ever since I was 13 or 14, and to be here in this building and convention, I mean it is just amazing.”

Smith works in Cleburne County, one of Arkansas’s busiest counties for game wardens during spring. The county hosts tens of thousands of anglers and recreational boaters at Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River. It also consistently ranks in the top turkey harvest counties among The Natural State. Game wardens have to wear many hats to maintain safe ethical boating, fishing and hunting experiences for Arkansans and visitors in this outdoor lover’s paradise.

Smith earned this honor over 25 other wildlife officers submitted for consideration by various states throughout the U.S. He assisted in many enforcement cases last year, including 20 turkey hunting violation cases. Hunting over bait, hunting out of season and hunting without permission were a few of the major violations Smith’s efforts helped curtail. Smith is a strong investigator who uses a variety of methods to gather information relating to illegal activities. His efforts during the last year resulted in 180 officer-violator contacts.

Not only did Smith lead many investigations in his home county, he assisted in neighboring counties to catch poachers in the act. Many of these cases involved long hours staking out baited areas before, during and after hunting season.

Col. Brad Young, chief of the AGFC’s Enforcement Division, said he and his fellow game wardens have a special place in their hearts when it comes to turkey hunting enforcement.

“Enforcement of all regulations is important, but turkeys are one species where the effect of our work is easy to see,” Young said. “Catching people baiting or otherwise cheating the system to poach turkeys is one of the more time-consuming and most challenging parts of a game warden’s duties, too, so we really take it personally. Smith’s recognition is well deserved and something all our Arkansas game wardens take pride in.”

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

Smith’s favorite season has always been turkey season, both as a game warden and an outdoorsman. His passion for turkey enforcement goes beyond his job description, which is evident through his devotion, appreciation and passion for wild turkey conservation. He’s an active member of his local NWTF chapter and his local bass club.

He also attends multiple high school trap tournaments and assists with the annual fishing derby held on the Little Red River. He has spoken to elementary classes, assisted with the AGFC Youth Shooting Sports Program at the AGFC Batesville Shooting Range and participated in a “Shop With a Cop” event in his district, bringing Christmas cheer to underprivileged youth.

“Brady’s love for the outdoors is evident in his diligent work catching poachers and those who do not follow the rules that ensure the sustainability of our natural resources,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “Whether it is hosting Hunter Education courses, assisting in youth shooting sports programs or catching poachers, Brady’s work ethic represents the conservation of wildlife and sharing the life-changing power of the outdoors.”

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CUTLINES:

THREE MEN
AGFC Col. Brad Young (left), Warden Brady Smith (middle), and Capt. Wade Spence celebrate Smith’s award at the NWTF Convention Feb. 14. Photo courtesy of Brad Young.

EARNING BADGE
AGFC Game Warden Brady Smith earned his badge in September 2023, less than two full years before receiving the NWTF’s national Wildlife Officer of the Year Award. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.