PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has named Conservation Officer Blake Swanson as its 2021 Wildlife Officer of the Year.

Officer Swanson has served as a Wildlife Conservation Officer for 7 years with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP). Blake is currently stationed in Milbank, SD.

“Officer Swanson approaches every aspect of his job with a positive frame of mind and can-do attitude,” said district conservation officer supervisor, Jamie Pekelder. “His unfailing determination and his dependability to get the job done has earned him the respect of supervisory staff and peers combined.”

“Through Blake’s determination, hard work, and networking, he was able to bring together several people from the community who volunteered hundreds of hours to accomplish the building of an archery course in Hartford Beach State Park that is sure to be a destination for many,” added Pekelder.

Officer Swanson will be honored by the NWTF at its State Convention in Chamberlain on January 14-15, 2022. In addition, the State Chapter will forward his name to compete for a national award at the NWTF’s national convention in February 2022.

“The State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is grateful to wildlife conservation officers across South Dakota who continue to do an outstanding job,” said Francis Strohfus, president of the state chapter. “We have had, and continue to have, a great relationship with the Game, Fish and Parks Department. The NWTF has a high priority to conserve the wild turkey and connect our youth, physically challenged, and men/women to outdoor activities and our hunting heritage. Blake Swanson is a credit to these goals. We are pleased to honor Blake and know he will do a great job in representing South Dakota at our National Convention next February.”

This is the twenty-first year the award has been presented by the South Dakota State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.