Anderson and Johnston Named Officer and Employee of the Year

Kylor Johnston Named Wildlife Officer of the Year www.gf.nd.gov

Kylor Johnston, North Dakota Game and Fish Department district game warden stationed in Hazen, is the state’s 2020 Wildlife Officer of the Year. Johnston was honored recently by Shikar-Safari Club International, a private conservation organization that annually recognizes outstanding wildlife officers in each state.

In a nomination letter sent to Shikar-Safari, chief warden Scott Winkelman said Johnston’s district contains a variety of wildlife and recreational areas including the state’s largest reservoir, Lake Sakakawea.

“Warden Johnston’s district includes some of the busiest and best open water fishing in North Dakota, as anglers from across the state and country travel to fish the Garrison Dam Tailrace and Lake Sakakawea,” Winkelman said. “Lateseason ducks and geese are also highly sought, along with pheasant, grouse and deer. He excels at finding evidence on violations and pushing until the case is complete.”

Mike Anderson Named Game and Fish Employee of the Year www.gf.nd.gov

Mike Anderson, video project supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Bismarck, received the agency’s Director’s Award for professional excellence.

Terry Steinwand, Game and Fish director, said COVID-19 did not stop him from missing a weekly assignment or deadline.

“From traveling to every corner of the state to take his next photo, film his next video, conduct his next interview or package his next story, Mike was able to deliver more than 100 programs this year alone, because of his commitment and passion for his job, this agency and his peers,” Steinwand said. “He is the consummate professional. He spends countless hours knowing and understanding the subject at hand, and he wants this to come across to the viewers, and it does.”