12-18-2006, 06:10 PM
Jim Burud, North Dakota Game and Fish Department district game warden stationed in Kenmare, is the state's 2006 Wildlife Officer of the Year. Burud was honored recently by the 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 Robert Timian noted Burud has been involved in several large, complex investigations of wildlife violations in the past year. "Warden Burud has concluded a seven month investigation into the illegal killing of deer, moose, waterfowl and raptors in the vicinity of Bottineau and Renville counties," Timian said. "This was not just the usual poaching of wildlife, but rather a contest in which wildlife was killed as part of a repugnant competition between contestants. Warden Burud's attention to detail in accurately recording and documenting the violations and evidence greatly assisted in the prosecution of these individuals."
Burud, a Minot native and graduate of South Dakota State University, was also mentioned for his work in searching for missing persons. "He was instrumental in the rescue of a lone survivor of a boat accident by using GPS technology," Timian said, while noting he was the recipient of the North Dakota Peace Officer's Lifesaving Award for the rescue.
"Warden Burud works closely with other law enforcement personnel, the public and prosecutors to provide for the protection of our state's wildlife resources and to ensure future generations will enjoy these same resources," Timian continued. "He maintains a professional image, and represents the agency in manner that the department can be proud of."
In a nomination letter sent to Shikar-Safari, chief warden Robert Timian noted Burud has been involved in several large, complex investigations of wildlife violations in the past year. "Warden Burud has concluded a seven month investigation into the illegal killing of deer, moose, waterfowl and raptors in the vicinity of Bottineau and Renville counties," Timian said. "This was not just the usual poaching of wildlife, but rather a contest in which wildlife was killed as part of a repugnant competition between contestants. Warden Burud's attention to detail in accurately recording and documenting the violations and evidence greatly assisted in the prosecution of these individuals."
Burud, a Minot native and graduate of South Dakota State University, was also mentioned for his work in searching for missing persons. "He was instrumental in the rescue of a lone survivor of a boat accident by using GPS technology," Timian said, while noting he was the recipient of the North Dakota Peace Officer's Lifesaving Award for the rescue.
"Warden Burud works closely with other law enforcement personnel, the public and prosecutors to provide for the protection of our state's wildlife resources and to ensure future generations will enjoy these same resources," Timian continued. "He maintains a professional image, and represents the agency in manner that the department can be proud of."