GILLETTE, Wyo. — Honoring her outstanding performance and achievement, Baggs Senior Game Warden Kim Olson has been named the 2023 Shikar-Safari Wildlife Officer of the Year for Wyoming, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Olson has been with Game and Fish for the last 16 years, and at nearly 3,000 square miles, her district is one of the largest in the state — not to mention one of the busiest hunt areas for deer and elk — with her patrol area encompassing the towns of Wamsutter, Savery, Dixon and Baggs, the department says.
“Her tenacity has resulted in her having some of the highest harvest check numbers in the state,” Game and Fish says. “She also spends considerable time and effort coordinating with landowners and the Wyoming Department of Transportation to modify highway right-of-way fences to facilitate big game movement across highways.”
Oslon’s extraordinary ability to make objective decisions, attention to detail, and development of creative solutions to difficult cases has proven to be an invaluable asset, Game and Fish says.
“She is a dedicated and exceptional wildlife officer,” Chief Game Warden Rick King said in a statement. “Olson has a strong work ethic that inspires those she mentors and resonates with the community she serves.”
The people Olson serves within her region are diverse and range from hunters, anglers and landowners to students. She is known as a strong mentor within her community and an inspiration to younger wardens who wish to follow in her footsteps.
“Olson is an excellent role model to new game wardens and her local community,” King said. “She has the natural ability to foster a conservation ethic and inspire those around her to pursue a career in wildlife management and conservation.”
When not in the field, Olson spends her time teaching hunter safety and instilling conservation ethics in Wyoming students through school programs.
“I am very honored to receive this award, but I’ve always had some very good help and team members to work alongside to accomplish so much,” Olson said in a statement. “I have always tried to do what is best for wildlife and to be their voice. I think it’s just that simple.”
She will be recognized and presented her award at the March Game and Fish Commission meeting in Pinedale, per a Feb. 12 release.
