Mr. Ross Bernard, a provincial conservation officer in the West Prince Region of Prince Edward Island was presented the Shikar-Safari Club International Award for Wildlife Officer of the Year for Prince Edward Island by Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, Kevin J. MacAdam at Province House yesterday on behalf of the Shikar-Safari Club International.
Ross Bernard, a provincial conservation officer in the West Prince Region of Prince Edward Island, was nominated as the best in the field by one of his peers. Being selected for this prestigious award places Bernard among a very distinguished group of officers who have achieved such recognition due to their outstanding performance and dedication to duty.
A community member of Mill River East, Ross has shown dedication to the protection and preservation of fish and wildlife in the conduct of his duties. He has acted as an instructor for hunter safety and trappers courses, established excellent working relations with vendors involved in selling hunting and fishing licenses, and has also demonstrated an ability to manage situations responsibly when faced by adversity.
"I echo the words of the Shikar-Safari Club International in saying that all too seldom do the fine wildlife officers receive the recognition and encouragement they so richly deserve for protecting and preserving our wildlife," said Minister MacAdam. "On behalf of the province, I congratulate Mr. Bernard and extend thanks for your contribution to the conservation of one of our province's natural resources, our wildlife."
This is Public Service Week in Prince Edward Island, a time to celebrate the contribution of public servants to their employer, their clients and their communities.
The Shikar-Safari Club International was founded in 1952, as a group of international hunters who joined together to exchange experiences and ideas about hunting. It started out as primarily as a social hunting organization, but soon recognized its potential to do meaningful things in the area of conservation. Today, membership, limited to 200 people internationally, is a dedicated group of hunters and conservations who believe in putting back more than they take out through hunting.
All 50 United States, Canadian provinces and territories participate in the annual award program.