(Press Release) The South Dakota Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has named Conservation Officer Taylor Kirchner as its 2026 Wildlife Officer of the Year.
Officer Kirchner started as a conservation officer with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) in 2022. He is assigned Bon Homme County and also serves as a boating enforcement instructor.
“Officer Kirchner has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill since joining the department,” said Regional Conservation Officer Supervisor, Jeremy Roe. “He has not only exceeded in one particular aspect of the job, but at all of them—community outreach, youth activities, habitat management, and law enforcement work.”
“Kirchner has quickly earned the trust of the public, landowners, local organizations, and his neighboring officers,” added Roe.
Kirchner will be honored by the NWTF at its State Convention in Chamberlain, S.D., on January 9. In addition, the State Chapter will forward his name to compete for a national award at the NWTF’s national convention in Nashville, TN on February 11-13, 2027.
“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 Don Massa, 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. Taylor Kirchner is a credit to these goals. We are pleased to honor Taylor and know he will do a great job in representing South Dakota at our National Convention next February.”
This is the twenty-sixth year the award has been presented by the South Dakota State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
