The Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has named Conservation Officer Jeff Rabbers as its Michigan Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Rabbers is a four-year employee of the Department of Natural Resources and currently is stationed in Barry County.

"We are very pleased that the NWTF has recognized the efforts of Officer Rabbers," said Gary Hagler, chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division. "Barry County, where Officer Rabbers is stationed, has experienced a recent rapid growth in deer and turkey populations, making these species the primary focus of his activities in this region."

A graduate of Western Michigan University, Rabbers started his career as a high school biology teacher. He taught for eight years, and worked each summer for the DNR's Wildlife Division maintaining oak barren openings and savannah habitats in southwest Michigan. These habitats are critical to the nesting success of wild turkeys and other nongame species. Rabbers also assisted with managing waterfowl hunt operations during the fall at the Allegan State Game Area, and his special interests have focused on upland game birds, waterfowl and their habitats.

"Officer Rabbers is always very interested in opportunities to work with the public, and he uses his skills as a former teacher to develop a good relationship with landowners and interest groups in his area," Hagler said. "He works hard to foster a positive image of a Michigan conservation officer, and the DNR, which serve him well in his investigations and dealings with the public."

Among Rabbers' noteworthy accomplishments are several arrests for turkey and deer poaching in Barry County. He also works with his fellow conservation officers in southwest Michigan in a team approach to track some of the area's worst offenders. He currently serves as the president of the Michigan Conservation Officers Association (MCOA), comprised of current and retired conservation officers. MCOA promotes the importance of the wildlife law enforcement profession and works to develop strong relationships with other organizations and citizens who share a passion for natural resources protection and Michigan's hunting heritage. He currently is developing a scholarship program to be funded by the association for students interested in becoming conservation officers.

Officer Rabbers lives in Barry County with his wife and three children, the eldest of whom attended one of his hunter education courses last fall. Rabbers' favorite activity is hunting waterfowl, grouse and woodcock with his Labrador retriever, and he looks forward to passing on his love of the outdoors and Michigan's hunting heritage to his children and other young people he encounters on the job.