Conservation officer from Allegan County named Wildlife Officer of the Year

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is proud to recognize Conservation Officer Carter Woodwyk as the 2025 Shikar-Safari Michigan Wildlife Officer of the Year, honoring his exceptional 10-year career.

The annual award, presented to Woodwyk at Wednesday's meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Lansing, is the highest state honor recognizing conservation officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to natural resources protection, law enforcement and community engagement.

Woodwyk patrols Allegan County, which offers both populated rural suburbs and expansive natural landscapes.

“He is an officer I can count on to get things done and do them right,” said Lt. Gerald Thayer, DNR district law supervisor based out of Plainwell. “Woodwyk’s partners look up to him, and he is always available to help at a moment’s notice. Woodwyk’s integrity, leadership and unwavering service to Michigan’s natural resources, along with his professionalism, leadership and community commitment, make him a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 Shikar-Safari Wildlife Officer of the Year Award.”

Woodwyk began his law enforcement career as a police officer cadet with the Holland Department of Public Safety before completing Michigan Conservation Officer Recruit School No. 7 in June 2016.

Throughout his DNR career, Woodwyk has consistently demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to thorough investigation. In 2025 alone, he fielded 143 complaints through the Report All Poaching hotline and Allegan County Dispatch Authority. The volume of complaints reflects the high level of public trust placed in Woodwyk and his dedication to being a responsive, proactive presence in Allegan County.

His service extends well beyond his daily patrol responsibilities. Woodwyk has served in several internal DNR leadership roles, including:

• Off-road vehicle instructor since 2025
• 2020 District 7 Officer of the Year
• Area law supervisor (working out of class) 2020
• Policy Committee member since 2021
• Field training officer since 2021
• Technology liaison officer since 2023
• Staff member for Conservation Officer Training Academy No. 13 in 2025

His professionalism and expertise are equally evident in his interactions with the public. Woodwyk takes the time to speak with outdoor enthusiasts in a manner that is respectful, approachable and easy to understand. Over the years, he has received countless positive comments regarding his professional demeanor and extensive knowledge of “all things DNR” in Allegan County and the surrounding area.

His knowledge of the area is particularly valuable given the size and complexity of Woodwyk’s patrol territory. Allegan County encompasses approximately 1,833 square miles and is home to more than 120,000 residents. The county borders five other counties, includes major highways along its eastern and western borders, and contains more than 50,000 acres of state-managed land within the Allegan State Game Area. The county also borders Lake Michigan and includes popular waterways and dam areas, including the Allegan Dam and Kalamazoo River, which are well known for walleye, salmon and steelhead spawning.

Woodwyk routinely assists other law enforcement agencies with whatever support they need, further demonstrating his commitment to public safety beyond the traditional responsibilities of a conservation officer. His working relationships throughout the area, combined with his knowledge of the county and surrounding communities, continue to impress his supervisors and colleagues.

“Woodwyk has countless caseloads with positive prosecution, resulting in criminal fines that are put back into the Fish and Game Fund to help ensure a long-lasting resource for generations to come,” said Thayer.

Shikar-Safari Club International was founded in 1952 by a group of hunters interested in exchanging ideas about the sport and to enhance and preserve wildlife. Each year the club sponsors an award for the Wildlife Officer of the Year in all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces and the territories of both nations, honoring an officer whose efforts that year demonstrate outstanding performance and achievement.

Michigan conservation officers are fully licensed law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety, and protect residents through general law enforcement and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve.

Oct. 1 to Nov. 3, the DNR will be accepting applications for an April 2027 pre-certified Conservation Officer Training Academy, which will take place in Lansing. Those interested in hearing more about the academy are invited to sign up for one of two free, optional webinars taking place at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 and Oct. 7; pre-registration is required.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

Award: Michigan DNR Conservation Officer Carter Woodwyk was honored as the 2025 Shikar-Safari Michigan Wildlife Officer of the Year, recognizing his exceptional 10-year career. The award was presented Wednesday, Sept. 9, during a Michigan Natural Resources Committee meeting in Lansing.

Pictured (L to R) are Peter Eardley, NRC commissioner; David Nyberg, NRC commissioner; Brandon Kieft, DNR Law Enforcement chief; Carter Woodwyk, Michigan DNR conservation officer; Gunnar Klarr, Shikar-Safari International Club; DNR Director Scott Bowen; Mark Eyster, NRC commissioner; Brandon Fewins, NRC commissioner; and John Walters, NRC commissioner.