New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 22, 2009:

PECOS CONSERVATION OFFICER HOWES IS WILDLIFE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

SANTA FE -- Phil Howes, the Department of Game and Fish conservation officer stationed in Pecos, has been named New Mexico Wildlife Officer of the Year, a prestigious award sponsored by the conservation organization Shikar-Safari Club International.

Howes, 40, has been a conservation officer in Pecos for nine years, working with the community to promote wildlife management and law enforcement. His day-to-day duties include horseback patrols in the Pecos Wilderness, monitoring the Pecos bighorn sheep herd, and educating the community about coexisting with bears and other wildlife.

"Phil's work with his local community and wildlife biologists has been greatly appreciated by all who have had the pleasure to work with him," said Chris Neary, the Department's Northeast Area Assistant Chief. "He is a great representative for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish."

Howes earned a masters degree in Wildlife Science from New Mexico State University.

Shikar-Safari Club International was founded in 1952 by an international group of hunters interested in exchanging ideas about the sport. 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. Shikar-Safari is recognized worldwide for its efforts in the protection, enhancement and preservation of wildlife, and has placed particular emphasis on endangered and threatened species through the promotion of enforcement of conservation laws and regulations

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