Bragg Named NWTF Wildlife Officer of the Year

Steve Lightfoot, 512-389-4701, steve.lightfoot@tpwd.texas.gov

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AUSTIN, Texas — Brian Heath Bragg, a six-year veteran Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Game Warden, has been named 2005 Texas Wildlife Officer of the Year by the Texas State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Bragg was recognized during the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission public hearing on April 6.

The award was created in 2000 by the NWTF to recognize top state, federal and provincial officers who demonstrate a high level of professionalism and dedication to wildlife resources.

“The job Heath has done to protect our state’s wildlife resources and ensure future generations have the opportunity to hunt wild turkeys is greatly appreciated,” said J.B. Wynn, NWTF Texas Chapter president.

Bragg’s law enforcement efforts while stationed in Tyler County resulted in a number of significant cases involving game law violations on eastern wild turkeys, including an investigation and ultimate conviction of a man for taking a mature eastern gobbler during closed season.

Bragg also assisted Stephen F. Austin University researchers in a three-year cooperative agreement tracking eastern turkeys. He radio-tracked eastern turkeys with transmitters and recorded data, determined mortality and health and geographically plotted movement.

In his current duties in Angelina County, Bragg focuses his patrolling efforts on enforcing laws against poaching and hunting from public roadways.