Shikar-Safari recognizes Homedale officer

Craig Mickelson, an Idaho Department of Fish and Game conservation officer based in Homedale, was recently honored as the 2015 Idaho Wildlife Officer of the Year by Shikar-Safari Club International. Shikar-Safari International is a worldwide organization of hunters that supports a wide range of conservation causes with emphasis on wildlife law enforcement. The organization recognizes outstanding law enforcement officers in the United States and around the world. "Craig is an enthusiastic high energy conservation officer whose efforts this past year were beyond the call of duty," said Fish and Game Enforcement Chief Greg Wooten. "His contributions to the department and the public he serves are immeasurable." Mickelson was recognized for his efforts to increase compliance with special fishing rules at Lake Lowell by educating anglers, including creating bilingual signs and business cards with the rules. He also spent much time and effort to mark the Idaho Oregon border to help inform sportsmen and prevent unlawful take, where he successfully led cases involving Oregon hunters harvesting deer illegally in Idaho. Mickelson is also a field training officer, teaching, coaching, and mentoring new recruits as they begin to develop a foundation for their careers in wildlife law enforcement. He has worked as a senior conservation officer for Idaho Fish and Game since 2002, beginning his enforcement career in Riggins. The award was presented during an Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting January 28.