Senior Conservation Officer, Meghan Roos awarded International Wildlife Crimestoppers Guidefitter Game Warden of the Year

Senior Conservation Officer Meghan Roos, serving Idaho Fish and Game's Magic Valley Region, was awarded the 2026 International Wildlife Crimestoppers (IWC) Guidefitter Game Warden of the Year Award at the IWC Conference in Bar Harbor, Maine. 

This award recognizes an active conservation law enforcement officer whose service, leadership, investigative accomplishments and dedication to protecting fish and wildlife exemplify the highest standards of the profession. Wildlife agencies throughout the United States and Canada nominate officers for the single annual award, with the recipient selected through a competitive review process. The honor highlights Roos’ leadership in complex wildlife crime investigations, dedication to public service and commitment to conserving Idaho’s fish and wildlife resources.

Among her work recognized was a multi-year investigation involving 27 search warrants that uncovered wildlife violations across multiple jurisdictions. The case resulted in lifetime hunting revocations and more than $180,000 in fines, fees, and restitution against the primary offender.

Shortly after that case concluded, Roos launched another investigation after receiving information about three illegally harvested deer. What was thought to be a single, isolated case grew into a large-scale poaching investigation involving more than 15 suspects, over 200 illegally harvested animals, and 165 documented wildlife violations. Many of the illegal harvests were taken at night using thermal optic equipment, making it one of the most significant wildlife crime investigations in recent Idaho history.

In his nomination, Idaho Fish and Game District Conservation Officer Randy Sullivan wrote, "Senior Conservation Officer Roos consistently demonstrates courage, compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and public service. Her investigative accomplishments, mentorship, community engagement, and personal integrity make her an outstanding representative of the conservation law enforcement profession."

Roos' service extends well beyond wildlife enforcement. She has taught hunter education courses, mentored new officers, and helped develop tools that improve field operations and officer effectiveness.

Her commitment to serving the public has also been demonstrated during emergency response incidents. In one instance, she was the first responder to a seriously injured hunter following a motorcycle accident. She stabilized the hunter, coordinated rescue efforts, and remained on scene until the individual was safely evacuated.

Conservation officers protect Idaho’s fish and wildlife resources across more than 83,000 square miles. Because officers cannot be everywhere at once, reports from the public are critical in supporting officers to detect wildlife crimes.

Many wildlife crime investigations begin with information provided through Citizens Against Poaching (CAP), a nonprofit organization that partners with Idaho Fish and Game to provide a resource for the public to report wildlife violations. Individuals whose information leads to successful enforcement action may be eligible for a monetary reward.

Anyone who witnesses a wildlife crime is encouraged to contact the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Congratulations to Senior Conservation Officer Meghan Roos on this well-deserved recognition. Her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to protecting fish and wildlife resources continue to make a lasting impact on conservation law enforcement in Idaho.