Conservation Officer Bobby Wilder of Meridian was recently recognized for his outstanding service and achievements in the outdoors that benefitted the people of Mississippi. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) honored Wilder by naming him their Conservation Officer of the Year.

In order to win this award the recipient must have gone above and beyond the normal scope of their duties and excelled in a variety of areas.

In addition to the award given by MDWFP, Wilder also received the Safari Shikari Award from Safari Club International for the “Conservation Officer Of the Year” for the state of Mississippi. “Bobby was well deserving of both awards,” stated John Collins, Chief of Enforcement for the MDWFP. Collins was very complimentary of Wilder’s work ethic, community involvement and general commitment to the outdoors.

Collins went on to say, “Bobby attacks his assignments with vigor. He is very active in all types of community service and you can always count on him as he gives more than 500 percent. Meridian is very lucky to have him!”



Special needs

Collins advised that Officer Wilder had been instrumental in both the fund raising and acquisition of much needed equipment for special departmental needs and operations. One item that Wilder had a big part in procuring and putting together was a command center that could be used in times of crises such as in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, as well as for use in special operations around the state.

While all conservation officers lay it on the line every day while on duty some, like Wilder, are also active in many activities in their communities and throughout the state. In fact Wilder participates in many different outdoor activities outside the scope of his employment while working with youth, civic organizations and disabled people as well as the general public.

Wilder is an NRA certified firearms instructor and has conducted training seminars each year for the department’s officers. He has been involved with many civic organizations as well, by conducting seminars and speaking engagements involving all aspects of the outdoors. From hunting and boater safety, to wildlife rules and regulations, Wilder is constantly keeping the public informed.

For many years now Wilder has been a member of the local Okatibbee Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). He has been actively involved in both fund raising and implementation of events for the local chapter’s activities. From the NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen’s handicapped hunting events to the youth events for JAKES members, Wilder has participated and been instrumental in the programs’ success over the years.



Love of outdoors

And if all of that is not enough, Wilder also received the Boating Officer of the Year award last May. How does he do it, you might ask? Well, it’s obvious to anybody who knows him or sees him in action. It’s not for the money, it’s for his love of the outdoors and people in general. The 14-year veteran left a job in the private sector years ago and took a big pay cut to do something he loves. “I tell you right now, God’s provided everything we’ve got,” commented a gracious Wilder in regards to his family.

Even though Wilder has won several of these prestigious awards, he is quick to give credit to his coworkers and superiors as well. “The only way I could stand up there and receive any award was by getting the cooperation from every officer I come in contact with,” exclaimed Wilder. “If you don’t do that successfully, it’s an uphill battle and not much will be accomplished.”

While helping with many youth and Wheelin’ Sportsmen events Wilder called on his supervisor, Truett Robertson, for help. “Every time I’ve called on my supervisor, Truett Robertson, he’s bent over backwards to help me and them. He’s very accommodating in both helping round up help and attending events himself.” At the same time, without the help of many of his fellow conservation officers little would have been accomplished.

One thing is for sure; Bobby Wilder is well deserving of each of the awards and is definitely a credit to his hometown of Meridian and the state of Mississippi. With more leaders like Officer Wilder, we would likely be able to accomplish almost any goals set before us. Our hats off to you sir! Congratulations are definitely in order.