Burnard F. Gibson, Wildlife Manager for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR), has received the prestigious Outstanding Wildlife Manager of the Year Award from the West Virginia State Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). This award is presented annually by the NWTF to recognize and honor a wildlife manager in West Virginia who has demonstrated outstanding efforts in the management and conservation of the wild turkey and other wildlife resources of the state.

In presenting this year's award on January 13, 2007, NWTF Regional Director Bob Farkasovsky congratulated Burnard Gibson for his many years of service to the sportsmen and women of West Virginia. "We are very proud of the work accomplished by wildlife managers throughout the state," said Farkasovsky. "The hunters of this state can be most thankful for the dedication and hard work that Burnard and many other Wildlife Managers demonstrate every day."

Working as Wildlife Manager on Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area, Burnard Gibson has been active in the management of the wild turkey while serving the citizens of West Virginia. Throughout his career, Burnard has trapped numerous turkeys for a wide variety of management and research projects, including trap and transfer activities associated with past wild turkey restoration efforts. In addition, Burnard has trapped and monitored radio-collared birds during the recently completed wild turkey population dynamics study focusing on hen mortality. Most recently, he has been involved in the ongoing research dealing with gobbler behavior and mortality. These research efforts, which have been funded in large part by the NWTF, are considered to be the defining work in wild turkey population dynamics studies for the mid-Appalachian region of the United States.

"Throughout his 29-year career, Burnard Gibson has made notable contributions to the state's wildlife management program and the sportsmen and women that enjoy our abundant wildlife resources," said Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section. "In addition to his habitat management projects on Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area and his contributions to the DNR's wildlife research efforts, Burnard's dedication to the wild turkey resource is evident by his involvement with NWTF events, such as the JAKES programs that directly benefit the state's young people."

**DNR**