Photo Courtesy Idaho Fish & Game
Each year, the Shikar-Safari Club awards wildlife law enforcement officers in all states who have shown outstanding performance, dedication and achievement in their work. This year, the award recipient from Idaho is none other than the remarkable Spencer Wesche, conservation officer from the Rexburg patrol area.
The Shikar-Safari Club International is a non-profit that was founded to promote wildlife conservation and education, awarding wildlife officers across the United States and Canada.
Protecting the environment and wildlife comes naturally to Spencer Wesche.
As a young girl, she grew up in the Midwest, where she discovered her love for the outdoors on Lake Vermilion, where she spent almost every summer. She went to school and received a degree in conservation biology and ecology, and six years ago, she moved to east Idaho to pursue a career as a conservation officer, where her younger self’s dream would come to life.
Reflecting back on the beginning of her journey, she remembers the person who influenced her the most, her older brother. “My brother is a state trooper for the Idaho State Police, and when I was getting close to graduating, he worked alongside a lot of game wardens and recommended I come out to see what they do,” Spencer said. “I did a ride along and found it really interesting. It’s the kind of job that combines all of my interests.”
In her work as a conservation officer, Spencer has made notable strides in the field.
According to a recent press release by Idaho Fish and Game, Spencer’s area of responsibility has recently increased by 25% and she detects more crime than most officers. On top of this, she spends a lot of her time doing community outreach and advocating for other women to join law enforcement.
“I just try to be a good example in the community,” Spencer said. “I think there's only a handful of female game wardens in Idaho right now. I try to be a good example for young women who are interested in getting into this field.”
The example Spencer has set in the community is remarkable, to say the least. Her commitment to protecting the environment and mentoring the next generation of officers through her involvement in hunter education and community events shows just how passionate she is and how deserving she is to receive the Shikar-Safari Club award.
For more information, head to www.idfg.idaho.gov