![\"CO](\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/oodmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/COOfTheYear2023.jpeg?ssl=1)
<\/figure>\nClinton-based Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)<\/a><\/strong> Conservation Officer Drew Pegrum has been named 2023 Conservation Officer of the Year.<\/p>\n The Guelph Enforcement Unit member \u201cis a professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership and motivates his team, colleagues, and trainees to administer their very best to protect our natural resources, and ensure public safety,\u201d the Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA)<\/a><\/strong> said on April 6.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is also well established within the community he serves and is often called upon by residents, landowners, policing partners and community groups in relation to angling, hunting and land use questions and complaints,\u201d officers said.<\/p>\n Some of Pegrum\u2019s current work consists of utilizing surrogate wildlife decoys to forestall unsafe and unlawful looking practices, going above and past for a mobility impaired hunter, enforcement in and round Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area<\/a><\/strong>, co-ordinating multi-district hunter security and trespassing search warrants, and mentoring many officers to develop into profitable COs.<\/p>\n Pegrum began his seasonal profession with the MNRF in 2011 as a Park Ranger at Inverhuron Provincial Park<\/a><\/strong>, then in 2012 moved to a park warden place at Balsam Lake Provincial Park<\/a><\/strong>. In 2013, he took his profession to Rocky Mountain House Alberta as a seasonal Conservation Officer (CO) earlier than returning as a CO intern throughout the Bancroft Enforcement Unit figuring out of Minden. He accomplished his internship in 2014 and was employed as a contract CO out of Owen Sound and shortly after secured a full-time place throughout the Guelph Enforcement Unit, figuring out of Guelph previous to attending to his present place out of the Clinton workplace.<\/p>\n \u201cOfficer Pegrum is not afraid to utilize new techniques or solutions to aid him in his pursuit of ensuring hunter safety,\u201d OCOA President Matthew McVittie said. \u201cHe is a natural leader that has collected extensive knowledge throughout his life hunting, fishing and being outdoors. In the last few years, he has had the opportunity to become a Coach Officer. He takes great pride in the individuals he has coached, who have moved on as full time COs.\u201d<\/p>\n Pegrum is an lively volunteer in Listowel, however his true ardour lies with the outside and hockey, McVittie added. \u201cAnytime that Drew can\u2019t be found spending time with his family or at work, he can be found mentoring youth hunters, anglers, and hockey players throughout his community.\u201d<\/p>\n For extra data on previous winners, go to: http:\/\/ocoa.ca\/tributes\/ocoa-awards\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nAccomplishments many<\/h3>\n
CO referred to as pure chief<\/h3>\n