LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – One of Michigan’s longtime conservation officers is getting some well-deserved recognition.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) named Conservation Officer Carter Woodwyk the 2025 Shikar-Safari Michigan Wildlife Officer of the Year. The DNR said the honor reflects Woodwyk’s exceptional 10-year career, most of which he has spent patrolling Allegan County.

“He is an officer I can count on to get things done and do them right,” said Lt. Gerald Thayer, a DNR district law supervisor based in Plainwell. “Woodwyk’s partners look up to him, and he is always available to help at a moment’s notice. Woodwyk’s integrity, leadership and unwavering service to Michigan’s natural resources, along with his professionalism, leadership and community commitment, make him a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 Shikar-Safari Wildlife Officer of the Year Award.”

According to the DNR, the annual award is the highest state honor recognizing conservation officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to natural resources protection, law enforcement and community engagement. Woodwyk received the award Sept. 9 during a Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing.

Woodwyk began his law enforcement career as a police officer cadet with the Holland Department of Public Safety before completing Michigan Conservation Officer Recruit School No. 7 in June 2016.

DNR officials said Woodwyk has received “countless positive comments regarding his professional demeanor and extensive knowledge of ‘all things DNR’ in Allegan County and the surrounding area.”

Anyone who would like to follow in Woodwyk’s footsteps can apply for an April 2027 pre-certified Conservation Officer Training Academy. The DNR will accept applications from Oct. 1 through Nov. 3.