By NWTF Press Release
Photos by Stephen Ritchie/DWR
The Virginia National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) State Chapter has committed to enhancing wildlife law enforcement efforts across the state by providing $68,000 to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Law Enforcement Division. This funding enabled DWR officers to acquire QuietKat e-bikes and Flock Falcon Flex surveillance cameras, cutting-edge equipment that will strengthen the DWR’s ability to monitor, patrol, and investigate the state’s expansive landscape.
The funding will equip each of Virginia’s four patrol regions with two QuietKat e-bikes and multiple Flock Falcon Flex cameras, significantly advancing DWR’s enforcement capabilities. These tools will aid DWR with combatting turkey poaching and other violations, a long-standing challenge given the vast terrain officers must cover across Virginia’s millions of acres of public and private lands. Traditionally, limited patrol hours and the time required to access remote areas have made it challenging for officers to detect and apprehend violators; however, this funding will provide DWR with additional tools to investigate and pursue cases of illegal activity.
“Enforcement of game and access laws goes hand in hand with other conservation practices,” said Cully McCurdy, NWTF district biologist for Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. “Kudos to the NWTF volunteers in Virginia for supporting the Law Enforcement Section’s effort to protect our natural resources in the state.”
Training on the use of the e-bikes was recently provided by the manufacturer that included skills and operation geared specifically for military and law enforcement. Coupled with the Flock Falcon Flex cameras, the additional equipment will provide added ability for enhanced statewide enforcement efforts.
“The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the National Wild Turkey Federation have maintained a longstanding partnership with a shared mission of enhancing and protecting wildlife habitats and populations,” said Major Ryan Shuler, who oversees all law enforcement operations for DWR. “This most recent investment in our law enforcement operations by the NWTF will further our ability to enhance resource protection by apprehending those who violate our wildlife laws in the Commonwealth. The Flock camera systems serve as a force multiplier by constantly monitoring an area when a conservation police officer is not available. The QuietKat E-bikes will be instrumental in allowing our officers to patrol vast areas more quickly and quietly, while also leaving behind a minimal physical and carbon footprint. We are very grateful to the National Wild Turkey Federation for their investment in our Law Enforcement Division and look forward to putting this equipment to work for wildlife for years to come.”
With NWTF’s partnership, DWR’s Law Enforcement Division will gain additional resources to maximize its conservation efforts and safeguard Virginia’s wildlife through an innovative approach to wildlife law enforcement.