Press Release

DWR Recognizes Outstanding Biologists and Team of 2024

Richmond, VA — Every year the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) recognizes a Wildlife Biologist and Fisheries Biologist of the Year, as well as a Lands and Access Employee of the Year. The 2024 Wildlife and Fisheries Biologists of the Year have more than 60 years of combined service to the Commonwealth and Lands and Access is celebrating a team that ensured access to department-owned lands after historic damage from the remnants of Hurricane Helene.

“Every year I continue to be overwhelmed by the dedication and professionalism of the team at DWR,” said Executive Director Ryan Brown. “Their service to the sportsmen and women of the Commonwealth is second to none.”

Wildlife Biologist of the Year: Marc Puckett

Now retired, Marc Puckett started his career at DWR in 1996 and his passion for conservation and collaboration brought exponential value to Virginia and far beyond. In his most recent position as Small Game Project Leader, Marc was instrumental in the efforts to enhance early successional habitats for bobwhite quail and other species as well as leading biologists that work hand-in-hand with private landowners to enhance habitat, writing management plans for more than 582,000 acres of land. Marc has served as a mentor and instructor with the National Bobwhite and Grasslands Initiative, writes engaging content for their webpage regularly, and in 2023 was inducted into their Hall of Fame. With a passion for bobwhite quail, his expertise was invaluable to helping Pennsylvania work to restore their populations, coordinating efforts to collect quail in Virginia to make the journey and ensure their generational success.

In addition to being the DWR Wildlife Biologist of the Year, Marc was celebrated as the Southeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 2024 Wildlife Biologist of the Year, showcasing that his leadership and expertise spread far past the borders of the Commonwealth.

Fisheries Biologist of the Year: John Odenkirk

In his 35 years at DWR, John has tirelessly advocated for anglers and has actively worked to create some of Virginia’s best recreational fisheries. He is one of the nation’s leading experts on northern snakehead, studying their impacts throughout Virginia and working to determine vital information for assessing and managing potential threats. John leads DWR’s Large Impoundment Science Team, taking a lead role in collaborative efforts to stock and evaluate F1 largemouth bass, control invasive Alabama bass, and determine how to best manage striped bass in inland water. Beyond these achievements, John is one of DWR’s most accessible biologists, attending fishing shows, fishing workshops, and talking to any constituent who may be curious about the waters of northern Virginia. He regularly engages the media about fishing and fisheries related issues in Virginia, helping to connect anglers with the outdoors and effectively translating complex science for the general public.

Lands and Access Employees of the Year: Brad Mawyer, Camron Robertson, Joe Collins, Ashlei Selden, Toby McClanahan, Mark Robinett, Jason Blevins, Danny Harrington, Ryan Dixon, Dalton Gordon, Marvin Gautier, and Tom Hampton

On Sept. 27, 2024, Tropical Storm Helene ripped into Southwest Virginia leaving in its wake widespread destruction in the form of downed trees and flood debris. After the storm passed, Lands and Access employees immediately began assessing the damage. Over the next few days, the team cleared more than 39 miles of roads on Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA), ensuring it could safely open for the first day of archery deer season. The team pushed on and by Oct. 10 more than 45 miles of roads on all WMAs in DWR’s southwest region were cleared and reopened. During a time when many public lands were forced to close due to damage, DWR was announcing that WMAs were open for enthusiasts to enjoy.