Nebraskaland

April 2026 • Nebraskaland 59 Celebrating 100 Years of Nebraskaland Magazine and climate impacts. To keep up, conservation officers will continue to modernize and adapt their policies, t ra i n i n g a n d u s e o f te c h n o l o g y, j u s t a s t h ey d i d 1 2 5 ye a rs a go. However, their maintaining positive relationships with Nebraskans will never change. "Nebraska outdoor traditions are built on respect — respect for the land, the wildlife and for one another. Whether you hunt, fish, trap, hike or simply enjoy our outdoor spaces, you're part of a shared stewardship t h a t m a k e s t h i s s t a t e s p e c i a l . Conservation isn't just something the agency does. It's something we all do together," Shepler said. "On this 125th anniversary year, we celebrate our conservation officers for their dedicated service protecting Nebraska's natural resources and helping keep the people who use our state parks and public lands s a fe, " s a i d Ne b ra s ka G a m e a n d Pa r ks Co m m i s s i o n D i re c to r Ti m McCoy. "Whether enforc ing laws during hunting and fishing seasons or educating and interacting with the public, our COs have been key players in the continuation of our state's outdoor legacy." For much that has changed, the conservation officer's mission has been unwavering. N who began comparing evidence from mounted animals to discarded carcasses found in the field. In 2020, conservation officers from Nebraska, other state agencies and the USFWS interviewed Noble and many of his clients and executed search warrants on their cellular devices, computers and residences. "It was a close circle of people that Noble was working with," Conservation Officer Stacey Lewton said. "They would drive around, harvest a deer by illegal methods, and then leave a beer can up by the road so they knew where to find it later and recover it at night. "These clients knew up front it was going to be an illegal hunt. 'Pay me $4,000, and I'll get you a big deer.' Some people would buy permits after the animals were already taken down. All of this was happening after Noble had previously received a 15-year revocation of his licenses for other fish and game violations dating back to 2014." In the end, conservation officers had gathered enough information to substantiate 114 illegal hunts, mostly for mule deer. Because Noble's clients had transported mounts across state lines, it became a case of illegal commerce in violation of the Lacey Act. "Wildlife in Nebraska and across this country is a public resource," Lewton said. "It belongs to every citizen. When someone intentionally violates wildlife laws for financial gain, they are taking from the public. Our responsibility is to protect that resource so lawful hunters, anglers and families can continue to enjoy it. "Cases like this require proactive enforcement. When individuals repeatedly choose to operate outside the law, we must be present, attentive and thorough. That is exactly what our officers and partners did." Several of the unlawfully possessed wildlife mounts are now on display inside a Wildlife Crimestoppers trailer. The exhibit highlights the quality of deer and other big game species Nebraska provides through lawful management and conservation. The display also serves as a reminder that wildlife belongs to the public, and violations involving commercialization or unlawful take will be investigated and prosecuted. Conservation officers are committed to protecting these resources for present and future generations.

• Cover