2025 Game and Fish Awards and Recognition

Friday, 1/3/2026

Congratulations Recipients

At its December staff meeting, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department recognized employees for exceptional service and achievement. Ben Holen, aquatic nuisance species coordinator in Jamestown, was named Agency Employee of the Year, receiving the Director’s Award for Professional Excellence. Drew Johnson, district game warden in Finley, earned both 2025 Wildlife Officer of the Year from Shikar-Safari Club International and North Dakota’s 2025 Boating Officer of the Year. Shawn Sperling, district warden in Minot, was named the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 2025 Wildlife Officer of the Year. Additional performance-based awards were presented to Blake Riewer, enforcement division investigator, for excellence in complex investigations; Brian Frohlich, fisheries biological technician, for leading comprehensive fall fisheries sampling; Shane Wegner, Colin Penner, and Kevin Kading for improving administrative efficiency in private land programs; Amanda Anstrom, assistant licensing manager, for outstanding leadership of licensing operations; and Jeff Long, Brian Schaffer, and Amber Schroeter for exemplary contributions to the department’s education programs and major statewide events.

Source: NDGF Newsletter

Deputy Director Appointment

Sunday, 06/16/25

Casey Anderson Appointed Deputy Director

Jeb Williams, Game and Fish Department director, announced the appointment of Casey Anderson to the agency’s deputy director position.

Anderson has been with the Department for 24 years, seven years as assistant wildlife division chief, and for the last four years he led the wildlife division as chief. He replaces Scott Peterson who spent 40 years with the agency, the last 11 as deputy director.

“Casey Anderson brings a combination of field and administrative experience, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to North Dakota’s fish and wildlife resources,” Williams said. “His ability to communicate with both the public and staff, coupled with a lifelong passion for our state, makes him exceptionally well-suited to step into the deputy director position.”

Anderson started with the agency in 2001 as a wildlife seasonal in Riverdale, building fences, spraying noxious weeds and whatever else needed attention in the district.

“I believe in the outdoors experience and benefiting from the quality of life that comes with being outdoors in North Dakota,” Anderson said. “By taking this position, I want to help maintain those experiences we get in the outdoors for all North Dakota citizens.”

Duaine Ash wins Water Wheel Award

Monday, 12/29/2025

NDSFC Member Honored with Award

BISMARCK, N.D. – Duaine Ash of Devils Lake was presented the Water Wheel Award at the 62nd annual Joint North Dakota Water Convention and Irrigation Workshop on Dec. 11, an honor jointly awarded by the North Dakota Water Users Association and the North Dakota Water Resource Districts Association for distinctive leadership and perseverance in protecting, developing, and managing the state’s water resources. Ash has dedicated decades to water resource stewardship, serving on numerous local and statewide boards, including NDWUA, multiple water resource districts, and sportsfishing and angling organizations. A strong advocate for fishing access, aquatic nuisance species prevention, and inclusive water recreation, Ash played a key role in maintaining boat ramps, docks, and shorelines during periods of rising water at Devils Lake. He spent his career with the Bureau of Reclamation and the North Dakota National Guard at Camp Grafton before retiring in 2002.

Source: https://www.devilslakejournal.com/news/10065/dl-resident-honored-with-nd-water-resource-management-award/