2012 Wildlife Conservation Officer Deputy of the Year W ILLIAM (BUD) VANATA contributes to the Game Commission in many ways and has furthered the ideals and policies of the agency. Bud had the highest number of hours worked in the district last year. He also initiated several investigations and assisted other officers in cases. Bud can always be counted on to be available at all hours, especially on nights and weekends, to assist in any manner required. Bud is also very active in the Hunter-Trapper Education program. He has assisted in many HTE classes and has logged 35 hours as an instructor. He also spends many hours outside of the classroom preparing, organizing and advertising the classes. Bud often gives us tips on how to make instructors and classes even better. Bud is also an asset to the district because of his standing in the local community. He is employed as a Farm-Game Manager for Land Management Group 5 in Greene County. Bud has also been invaluable in introducing me to landowners. Bud handles many nuisance wildlife calls, and certainly does his fair share of picking up road-killed deer. Bud is also a regular participant in Game Commission training, and helps prepare some of the lessons. He attended more deputy meetings than any other deputy in the district. His standing in the community and with his fellow officers has furthered the goals of the Game Commission in Greene County, and it has been my great pleasure to work with him. William Vanata, 2012 Deputy Conservation Officer of the Year, Southwest Region Nominated by WCO Randy R. Crago To learn about becoming a volunteer deputy wildlife conservation officer, visit www.pgc. state.pa.us or call 717-787-3186. Southwest Regionhttp://www.pgc.state.pa.us http://www.pgc.state.pa.us