Game Warden named Texas Wildlife Officer of the Year

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AUSTIN – Long-time Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Arthur McCall of Pleasanton has been recognized as Texas Wildlife Officer of the Year by Shikar-Safari Club International.

TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith, along with club president Happy Rogers and board member Louis Stumberg, presented the veteran wildlife law enforcement officer the prestigious award at today’s meeting of the Parks and Wildlife Commission in San Antonio. This marks the 31st year this award has gone to a deserving Texas game warden.

“As a leader, Arthur shares his experience and expertise with younger wardens and continues to be a mentor to them,” Smith said. “His dedication and commitment to protecting the natural and cultural resources of the state of Texas have made him a role model in his community and in the field of law enforcement.”

McCall graduated from the 23rd Texas Game Warden Training Academy in 1969. After an initial assignment to Real County, he transferred to Atascosa County in 1971 and that has remained his duty station.

During his 41-plus-year career McCall has been commended numerous times for his professionalism. He consistently takes part in the “Who Done It Camps” and coordinates hunting trips for underprivileged kids as part of the TPWD Law Enforcement Division’s public outreach activities.

In the enforcement side, McCall participated in the arrest of multiple violators of a poaching ring in South Texas, part of a covert operation dubbed “Venado Macho.” More recently he conducted an investigation stemming from an Operation Game Thief call that resulted in the prosecution of an individual who killed two bucks in a one buck county. Restitution on the case came to more than $5,000.

McCall is one of the founding members of the Texas Game Warden Honor Guard. In 2007, the Honor Guard received the TPWD Outstanding Team Award for its commitment and dedication in performing at numerous events around the state, including ceremonies for fallen officers. Additionally, he is the Honor Guard’s rifle squad leader.

When not enforcing the law, McCall is also a very accomplished artist and is represented by the Mooney Gallery in San Antonio. His work has three times been selected as the poster-print for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.