SOCIAL CIRCLE — The Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently honored Cpl. Johnny Ashe with the officer of the year award, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

Ashe, a conservation ranger assigned to Dodge County, is now eligible to receive the national award from the NWTF.

"Cpl. Ashe is a tremendous asset to the protection of wildlife and natural resources in the state," said Lt. Col. Homer Bryson. "His efforts this past year have been significant in the protection of wild turkeys, and we are grateful to have him as part of this team."

Ashe handles areas of duty relative to the protection of wild turkeys. He participates in many education and outreach efforts, including National Wild Turkey Federation events and hunter-education programs.

He collaborates with and advises conservation rangers in his work unit and works with other officers in specific investigations.

One of the officer’s accomplishments this year was the successful handling of a case that stretched several months. The investigation involved multiple suspects and revealed 27 wild turkeys were illegally taken from the Dodge and Laurens county areas. The investigation took more than 75 days and 521 work hours and included charges of hunting out of season, hunting without a license and possession of illegally taken wildlife.

Two additional officers, Barry Britt and Rodney Horne, also were instrumental in the investigation.

For more information about the Georgia Chapter of the NWTF, call (770) 918-6408. For more information on turkey hunting in Georgia, go to www.gohuntgeorgia.com.