Warden Ryan Mannes Nominated For Mississippi Flyway Council’s Waterfowl Protection Officer Of Year

An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.

This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s May, 2022 eNewsletter

By Lt. Tyler Strelow

Warden Ryan Mannes

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources nominates Warden Ryan Mannes (pictured at right) for the 2022 Mississippi Flyway Council Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year Award.

Each year the Mississippi Flyway Council recognizes full-time law enforcement officers from each state, province and region who made outstanding contributions to waterfowl protection, hunting and education within the Mississippi Flyway.

Warden Ryan began his career with the DNR in 2018 and is assigned to the Horicon Marsh Station, one of the state’s most popular areas for waterfowl hunters and wildlife observers alike.

He wasted no time getting to know his area, reaching out to local community leaders while sharing his knowledge and passion for waterfowl hunting and the outdoors. He has gone out of his way to be a resource to the public, partners and other DNR staff.

Developed Investigative Skills, Rescued Stranded Waterfowl Hunters

Ryan quickly developed outstanding investigative skills that have often led to uncovering mounds of evidence – especially impressive considering at times he had little information to start.

He is known for his enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for his work. As an experienced waterfowl hunter, he brings a positive attitude, self-confidence, an undeniable desire to help others, and an approachable demeanor regardless of the challenge in front of him.

Known for his willingness to put in the time it takes to make successful enforcement cases, Ryan has the patience, knowledge, curiosity and confidence necessary to hold violators accountable for their actions.

That’s not all. You’ll also see him prioritizing watercraft safety by patrolling after-hours, specifically for boat navigation light violations. He has contacted several hunters about the violation in the past year.

While outside of the 2021 award consideration period, it should be noted that Warden Ryan has repeatedly responded without hesitation to reports of waterfowl hunters stranded on the Horicon Marsh. He responds to upwards of three of these incidents in an average year, rescuing hunters in sometimes freezing, dark and disorienting conditions.

Warden Ryan is known as someone who does not hesitate to fulfill his duties to protect public safety. That’s just who he is.

Award-Decision Process

The council presents its recognitions at two levels. The council provides certificates and lapel pins to individual nominees from each state, province and region in recognition of their contributions.

The nominees, including Warden Ryan, are then considered for the Mississippi Flyway Protection Officer of The Year. The council’s Law Enforcement Committee reviews the nominations at the winter/spring meeting.