NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In recognition of Micah Poteet's dedication to wild turkey research and management, he received the National Wild Turkey Federation's Joe Kurz Wildlife Manager of the Year Award at the 41st annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show.

"I am fortunate to be in a profession that enables me to engage in many activities I am passionate about, and [I am] very grateful and genuinely honored to have been selected for this recognition," said Poteet, a technical guidance biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. "I appreciate the efforts of the National Wild Turkey Federation to make this award available."

The Joe Kurz Wildlife Manager of the Year Award is named in honor of the former Georgia Department of Natural Resources wildlife chief for his leadership and the vital role he played in improving wildlife management. Kurz also was a principal figure in wild turkey trap-and-transfer programs across North America.

Poteet, of Lufkin, Texas, began his career with TPWD in 1993 and participated in much of the early Eastern wild turkey restoration efforts in the state. His perspective provided guidance for the 21stcentury approach to restoration used in Texas today. His observations detected shortcomings in the old methods of habitat assessment and led to TPWD's new Eastern Wild Turkey Habitat Suitability Index.

He also is spearheading new research efforts to examine the behavior of wild turkeys relative to the scale and season of fire in Texas. Last winter, researchers outfitted more than 80 Eastern turkeys with a combination of VHF and GPS transmitters to provide knowledge on habitat management recommendations for years to come.

"Micah's dedication to the quality habitats wild turkeys and other species need to thrive is exemplary," said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. "His work has not only helped the wild turkeys on the ground now but also for generations to come."