New Ohio Wildlife Officer Assigned to Wyandot County

FINDLAY, Ohio – Ohio Wildlife Officer Payton Phenicie, of New Washington, has been assigned to Wyandot County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Officer Phenicie replaces State Wildlife Officer Nathan West, who was promoted to the Wildlife District Four (southeast Ohio) manager in 2023.

Officer Phenicie, 24, graduated from Buckeye Central High School and then Hocking College in 2020 with a degree in natural resources law enforcement. Prior to becoming a wildlife officer, he spent two years serving as a natural resources officer for ODNR. During his downtime, Officer Phenicie enjoys hunting, golfing, and sports.

Officer Phenicie is one of 13 Ohio wildlife officer cadets who completed the 32nd Wildlife Officer Training Academy and was sworn in as a commissioned wildlife officer during a graduation ceremony on Friday, March 15.

In addition to the 21-week Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training, the cadets completed 10 weeks of specialized wildlife officer training by the Division of Wildlife. In addition to wildlife law enforcement procedures and agency policies, the cadets received training in areas of wildlife and fisheries management, communications, outdoor education, all-terrain vehicle operation, hunter safety, and advanced firearms and self-defense topics.

As a wildlife officer, Phenicie has statewide authority to enforce wildlife regulations and protect state lands, waterways, and property. As a state law enforcement officer, he also contributes to public safety both locally in northwest Ohio (Wildlife District Two) and in Ohio’s vast outdoors. Each year, Ohio’s wildlife officers speak to hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs; perform fish and wildlife conservation duties; and provide technical advice and instruction about wildlife management issues, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor-related recreation.

Officer Phenicie is now in the field and will continue his training by working with experienced wildlife officers during the next six months. To reach Officer Phenicie directly, call (419) 429-8398. To report suspicious activity involving wildlife, call (800) POACHER (762-2437). Reports can remain anonymous.