Fish and Game Appoints New Field Officer

Fish & Game Northland has appointed a new field officer, Nathan Burkepile.

Thirty eight year-old Nathan has moved to Whangarei from Rotorua, where he worked for Eastern Fish & Game, Department of Conservation, and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

He is highly qualified with an MSc in wildlife and range management from Kingsville, Texas.

Nathan moved to New Zealand after he met and married a Kiwi he met in Idaho.

Nathan’s main interest has been in game birds, and he has about 15 years’ experience in monitoring and managing upland game birds and waterfowl, and restoring their habitats.

Nathan has had a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors in general. “My first hunting experience was for squirrels in the bush near our house when I was 12 years-old, followed by regular hunting trips with my Dad and Granddad for deer and turkeys.”

“While at university in Idaho I took any opportunity to work with other students on their projects, and in the summers I worked for wildlife agencies. It gave me a wide range of experience with lots of different species.”

Nathan will work from Fish and Game’s office at 7-11 Nell Place, Whangarei, phone 021-2227920

Manager Rudi Hoetjes says he’s looking forward to working with Nathan as someone with both an impressive science background, and plenty of hands on work experience out in the field.