Game Wardens Promoted to Serve as District Chiefs

Capt. David Robertson

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation recently promoted three Game Warden lieutenants to the rank of captain, and each now serves as district chief for his law enforcement district, said Bill Hale, chief of Law Enforcement.

They are Capt. Jeff Headrick in District 7 (Beckham, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, Tillman and Washita counties), Capt. David Robertson in District 2 (Adair, Cherokee, Haskell, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties), and Capt. Wade Farrar in District 5 (Carter, Cleveland, Garvin, Lincoln, Logan, Love, McClain, Murray, Oklahoma, Payne and Pottawatomie counties).

There are eight operational districts in the Wildlife Department’s Law Enforcement Division.

The new captains are assuming the positions held by Thor Carlson of Colony, Joe Adair of Tahlequah and Tony Woodruff of Lexington, all of whom recently retired. 

Law District 2 

Robertson began his career with the Wildlife Department in 1990 as a Game Warden assigned to Latimer County. In 1996, he transferred to a dual assignment in Okmulgee and McIntosh counties, which was his home area. 

“I was fortunate to have family members with a strong hunting and fishing heritage,” he said. “They made sure I was introduced to the outdoors at an early age, and I never turned back. 

“Protecting the wildlife resources in Oklahoma is a calling and a passion for me.” 

During his 27 years on the job, he has served as a field training officer and as an instructor with the Shotgun Training Education Program. In 2012, he was promoted to Game Warden Lieutenant. 

“I am truly honored to serve as District 2 Law Enforcement Chief. I am excited and eager to lead District 2 Game Wardens as we continue to serve the sportsmen and women with the highest level of integrity as well as meeting any challenges we may face. 

“I strive to have a positive influence in wildlife law enforcement,” he said. 

Robertson enjoys hunting, fishing, raising cattle and spending time with family. He and Nita, his wife of 38 years, live on the family ranch. They have three adult children and nine grandchildren. 

As District 2 Chief, Robertson supervises two Lieutenants and 14 Game Wardens. 

The Law Enforcement Division is responsible for upholding the laws and regulations that protect Oklahoma's wildlife resources. Game Wardens interact with the public. They often spend time visiting landowners in their county, encouraging them to allow ethical hunters and anglers on their land to harvest the surplus wildlife. They may assist the landowner with poaching problems or give them information about stocking fish in a pond. 

They occasionally visit with sportsmen's clubs, schools, scout groups and civic groups. They may speak about new laws and regulations, or about some topic directly related to hunting or fishing. They may also pass along printed information published by the Wildlife Department. Game Wardens also frequently help teach hunter education courses and fishing clinics. 

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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