FWC Division of Law Enforcement Northwest Region
Northwest Region
The 16 counties in the FWC’s Northwest Region are home to over 30 wildlife management areas, a national forest, water management district lands, and numerous state parks. In addition to the busy Gulf of Mexico coastline, the region is home to many freshwater lakes and rivers, which provide abundant boating, kayaking and fishing opportunities. Panhandle beaches are considered some of the most beautiful and popular in the world. In addition, several offshore wrecks and reefs in the region make the area an in-demand destination for those who enjoy diving and spearfishing. Deer season and red snapper season are two other recreational opportunities that draw large numbers of participants.
Contact Information
Phone:
850-265-3676
Address:
Regional Office
3911 Highway 2321
Panama City, FL 32409
News and Updates
FWC Officer Justin Hahr responded to a call regarding a blue heron dangling by its leg from a pine tree at a Pensacola rookery. When he arrived, he could see one of the heron’s legs was suspended from a fishing line and hooks and a sinker were wrapped around the other.
The Escambia County Fire Department arrived with a ladder truck to remove the bird. After being released, the heron flew to a nearby tree but was still weak and later fell to the ground. Officer Hahr retrieved the heron and took it to the Northwest Florida Wildlife Sanctuary in Pensacola for rehabilitation.
Learn about the consequences of monofilament line left in the environment and how the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program encourages recycling through a network of line recycling bins and drop-off locations. Visit MyFWC.com/StashtheTrash and click on Recyle Monofilament Line.
During a 3-day night poaching operation from Feb. 21-23, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers cited multiple individuals for illegally taking wildlife during prohibited hours. The enhanced surveillance efforts focused on Jackson, Washington and Holmes counties.
Jackson County – Feb. 21
FWC Lt. Nicole Basford and Officer Christian Butts stopped a truck observed driving slowly while shining a light into a field. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers discovered a spotlight and a rifle between the driver and passenger. The driver admitted to using the light to search for deer while possessing a loaded firearm. Further investigation revealed two deer heads with soft tissue still attached, which the driver admitted to harvesting in Kentucky. The individual was charged with illegal use of a gun and light, and a chronic wasting disease violation.
Holmes County – Feb. 21
FWC Lt. David Jernigan and Officer Robert Hicks, with aerial assistance from FWC Pilot Garret Fields and Officer Specialist George Vanness, observed a vehicle shining lights into a field and firing shots. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers found a .17 caliber Savage rifle with a mounted light — an illegal firearm for taking raccoons. Additionally, a dead rabbit was found hidden in the UTV bed. The individuals claimed they were hunting raccoons and had forgotten about the rabbit, though it was still warm. Officers educated them on legal methods for taking raccoons and cited them for multiple violations.
Jackson County – Feb. 22
FWC Officer Tristan Hartzog charged two individuals with separate night poaching violations:
In the first case, an individual used vehicle headlights to illuminate a farm field before firing a shotgun toward the wood line. Officer Hartzog discovered a freshly killed rabbit and issued a citation.
Later that evening, Hartzog observed a large group of deer feeding in a farm field. Shortly after, he saw a truck traveling slowly on an adjacent road, using a spotlight to target the deer. Upon stopping the vehicle, he found two loaded and readily accessible firearms, resulting in additional poaching violation citations.
The FWC is committed to enforcing wildlife laws protecting Florida’s natural resources. Hunters are encouraged to review regulations at MyFWC.com/hunting/regulations.
The public can report suspected wildlife violations through the FWC Wildlife Alert app, by texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” and details, calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
Media contacts
- Faith Flawn: Faith.Flawn@MyFWC.com
- Ashlee Sklute: Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com
Community Outreach
FWC officers participated in Franklin County’s annual Cops and Kids Day—an event hosted by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office to bring together local law enforcement, community partners, and students for a day of learning and connection.
Hundreds of K–12 students from all over the county met officers, asked questions and explored how public safety and conservation go hand in hand. FWC Officers Morgan McLeod and Josh Stallings spent the day talking to students, handing out educational materials, and sharing insights about Florida’s fish and wildlife.
The event was a great opportunity to build trust, inspire curiosity, and spark conversations about conservation and law enforcement's important role in protecting our natural resources.
FWC recently hosted an educational field trip to Lynn Haven Conservation Park for 2nd grade students from Deer Point Elementary School. FWC Public Information Officer Chris Boley, Investigator Travis Basford, and Lieutenant Nicole Basford provided interactive presentations about boating safety, hunting, fishing, and wildlife conservation. The kids got an up-close look at an alligator while learning about alligator behavior and conservation efforts. It was a great day of learning, exploring, and sparking curiosity about the outdoors.
On March 18, 25 Gadsden County students from Robert F. Munroe Day School’s outdoor education class experienced an educational field trip at the FWC Training Academy. The students, ranging from 7th to 12th grade, had the opportunity to learn about careers in conservation law enforcement.
FWC Lieutenants Josh Caraker and Casey Anderson led the field trip, providing students with a tour of the FWC classroom, the defensive tactics building, and the outdoor pavilion. The students were introduced to the responsibilities of FWC law enforcement officers and how their duties differ from other sworn officers. The students also gained insights about wildlife identification, management, and conservation and learned about Florida’s imperiled species and the efforts taken to protect them.
Adding to the educational experience, Logan Lane from Tallahassee State College (TSC) spoke with students about scholarship opportunities for the Academy.
The field trip expanded the students’ understanding of the FWC and the Division of Law Enforcement and introduced them to careers in conservation law enforcement.
See other photos from this field trip.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving honored FWC Northwest Region Officers – Ted Mursch, Heath Oliver, and Ashley Pritchard – for their dedication to boating under the influence enforcement. The FWC officers were recognized at MADD's Law Enforcement Officer Award Ceremony & Candlelight Vigil in Fort Walton Beach. The event brought together officers from multiple agencies from Escambia County to Bay County, recognizing those who have gone above and beyond in keeping the waterways safe. The efforts of these FWC officers reflect the agency's mission to protect Florida residents and visitors and highlight the critical role officers play in preventing tragic, alcohol-related incidents on the water. Congratulations to these FWC officers for the well-deserved recognition!
Mothers Against Drunk Driving honored FWC Northwest Region officers for their dedication to boating under the influence enforcement. L to R: Lt. Jarrod Molnar, Officers Todd Mursch and Ashley Pritchard, Maj. Robby Creech (Not Pictured: Officer Heath Oliver)
Lt. David Jernigan joined multiple first responders at the Caryville Apostolic Church’s “Touch-A-Truck” event, where children from the surrounding area had the opportunity to explore various emergency and service vehicles. Attendees got up close with trucks, ambulances, squad cars, firetrucks, boats, and a large vehicle recovery truck. The Division of Forestry also showcased its forest firefighting equipment and McGruff the Crime Dog made a special appearance.
The event featured food and prizes for the kids. Participating agencies included the FWC, the Washington and Holmes County Sheriffs’ Offices (with their drone team, K-9 unit, and dive team), Washington and Holmes Fire, Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Services, the Division of Forestry, and Caryville Wrecker Service.
See other images from the FWC's participation in the Touch-A-Truck event.
Safe Boating Tips from Officer Boley
Florida is recognized as “The Boating Capital of the World” and leads the nation with over a million registered vessels across the state. FWC Officer Boley provides safe boating tips in the videos below.
- Boating Safety Gear
- Boating Safety Course
- 360 Degree Awareness
- Watch the Weather
- Engine Cut-Off Switch
- Designate a Sober Driver
- Divers Down Flags
- Personal Watercraft Safety
- Report Boating Violations
