Ben Johnson, Assistant Regional Director
Ben is a lifelong hunter-angler who grew up in Illinois hunting small game and fishing. “I am a fly-fisherman and got into big game hunting relatively recently,” he explained. “Mentored by my dad, I learned from a young age the importance and value of wildlife/natural resource conservation. I still enjoy hunting for small game but my main focus these days is on archery elk and mule deer hunting.”
“Public lands, waters, and the wildlife that live on/in them have played a huge role in my life. From growing up playing and fishing in the creeks of Illinois to exploring them looking for big game in the west, I have a profound appreciation for the access that we have to public land,” Ben added. “That’s why access and management of public lands is so important today.” Ben said his career in the water industry has given him insight to how subtle and sensitive these ecosystems can be, and it is his goal to continue leading and learning how to be a steward in conservation of these resources.
“I am hard working, a great communicator, and enjoy connecting with people on hunting and fishing,” Ben emphasized. “In addition to that I have extensive knowledge on how to read interpret environmental regulations. I feel that I would be great at public outreach and education on important issues to hunters and anglers.”