Gov. Stitt appoints Jess Kane to Wildlife Conservation Commission

GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS JESS KANE TO OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan 4. 2020) - Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Jess Kane to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. Kane will fill the District 1 seat currently held by Robert S. Hughes II, whose appointment expires on July 1, 2021. If confirmed by the Senate, Kane will serve an eight-year term beginning July 2, 2021. 

"Jess Kane is an experienced attorney and rancher from rural Oklahoma who understands the importance of our land and wildlife," said Gov. Stitt. "I look forward to him bringing his strong agriculture perspective to the Commission to help foster wildlife conservation effortsacross our state." 

"The joy of observing and hunting game is one of the greatest dividends of successful farm and ranch management," said Kane. "In an industry not known for prodigious profits, this return is of high value to farmers and ranchers. I hope to add this perspective to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conversation Commission and will be honored to help preserve Oklahoma’s long heritage of wildlife conservation." 

Jess Kane has practiced law with the firm Robinett, King, Elias, Buhlinger, Brown & Kane with offices in Bartlesville and Pawhuska since 2009 and was named a partner in that firm in 2015. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of the South (Sewanee, TN), a Certificate of Ranch Management from the Texas Christian University Ranch Management Program, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma, College of Law.

A 5th generation rancher, having grown up on his family’s diversified cow/calf, stocker and grain farming operation headquartered in Bartlesville, Kane is a partner with his brother, Richard, in Clover Leaf Cattle Co., LLC, a stocker enterprise with operations on owned and leased land in Washington and Rogers Counties in Oklahoma and Kiowa County, Kansas. Additionally, Jess and his wife Ashley are partners in a cow herd based in Tillman County, Oklahoma.

Kane is active with the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Oklahoma Beef Council and the Federation of State Beef Councils. 

Endorsements in support of Kane: 

"It is my great pleasure to present Mr. Kane’s nomination to the senate for confirmation. The combination of rancher and lawyer with deep roots in NE Oklahoma will make Mr. Kane an ideal Commissioner for District 1." - Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville 

"I am pleased with Governor Stitt’s appointment of Mr. Kane to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife. He is an excellent selection for the position of District 1 Commissioner." - Rep. Wendi Stearman, R-Bartlesville 

“On behalf of Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association members, we are pleased and appreciative of Governor Kevin Stitt’s nomination of Jess Kane as a Commissioner for District 1 for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Jess is a landowner, cattle rancher and most importantly a wildlife enthusiast. He understands the appropriate and important role that landowners and the public play together in the conservation and improvement of Oklahoma wildlife.  Jess will bring an excellent and dedicated perspective to the ODWC for his term of service.” - Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President of Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association

“We appreciate the appointment of Jess Kane to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation board by Gov. Stitt. As a fifth-generation rancher, Jess will bring a generations-long agriculture perspective to the board, which we know will serve Oklahoma well. His time spent close to the land coupled with his legal background will provide insight as our state works to manage all of our natural resources, including our wildlife. We look forward to working with him and the entire ODWC board on wildlife conservation and related issues.” - Rodd Moesel, President of Oklahoma Farm Bureau

"Jess Kane is an excellent pick for the Wildlife Commission. He brings a true understanding of rural Oklahoma and the importance of wildlife to our state."- Tyler Norvell, Oklahoma Poultry Federation

"On behalf of Oklahoma’s pig farmers, I’m pleased to support Governor Kevin Stitt’s appointment of Jess Kane to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. Jess has been a friend to production agriculture for many years and we know he will bring valuable insight to the Commission."- Nikki Snider, Interim Executive Director of Oklahoma Pork Council. 

“Oklahoma has a long history of supporting wildlife conservation while maintaining the rights of our state’s landowners. I’m glad to see Jess Kane, a fellow rancher, has been selected to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission to continue the legacy of striking a balance and conserving one of our state’s most precious resources.”- Scott Blubaugh, President of American Farmers and Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union Cooperative

"I am excited about the appointment of Jess Kane as a Commissioner of Wildlife. Mr. Kane’s impeccable reputation as an attorney in Northeastern Oklahoma, his service as a public attorney for several communities and his experience in ranch management make him an excellent choice for this important position. I look forward to successfully assisting him through the Senate Confirmation Process this Legislative Session."- Kenneth E. Wagner, Oklahoma Secretary of Energy & Environment

Blogger's note: I believe that Jess Kane is a relation of Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Matthew John Kane IV, perhaps a son?