Wardens may have to work in hostile or dangerous situations. Successful game wardens are usually heavily invested in hunting and fishing, and want to ensure that the lands and animals they love are protected from misuse. Wardens will be consistently interacting with fishers and hunters, so they should be familiar with those cultures.
Game wardens seize fish, game, and equipment that is associated with the violation of any laws. Game wardens also educate the public, oversee public safety, and provide assistance to other law enforcement agencies. In some states, game wardens can make arrests and share many of the same powers as police officers. Game wardens wear uniforms and carry a firearm. Game wardens go by a variety of title, including Conservation Officer, Wildlife Officer, and Wildlife Manager. Duties will vary depending on where you are stationed. Rural officers will often be ensuring that hunting and fishing happens legally, while urban officers deal with air quality issues and the illegal transportation of wildlife. The duties of a game warden a varied, and wardens often find themselves performing completely different duties from day to day. [2] X Research source
Applicants with a felony record will not be considered. Applicants must be in good shape and be able to pass physical tests. This includes good eyesight and hearing. Most states prefer applicants to have a four-year degree in a related field before applying. A two-year degree plus experience may qualify as a substitute. Check with your state. Good degrees include Biology, Wildlife Management, or Criminal Justice. A few states, such as Oregon and Alaska, require game wardens to become sworn state troopers, and applicants will need to go through the same training as every other state police officer.
Airboat operator Canine handler Whitewater specialist Field training officer Dive team Firearms instructor Pilot
Some states only offer specific tests once every few years, so double check the dates on everything that you need to do.
If you have your degree and are waiting to apply, find jobs that deal directly with wildlife conservation, or start the path towards law enforcement. A history in law enforcement greatly increases your chances of being hired as a game warden.
Typical physical tests include timed pushups, sit-ups, and mile runs. Some states require swimming tests as well.
Wildlife management, including general knowledge or the region’s species, data collection, and identification. Fish identification, terminology, distribution, etc. Court procedure, constitutional law, legal terminology, knowledge of regional laws and regulations. Map reading. Boating knowledge. Other general hunting and fishing knowledge. Firearms knowledge. [4] X Research source
The academy programs will cover both law enforcement training and fish and wildlife training. Law enforcement training includes driving an emergency vehicle, firearm training, making arrests, and other law enforcement duties. Fish and wildlife training will include identification of species, as well as knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and forms.
Assignments vary from state to state, and some will give you more flexibility as to where you are assigned than others.
