Fish & Game Warden

Working as a fish and game warden provides people interested in law enforcement a challenging and diverse career with numerous opportunities for career growth. Fish and game wardens typically have jurisdiction within the state where they work. Enforcing fish and game laws is their main responsibility, but they are authorized to enforce state and federal laws. Wardens are given assignments in populated and rural areas within their state. Most fish and game wardens are assigned to work in specific regions.

Fish and game wardens are typically classified as peace officers within their defined state jurisdictions. They patrol wilderness regions on land and water to enforce fish and game laws, including boating, fishing, and poaching laws. When poaching laws are violated, fish and game wardens are responsible for retrieving the carcass and weapon used to commit the crime. They must also respond to wild animal attacks, especially when animals are threating human populations, teach the public about fish and game laws and wildlife stewardship, and respond to emergencies. Fish and game wardens are required to carry firearms and wear uniforms.

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The following are just some of the duties and specialized responsibilities assigned to fish and game wardens on a short and long term basis:

Hunter Education
Academy Staff
Field Training Officer
Patrol Boat Boarding Officer
Warden Pilot
Commercial Fishing
Streambed Alterations
Undercover Operations
Delta Bay Enhanced Enforcement Team
Oil and Toxic Chemical Response and Prevention
Weaponless Defense Teacher
Firearms Instructor
Tactical Baton Teacher
Drug Sniffing Dog Handler

Fish and game wardens encounter unique and multiple challenges enforcing habitat, fish, and wildlife laws. Difficulties arise from:

Covering vast geographic regions
Growing human populations in wilderness areas
Wildlife and habitat diversity (differs by state)
In coastal regions, wardens must patrol multiple lakes and coastlines
Hundreds of different wildlife and fish species
Hundreds of varying plant species
Endangered and threatened animals
Issuing millions of fishing and hunting permits annually

Fish and game warden employment qualifications differ by state. In most states, candidates are required to be 21 or older, but some states permit 18 year old candidates to apply. Additionally, most states require fish and game wardens to hold bachelor's degrees, possess a valid driver's license, have proof of American citizenship, be physically fit, and be free of felony and other serious criminal convictions. Those holding associate's degrees and relevant work experience can get hired as fish and game wardens. Since competition for these jobs is intense, applicants with bachelor's degree will have the best shot of being hired.