Interested in becoming a game warden!
11-05-2002, 06:46 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: IL USA
Posts: 135
Interested in becoming a game warden!
I recently had someone poach on the land i hunt and it upset me quit a bit. Anyone here know what it takes to become a game warden? I thought this would a be an interesting job to do. Work around the sport i love to do. Anything would be helpful.
Forever Hunter
Forever Hunter
11-05-2002, 06:50 PM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 6,006
RE: Interested in becoming a game warden!
I too have thought of becoming a Game Warden...
What Does a Wildlife Enforcement Officer Do?
Contrary to popular belief, wildlife enforcement officers are not biologists, and while they occasionally perform educational duties, they do not work with animals in habitat management, research or similar biological roles. Instead, the basic work is law enforcement, and there are risks because possible violators are almost always armed, especially during hunting season. Officers can also expect to work many nights, and most weekends and holidays, often under adverse weather conditions. It can be hard on family life, and requires intelligence, courage, a positive mental attitude and physical strength and endurance.
There are many positive aspects, including special job benefits provided by North Carolina to all law enforcement officers who are state employees. In addition, much of the work takes place outdoors working alone or as part of a team, and officers have a certain amount of freedom in setting their schedules. There is prestige accorded wildlife enforcement officers, and officers take pride in knowing they are part of an efficient, well—respected outfit. Officers have an opportunity to meet many interesting people, as well as perform an educational role and set an example of proper outdoor ethics.
Most important, protecting our rich heritage of wildlife is necessary, satisfying and vital to the future of the state's natural resources. The work is almost always interesting and varies with the season. Typically, during warmer months, an officer may check boating safety equipment, licenses and creel limits, or trying to catch a violator operating an illegal net or fish trap. During colder months, officers perform similar duties related to hunting. Officers in some districts may cheek waterfowl hunters or look for illegally baited hunting areas, while those in other parts of the state may work as a team in conjunction with aircraft to catch firelighters illegally shooting deer at night with the aid of lights. Some officers work to uncover commercial exploitation of wildlife such as the capture and sale of striped bass or black bears. Patrol and stakeouts are a normal part of the job, as is a certain amount of administrative work. All uniforms, and equipment are provided, including the best possible weapons, radios, vehicles and special enforcement gear.
Career Advancement and Benefits
An officer may advance to a senior officer, master officer, area sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major and colonel. Some officers may also have an opportunity to train, as a wildlife enforcement pilot. The colonel is chief of the Division of Enforcement and reports to the executive director of the Wildlife Resources Commission. An appointed board of commissioners sets policy for the agency and its professional staff. Salaries are competitive with in other law enforcement officers in the state (current wage scale is available upon request). Officers receive all benefits — such as retirement, hospitalization, annual and sick leave, state employees credit union banking, etc. — that are available to state employees, and are also eligible for special law enforcement benefits such as injury leave and a supplement to regular retirement.
Selection Process and Basic Training
Competition is keen for the available positions. The Wildlife Commission receives in excess of 1,000 applications each year, from which 15 to 20 applicants are selected to attend the Wildlife Enforcement Officers Basic Training School. The number selected to attend the basic school depends upon vacant positions in the Enforcement Division. While those odds seem low, many applicants do not meet the initial basic requirements, change their minds or fail the preliminary round of tests. Thus, for a committed and qualified applicant, the odds are somewhat better. Applicants will be screened, and must then pass a physical agility test, followed by a public safety test and swimming assessment. If they pass successfully, a background check and interviews are scheduled. Following the successful completion of these steps, applicants are administered thorough physical, psychological and drug tests. Recruits who are then judged acceptable become employees of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and are selected to attend the Wildlife Enforcement Officers Basic Training School where they receive a minimum of 556 hours of instruction during a 16-week course. The school is a certified Basic Law Enforcement Training Course accredited under authority of the N. C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission of the N. C. Department of Justice. Recruits are furnished living quarters, food, uniforms, textbooks and all other materials and supplies needed for training. Graduates of the school are placed in training positions working under the supervision of a veteran wildlife enforcement training officer, and receive on-the-job training for a period of not less than six months before a permanent field assignment is made. As duty stations become vacant, permanent assignments are made in the best interest of the enforcement program and the agency. For many people, a career as a wildlife enforcement officer is very appealing, yet few applicants have a good understanding of the work involved. This information is designed to attract qualified wildlife enforcement officer applicants, help those potential employees better understand the vital work, and also set forth the steps one must follow in applying.
Who Would You Work For?
The N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission is the state agency officially charged with the management and protection of North Carolina's wildlife. The agency's Division of Enforcement is an equal opportunity employer of more than 200 wildlife enforcement officers who enforce state wildlife laws and regulations. Officers are stationed within one of the state's nine wildlife districts. These assignments may change, and officers must be willing to accept duty anywhere in the state.
Basic Requirements
Wildlife officers must be a citizen of the United States, be 21 years old or older, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and be good moral character.
How to Apply
Those interested in a career as a wildlife enforcement officer are encouraged to contact a local wildlife enforcement officer and ask questions about the work, application process and the Wildlife Enforcement Officers Basic Training School.
To receive more information, prospective applicants should write:
The Division of Wildlife Enforcement
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
512 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27604-1188
What Does a Wildlife Enforcement Officer Do?
Contrary to popular belief, wildlife enforcement officers are not biologists, and while they occasionally perform educational duties, they do not work with animals in habitat management, research or similar biological roles. Instead, the basic work is law enforcement, and there are risks because possible violators are almost always armed, especially during hunting season. Officers can also expect to work many nights, and most weekends and holidays, often under adverse weather conditions. It can be hard on family life, and requires intelligence, courage, a positive mental attitude and physical strength and endurance.
There are many positive aspects, including special job benefits provided by North Carolina to all law enforcement officers who are state employees. In addition, much of the work takes place outdoors working alone or as part of a team, and officers have a certain amount of freedom in setting their schedules. There is prestige accorded wildlife enforcement officers, and officers take pride in knowing they are part of an efficient, well—respected outfit. Officers have an opportunity to meet many interesting people, as well as perform an educational role and set an example of proper outdoor ethics.
Most important, protecting our rich heritage of wildlife is necessary, satisfying and vital to the future of the state's natural resources. The work is almost always interesting and varies with the season. Typically, during warmer months, an officer may check boating safety equipment, licenses and creel limits, or trying to catch a violator operating an illegal net or fish trap. During colder months, officers perform similar duties related to hunting. Officers in some districts may cheek waterfowl hunters or look for illegally baited hunting areas, while those in other parts of the state may work as a team in conjunction with aircraft to catch firelighters illegally shooting deer at night with the aid of lights. Some officers work to uncover commercial exploitation of wildlife such as the capture and sale of striped bass or black bears. Patrol and stakeouts are a normal part of the job, as is a certain amount of administrative work. All uniforms, and equipment are provided, including the best possible weapons, radios, vehicles and special enforcement gear.
Career Advancement and Benefits
An officer may advance to a senior officer, master officer, area sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major and colonel. Some officers may also have an opportunity to train, as a wildlife enforcement pilot. The colonel is chief of the Division of Enforcement and reports to the executive director of the Wildlife Resources Commission. An appointed board of commissioners sets policy for the agency and its professional staff. Salaries are competitive with in other law enforcement officers in the state (current wage scale is available upon request). Officers receive all benefits — such as retirement, hospitalization, annual and sick leave, state employees credit union banking, etc. — that are available to state employees, and are also eligible for special law enforcement benefits such as injury leave and a supplement to regular retirement.
Selection Process and Basic Training
Competition is keen for the available positions. The Wildlife Commission receives in excess of 1,000 applications each year, from which 15 to 20 applicants are selected to attend the Wildlife Enforcement Officers Basic Training School. The number selected to attend the basic school depends upon vacant positions in the Enforcement Division. While those odds seem low, many applicants do not meet the initial basic requirements, change their minds or fail the preliminary round of tests. Thus, for a committed and qualified applicant, the odds are somewhat better. Applicants will be screened, and must then pass a physical agility test, followed by a public safety test and swimming assessment. If they pass successfully, a background check and interviews are scheduled. Following the successful completion of these steps, applicants are administered thorough physical, psychological and drug tests. Recruits who are then judged acceptable become employees of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and are selected to attend the Wildlife Enforcement Officers Basic Training School where they receive a minimum of 556 hours of instruction during a 16-week course. The school is a certified Basic Law Enforcement Training Course accredited under authority of the N. C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission of the N. C. Department of Justice. Recruits are furnished living quarters, food, uniforms, textbooks and all other materials and supplies needed for training. Graduates of the school are placed in training positions working under the supervision of a veteran wildlife enforcement training officer, and receive on-the-job training for a period of not less than six months before a permanent field assignment is made. As duty stations become vacant, permanent assignments are made in the best interest of the enforcement program and the agency. For many people, a career as a wildlife enforcement officer is very appealing, yet few applicants have a good understanding of the work involved. This information is designed to attract qualified wildlife enforcement officer applicants, help those potential employees better understand the vital work, and also set forth the steps one must follow in applying.
Who Would You Work For?
The N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission is the state agency officially charged with the management and protection of North Carolina's wildlife. The agency's Division of Enforcement is an equal opportunity employer of more than 200 wildlife enforcement officers who enforce state wildlife laws and regulations. Officers are stationed within one of the state's nine wildlife districts. These assignments may change, and officers must be willing to accept duty anywhere in the state.
Basic Requirements
Wildlife officers must be a citizen of the United States, be 21 years old or older, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and be good moral character.
How to Apply
Those interested in a career as a wildlife enforcement officer are encouraged to contact a local wildlife enforcement officer and ask questions about the work, application process and the Wildlife Enforcement Officers Basic Training School.
To receive more information, prospective applicants should write:
The Division of Wildlife Enforcement
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
512 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27604-1188
11-05-2002, 06:51 PM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: fairfield pa USA
Posts: 109
RE: Interested in becoming a game warden!
You have to take some college classes and then apply in your state usualy when they have an opening all the people who apply take another test then they pick the ones with the best scores. however it may be differnt in your state. Keep me posted on what happens with your story I hope you took my advise I gave you the other day.
11-05-2002, 07:00 PM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 3,903
RE: Interested in becoming a game warden!
Around here they offer conservation warden degrees at our technical college also.
Keep in mind that if you have a passion for hunting and fishing , a game warden may not be the best career move. I also wanted to be a game warden when I was your age , but after talking to several wardens during career choice studies in high school , I quickly changed my mind. They all told me that I would have to sacrifice the majority of my hunting and fishing time. I still hear the same thing when I talk to wardens today. The last one I talked to said he got the chance to go bowhunting four times last year and they never get off for gun hunting<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>
"Nocked,cocked & ready to rock"
Keep in mind that if you have a passion for hunting and fishing , a game warden may not be the best career move. I also wanted to be a game warden when I was your age , but after talking to several wardens during career choice studies in high school , I quickly changed my mind. They all told me that I would have to sacrifice the majority of my hunting and fishing time. I still hear the same thing when I talk to wardens today. The last one I talked to said he got the chance to go bowhunting four times last year and they never get off for gun hunting<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>
"Nocked,cocked & ready to rock"
