Game warden's job too often misunderstood
"It's more a lifestyle than a job."
That's how a Panhandle game warden with almost three decades of experience described his profession a couple of years back, the words coming out in a drawl fitting of a cowhand on some long-forgotten, dusty cattle drive.
He first spoke casually of working undercover and living with a felon for two years, all the while building cases against a shady group that ran guns and drugs and generally did whatever they could to break game laws. He then rattled off his experiences of helping stamp out illegal international fishing operations while working with Homeland Security, Border Patrol and other authorities in South Texas. He closed with solemn words about rescuing stranded people and recovering bodies in the Louisiana bayou after Hurricane Katrina roared ashore.
That salty fellow might not have said it, but it was easy to glean one thing from his exploits: You'd better cowboy up if you're entering this rodeo.
Though they are responsible for upholding wildlife laws and protecting natural resources, game wardens often are misunderstood figures. Wardens are certified law enforcement officers first and foremost. Though they are trained to deal with wildlife resources, their first duty is as a peace officer. Wardens receive a wealth of training involving all aspects of law enforcement and wildlife regulations before they earn their badge. These aspects are vital when dealing with the most quirky animal they will come in contact with -- the human being.
Col. Peter Flores, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement division director, said much like other forms of service, game wardens are seeking to make a difference in the places they call home.
"What it takes to be a good warden is basically dedication and service to the community," he said. "Most of these guys put on the blue badge for their community.
"Texas game wardens pretty much are the first people to approach any type of situation off the pavement. They patrol rural areas, river bottoms, bayous, every other type of terrain in the state and out to 9 nautical miles into the Gulf. They are a vital component for responses to natural emergencies like hurricanes or wildfires."
Royce Wells, a retired game warden who had 37 years on the job and now is a game warden recruiter, said applications will be accepted for game warden cadets through April 30.
"We feel like we'll probably get more applications because more people out there are looking for work, and we're always hopeful to get a good applicant pool to work with," he said. "We had over 500 applicants last year for 55 spots, so it's not going to be for everyone. Our requirements are a little higher than for other law enforcement positions. You've got to have a college degree first off, and then it goes on from there."
Wells said most looking to become a warden know what they're getting into.
"We get some people who are just looking for work as you might expect, but the majority of our applicants are absolutely pursuing a career as a game warden," he said. "They have an interest in being in law enforcement and on top of that the protection and conservation of natural resources."
Wells said there are a number of cuts before the selections are made for the game warden training center.
"The application process is first and then there are the regional interviews for those who pass the application stage," he said. "There's also physical training and testing, and then background checks. Then the final selections are made to send folks on to Hamilton and the academy."
Wells said game warden ranks are not increasing, and the department is simply trying to replace wardens who are retiring.
"It's kind of a long-term cycle," he said. "We don't lose many wardens to other jobs. They love what they do and end up staying until retirement. We have 53 cadets in the class going right now in Hamilton, and a lot of vacant spots will get filled in with those from the academy. However, we'll still be as thin as we have been probably because August is a major retirement month for state employees."
Despite coming into contact with people who have firearms, Wells said wardens enjoy talking to hunters and anglers, especially those passing on an outdoor pursuit to youngsters.
"It's a very positive law enforcement job because we do a lot of interaction with the public, and the majority of those people are doing things right," he said.
For more information on the game warden application process, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/jobs/postings/game_warden_cadet.
Will Leschper's e-mail address is wleschper@yahoo.com.
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