Game Warden

In the United States, game wardens are state or local officials responsible for enforcing laws pertaining to the hunting, fishing, and trapping of wild animals. However game wardens in some areas have general law enforcement authority which means they can effect arrests for most crimes including traffic, and other general violations of the law. Game wardens may also be referred to as conservation officers or wildlife officers.

Game Wardens, or Conservation Officers, have duties that range in the law enforcement spectrum, such as ensuring that licensing requirements are met by hunters, fishermen, and trappers. Detailed investigations are common to solve wildlife crimes. Officers in some areas may be responsible for conducting investigations of hunting related homicides and boating accidents. Officers also make arrests of individuals driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Officers use DNA, ballistic, fingerprint, and any other comparative evidence to prosecute criminals that illegally kill wildlife or commit other crimes. Officers also can assist with Wildlife Management duties such as helicopter and fixed-wing airplane surveys to count elk, deer, antelope and other game animals. Officers assist landowners in finding solutions to wildlife damage. Officers teach hunter education classes and do other programs to teach children and the public, the importance of wildlife management and habitat conservation.

Many states require a college degree and also require Officers to attend a State certified Police academy however some states have lowered the entry requirements for officers. Connecticut for example recently did away with their college requirement in hopes of opening the career field to a broader range of applicants.

In many jurisdictions conservation officers or game wardens have very broad authority and in some instances they can perform a search without a warrant in instances where regular law enforcement officers would need to obtain a warrant first. Conservation Officers can also and routinely do confiscate fishing poles, fishing equipment, and hunting rifles, and other hunting equipment used in the commission of fish and game crimes. In some cases freezers, vehicles and houses have also been seized where individuals have stored meat from the illegal killing of fish and game.