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- What Does a Fish And Game Warden Do?
- Steps to Becoming a Fish and Game Warden
- Step 1 – Finish Your High School Education
- Step 2 – Consider Getting Advanced Training
- Step 3 – Review The Qualifications and Requirements for the States Where You Want to Work
- Step 4 – Become Comfortable With Firearms
- Step 5 – Become Comfortable With Hunting and Fishing
- Step 6 – Apply for Jobs
- Step 7 – Take and Pass Your Physical Fitness Exam
- Game Warden Requirements by State
- Work Environment For a Fish and Game Warden
- Jobs For a Fish and Game Warden
- Key Skills Required for a Fish and Game Warden
- How to Choose a School to Become a Fish and Game Warden
- Specialties as a Fish and Game Warden
- Job Growth and Career Opportunities
- Salary
- U.S. Average Salary: $61,120
- Salary Information by State
- Why Become a Fish and Game Warden?
States rely on trained and deputized fish and game wardens to protect natural resources within their states.
It’s work for people who think the outdoors is serious fun.
A fish and game warden is a highly trained professional.
Their training prepares them for the important and difficult work of making rules and regulations that protect natural resources and enforcing those rules effectively.
A fish and game warden is a representative of the state who protects natural resources on behalf of the public.
Many of them spend a significant amount of time outdoors.
They also become experts in hunting and fishing, and the regulations necessary to make these activities safe and protect the fish and wildlife population in the process.
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What Does a Fish And Game Warden Do?
A fish and game warden is a member of a team that works to create and enforce rules.
These rules are calculated to protect the population of wild animals.
The rules make hunting and fishing fair for everyone.
They usually create a licensing program for individuals who want to hunt and fish, including restrictions on the number of animals that a hunter can take in a day or season.
The work of a warden might focus on creating the rules.
In that case, they must know a great deal about the science behind why certain rules are necessary and others are not.
They must also know how to make rules that are going to be effective.
Other wardens focus on enforcing the rules.
They might spend significant time in the field monitoring activity and looking for violations.
They become experts in knowing the rules and knowing how to enforce them effectively.
Steps to Becoming a Fish and Game Warden
- Step 1 – Finish your high school education
- Step 2 – Consider getting advanced training
- Step 3 – Review the qualifications and requirements for the state where you want to work
- Step 4 – Become comfortable with firearms
- Step 5 – Become comfortable with hunting and fishing
- Step 6 – Apply for jobs
- Step 7 – Pass a physical fitness exam
Step 1 – Finish Your High School Education
Each state sets its requirements for becoming a fish and game warden.
However, in all cases, you must finish high school.
Fish and game wardens need basic reading and writing skills.
They have to be able to read and understand rules.
They have to draft incident reports.
You’ll also need to use basic math in your daily work.
When you’re a fish and game warden, you’ll use the communication skills that you learn in high school to interact with the public effectively.
That’s why all states require a high school education at a minimum in order to become a fish and game warden.
Step 2 – Consider Getting Advanced Training
Even though you might be able to apply for a position as a fish and game warden with just a high school education, the most competitive applicants will have advanced training.
Employers are looking for advanced education in the fields that are most applicable to the work you do on a daily basis.
Biology majors and natural resources and conservation majors may have a leg up in the application process.
Law enforcement training is another possible education choice.
Other, related courses can be helpful for training to become a fish and game warden.
A writing class and a public speaking class will help you hone your communication skills.
Math skills are important too.
Think about the skills you’ll need each day to do the work and plan your higher education accordingly.
Step 3 – Review The Qualifications and Requirements for the States Where You Want to Work
Every state creates its own rules to become a fish and game warden.
They might have minimum education requirements beyond a high school education.
Your criminal history might be relevant to meeting minimum requirements.
Most states also have a minimum age requirement.
You should review the requirements for the state where you plan to work.
If you’re not sure where you want to work, review the requirements for several states before you begin taking steps toward your career.
You may have to attend formal training that’s specific to your employer.
Step 4 – Become Comfortable With Firearms
A lot of what fish and game wardens do relates to knowing and enforcing hunting rules.
This includes when you may have a gun, when it can be loaded, and where you can use a gun for hunting.
If you’re going to succeed in your career as a fish and game warden, you must be comfortable with firearms.
You should be comfortable using the guns most commonly used for hunting.
You must know them and know how to identify them.
It’s common for wardens to have used firearms since a young age and be very comfortable with them by the time they’re ready to work as professionals.
Step 5 – Become Comfortable With Hunting and Fishing
Many fish and game wardens grew up enjoying hunting and fishing.
To enforce the rules well, you should be comfortable hunting and fishing yourself.
Most fish and game wardens are hunting and fishing enthusiasts.
A career as a fish and game warden is a natural extension for serious hunting and fishing enthusiasts.
Enjoying these activities yourself is a great way to understand how things look from the perspective of the members of the public who must follow the rules.
Step 6 – Apply for Jobs
When you’ve met the minimum qualifications, it’s time to apply for your job.
Because you’re likely to work for the state in a position of public trust, your application likely requires you to submit significant documentation.
You may have to submit official school transcripts, your criminal history, or even fingerprints.
Expect the hiring process to take a significant amount of time as the state works to verify your information.
Step 7 – Take and Pass Your Physical Fitness Exam
The job of a fish and game warden is physical.
You have to be fit to do the job.
A fish and game warden needs the same levels of fitness that a law enforcement officer or corrections officer needs.
In most cases, you’ll need to prove your physical fitness by taking a fitness test.
You might need to run, do crunches, climb stairs, and prove that you can move heavy objects.
Game Warden Requirements by State
Here is a table listing the general requirements to become a game warden in each U.S. state:
| State | Education Requirements | Experience | Training | Certification/Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Bachelor's degree in natural sciences preferred | None required | State training academy | Valid driver's license, background check |
| Alaska | Bachelor's degree in natural sciences preferred | Law enforcement experience preferred | State trooper training | Firearms certification, background check |
| Arizona | Bachelor's in biology, wildlife science or related | None required | AZ Game & Fish Department training | U.S. citizenship, background check |
| Arkansas | Bachelor's degree in natural sciences | None required | 20-week training program | Pass civil service exam, physical fitness test |
| California | 2 years college (prefer bachelor's in science) | Law enforcement or military preferred | Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) | Pass background, psych, and physical exams |
| Colorado | Bachelor's in biology, wildlife management or similar | Preferred experience in wildlife fields | Colorado Parks and Wildlife training | POST certification, background check |
| Connecticut | Bachelor's in natural sciences or criminal justice | Preferred experience | Training academy | Valid CT driver's license, physical fitness |
| Delaware | Bachelor's in natural sciences or related | Not required but preferred | State law enforcement training | Background check, drug screening |
| Florida | Bachelor's in biology, wildlife management, etc. | None required | FWC Law Enforcement Training | Vision and fitness test, background check |
| Georgia | Bachelor's in related field or associate + experience | None required | Game Warden Academy | POST certification, physical fitness test |
| Hawaii | Bachelor's in natural sciences or criminal justice | Preferred experience | DLNR Division of Conservation & Resources Enforcement training | Valid driver’s license, background check |
| Idaho | Bachelor's in wildlife biology, criminal justice | Experience preferred | POST academy | Physical fitness test, background check |
| Illinois | Bachelor's in natural sciences or related | None required | Conservation Police Academy | U.S. citizenship, driver’s license |
| Indiana | Bachelor's in related field | None required | 33-week recruit school | Written, physical, and psych testing |
| Iowa | Bachelor's in natural resources, criminal justice | Preferred experience | DNR law enforcement training | Background and medical exam |
| Kansas | Bachelor's in wildlife biology or criminal justice | None required | Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center | U.S. citizenship, background check |
| Kentucky | Bachelor's in related science or criminal justice | None required | Department of Fish and Wildlife academy | Background check, physical fitness test |
| Louisiana | Bachelor's in natural science, criminal justice | Preferred experience | POST training | Driver’s license, background check |
| Maine | Associate degree minimum, bachelor’s preferred | Experience preferred | Law Enforcement Pre-Service Training | Background, polygraph, psych evaluation |
| Maryland | Bachelor's degree in relevant field | Preferred experience | Natural Resources Police Academy | Background check, physical test |
| Massachusetts | Bachelor's degree in related field | Preferred experience | State Police Academy | Valid driver’s license, background check |
| Michigan | Bachelor's in science or criminal justice | None required | Conservation Officer Academy | Background check, drug test |
| Minnesota | Bachelor's in biology or criminal justice | Preferred field experience | Conservation Officer Academy | Driver’s license, psych and medical test |
| Mississippi | Bachelor’s in natural sciences or criminal justice | Preferred experience | Wildlife and Fisheries training | Background check, physical test |
| Missouri | Bachelor's in natural sciences or law enforcement | None required | Conservation Agent Training Academy | Driver’s license, psych test |
| Montana | Bachelor's in wildlife biology or criminal justice | Preferred experience | Law enforcement training | Background check, physical fitness test |
| Nebraska | Bachelor's in related field | Preferred experience | Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center | Background and psych test |
| Nevada | Bachelor's in wildlife biology, ecology or CJ | None required | POST and Game Warden training | Driver’s license, background check |
| New Hampshire | Associate degree required, bachelor's preferred | Preferred experience | Police Standards and Training Council academy | Polygraph, background check |
| New Jersey | Bachelor's degree in sciences or CJ | Preferred experience | State police training | Driver’s license, psych and background test |
| New Mexico | Bachelor's in wildlife science, CJ or similar | None required | Game Warden Basic Training | Background check, fitness test |
| New York | Bachelor's degree in environmental science or CJ | None required | DEC Environmental Conservation Police Training | Background, physical fitness |
| North Carolina | Bachelor's degree in related field | Experience preferred | Wildlife Law Enforcement Basic School | Background, drug test |
| North Dakota | Bachelor's in wildlife biology, CJ or similar | Preferred experience | POST academy | Medical exam, physical test |
| Ohio | Bachelor's in biology, CJ or natural sciences | None required | Wildlife Officer Training Academy | Background, fitness test |
| Oklahoma | Bachelor's in science or CJ | Experience preferred | CLEET and specialized training | Physical fitness, psych test |
| Oregon | Bachelor's in related field | None required | Oregon DPSST training | Background check, physical fitness |
| Pennsylvania | Bachelor's degree in natural sciences | None required | Game Commission training | Background, physical test |
| Rhode Island | Bachelor's degree in biology or CJ | Preferred experience | Police academy | Driver’s license, background test |
| South Carolina | Bachelor's in wildlife science or CJ | Preferred experience | DNR Law Enforcement Division training | Background and drug screening |
| South Dakota | Bachelor's degree in related field | None required | Law enforcement training academy | Background check, physical fitness |
| Tennessee | Bachelor's in related field | None required | TWC Law Enforcement training | Psych and physical fitness test |
| Texas | Bachelor's in natural science or CJ | None required | Game Warden Training Academy | Background check, physical fitness |
| Utah | Bachelor's degree in wildlife sciences or CJ | Preferred experience | POST training | Driver’s license, background test |
| Vermont | Associate required, bachelor’s preferred | Preferred experience | Police training academy | Background, polygraph test |
| Virginia | Bachelor's degree in biology or CJ | None required | Conservation Police Officer training | Background and medical exam |
| Washington | Bachelor's in wildlife biology or CJ | Preferred experience | Basic Law Enforcement Academy | Background, physical fitness |
| West Virginia | Bachelor's in related field | None required | Natural Resources Police training | Background and psych test |
| Wisconsin | Bachelor's in natural resources or CJ | Experience preferred | Conservation Warden Academy | Background check, psych evaluation |
| Wyoming | Bachelor's in wildlife biology, CJ or related | Preferred experience | Peace Officer Standards training | Physical fitness and background check |
Note: Requirements by state may change. Always verify with the state’s official wildlife or natural resources department for the most current information.
Work Environment For a Fish and Game Warden
Fish and game wardens spend a great deal of time outside.
Most wardens are boots on the ground and outdoor enforcement officers.
They travel around to public property where people hunt and fish.
They observe the public to find violations, and they also respond to complaints about activities.
As a warden, you can expect to spend a significant amount of time interacting with the public.
You conduct investigations for violations of rules and laws just like other members of law enforcement.
Some of your investigations might involve a minor incident.
Other complaints might consist of long investigations into organized criminal enterprises.
Fish and game wardens often find themselves a part of the war on drugs when they find individuals using or even growing illegal drugs.
While most wardens spend their time in the field, there are management positions that focus on assigning personnel to their posts and providing oversight and leadership.
Leaders play a role in creating the rules and official policy throughout the department.
While leaders don’t spend as much time in the field, they perform important work ensuring that their department conducts fair and uniform enforcement throughout the state.
Jobs For a Fish and Game Warden
A fish and game warden usually works for a state government.
They’re typically part of their state’s Department of Natural Resources.
Some wardens work for the federal government as part of the National Parks.
While there are a few conservation jobs in the private sector, a fish and game warden is almost always a government employee.
Key Skills Required for a Fish and Game Warden
According to O*Net OnLine, a fish and game warden needs the following skills:
- Computer skills, including typing, word processing, and spreadsheets
- Law and government – You must know the rules for fish and game in your location
- Law enforcement – You must know how to protect your safety and enforce laws effectively
- Customer service – A fish and game warden interacts with the public, and they must do so in an appropriate manner
- Speech clarity and communication – Whether you’re talking with a supervisor or a member of the public, you need to be able to communicate your message
- Patrol – You must observe for violations and compliance
- Good judgment – You have to make tough decisions and exercise discretion appropriately
How to Choose a School to Become a Fish and Game Warden
You should choose a school that has a program of study that’s helpful to become a fish and game warden.
You might also consider going to school in the state where you want to work.
You should make sure your college or university has the major you want and that it’s appropriately accredited to be recognized when you apply for jobs.
A Wildlife Forestry and Conservation career diploma is usually a good start.
Specialties as a Fish and Game Warden
All fish and game wardens must know the state’s hunting and fishing rules in great detail.
You never know what you might encounter on any given day at work, and you need to be prepared for every possibility.
You might specialize in creating rules, policies, and personnel management, but that likely comes after several years of enforcing laws in the field.
Job Growth and Career Opportunities
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are about 6,290 fish and game wardens employed.
Florida employs the most fish and game wardens.
They have about 700 officers.
Most states employ between several dozen and several hundred wardens.
If a state doesn’t formally have fish and game wardens, it might employ law enforcement officers in a similar capacity.
Even though the number of fish and game wardens is small throughout the United States, and even though applications are competitive, it’s still an attainable and enjoyable career for individuals who meet the minimum qualifications.
Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states the average salary for a fish and game warden is $60,380.
Salaries range from $34,100 to $86,880.
Your salary likely depends on your years of experience and your leadership within the hierarchy of your department.
In addition to this salary, many fish and game wardens enjoy generous benefit packages.
You might receive health insurance, paid vacations, and even a generous retirement pension benefit.
U.S. Average Salary: $61,120
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 150 | $60,740 | $29.20 | $77,000 | $39,640 |
| Arizona | 260 | $48,260 | $23.20 | $63,520 | $36,410 |
| Arkansas | 180 | $61,370 | $29.50 | $79,230 | $46,610 |
| California | 280 | $89,020 | $42.80 | $100,960 | $69,530 |
| Connecticut | 70 | $61,860 | $29.74 | $73,220 | $48,630 |
| Delaware | 60 | $58,010 | $27.89 | $77,070 | $43,080 |
| Florida | 700 | $31,010 | $14.91 | $34,260 | $27,040 |
| Georgia | 200 | $65,760 | $31.61 | $81,930 | $48,300 |
| Hawaii | 100 | $73,070 | $35.13 | $95,600 | $55,390 |
| Idaho | 100 | $63,380 | $30.47 | $77,290 | $45,430 |
| Indiana | 170 | $68,950 | $33.15 | $83,490 | $53,680 |
| Kansas | 90 | $52,270 | $25.13 | $60,440 | $45,030 |
| Kentucky | 80 | $42,880 | $20.61 | $45,390 | $39,210 |
| Louisiana | 150 | $51,000 | $24.52 | $66,390 | $37,410 |
| Maine | 150 | $64,640 | $31.08 | $73,900 | $54,040 |
| Minnesota | 140 | $88,280 | $42.44 | $94,470 | $73,090 |
| Missouri | 200 | $53,360 | $25.65 | $64,720 | $43,190 |
| Montana | 80 | $64,110 | $30.82 | $77,110 | $58,650 |
| Nebraska | 60 | $60,050 | $28.87 | $76,130 | $49,920 |
| New Jersey | 70 | $73,890 | $35.53 | $102,210 | $41,500 |
| New Mexico | 70 | $55,480 | $26.67 | $69,260 | $34,240 |
| New York | 390 | $76,060 | $36.57 | $90,560 | $59,280 |
| North Carolina | 180 | $57,090 | $27.45 | $64,420 | $49,980 |
| North Dakota | 30 | $75,720 | $36.40 | $91,230 | $60,890 |
| Ohio | 140 | $74,140 | $35.64 | $90,500 | $53,710 |
| Oklahoma | 120 | $55,910 | $26.88 | $59,310 | $36,980 |
| Pennsylvania | 80 | $52,720 | $25.35 | $73,400 | $34,860 |
| South Dakota | 120 | $56,660 | $27.24 | $70,280 | $39,930 |
| Tennessee | 370 | $72,200 | $34.71 | $94,210 | $48,670 |
| Vermont | 40 | $69,420 | $33.38 | $86,200 | $54,290 |
| Virginia | 190 | $60,670 | $29.17 | $74,110 | $48,400 |
| Washington | 100 | $82,320 | $39.58 | $93,870 | $62,520 |
| West Virginia | 110 | $52,800 | $25.38 | $55,640 | $48,320 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
California tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $89,020.
These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Fish and Game Wardens, OCC Code 33-3031, BLS.* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Why Become a Fish and Game Warden?
If you love hunting and fishing, becoming a fish and game warden is a good way to get paid for being in the great outdoors.
You should read about the pros and cons of being a game warden if you are serious about this career path.
You also get to spend your time performing the important work of helping a state preserve its natural resources.
You can earn a living and perform an important service at the same time.
The selection process for fish and game wardens can be competitive, including written exams, interviews, and background checks.
Education is a key step in pursuing this career. Most aspiring wardens need at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as wildlife.