3 Steps To Become a Fish and Game Warden

Fish and game wardens are responsible for protecting wildlife as well as protecting people who visit the wildlife. This job requires in-depth training as both a peace officer and environmental protector.

Keep reading to learn more about what a fish and game warden does and the steps to take to become one.

What is a Fish and Game Warden?

Fish and game wardens are a type of wildlife officer that enforces federal and state laws regarding fish and wildlife.

These professionals may also be referred to as conservation officers, wildlife officers, and environmental police officers.

The job duties of a fish and game warden typically include:

• assisting park visitors
• checking that vehicles and watercraft comply with laws
• conducting search and rescue operations
• educating the public about fish and hunting laws
• investigating complaints and accidents in wildlife areas
• issuing fines and citations to violators
• maintaining park equipment
• patrolling fishing and hunting grounds
• protecting wildlife from trapping and poaching
• writing incident reports and testifying in court

Most fish and game wardens work in state parks, conservation areas, and wildlife reserves. They may be employed by a state agency or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for fish and game wardens is expected to drop 6% by 2032.

Steps to Become a Fish and Game Warden

Fish and game wardens are required to undergo extensive training, as their job requires spending a lot of time in sometimes dangerous environments.

Before they can begin training, they need to earn a degree and meet the minimum requirements. We've broken down all the steps below.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Most wildlife departments require applicants to hold a degree. While some accept two-year associate degrees, many require at least a bachelor's degree.

Bachelor's degrees are undergraduate degrees that usually take about four years to complete.

While there is no specific major required for fish and game wardens, common majors include:

• conservation science
• criminal justice
• ecology
• environmental science
• wildlife biology

Some of these programs may be available to online students. Your school may also offer internship programs.

While internships aren't always necessary, some wildlife departments require wildlife experience. Internships also help you get your foot in the door with your local agency.

Step 2: Ensure You Meet the Minimum Requirements

Fish and game wardens work for the state or federal government, and as a result, there are certain minimum qualifications they must possess.

These qualifications may vary between agencies but usually include:

• be at least 18, though in some states you must be at least 21
• be a United States citizen
• possess a valid driver's license
• pass a background check

Because fish and game wardens are considered peace officers, like police officers, they must not have any felony convictions on their records.

They also must typically undergo the following:

• physical assessments
• medical evaluation
• psychological evaluation

Depending on the state, you may also need to pass a fish and game warden exam. Check with your state's wildlife department to see what is required if you're applying for a state position.

Step 3: Complete Fish and Game Warden Training

All fish and game wardens are required to complete a comprehensive training program before they can begin their jobs. This training varies between federal and state agencies.

Federal Fish and Game Warden Training

Fish and game wardens training for a position with the federal government start by completing 20 weeks of basic training at the Federal Law Enforcement Agency in Glynco, Georgia.

This training covers both wildlife law enforcement as well as criminal investigations.

Training often includes:

• crime scene investigation
• electronic surveillance
• firearms training
• first aid and CPR

After finishing basic training, new fish and game wardens are assigned to a duty station somewhere in the United States, where they'll complete 44 weeks of field training.

You can learn more about becoming a federal fish and wildlife warden through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

State Fish and Game Warden Training

Training for state-level fish and game wardens varies by state but typically is similar to what federal wardens receive. It covers many of the same wildlife laws and criminal investigation topics, including firearms training, first aid, and CPR.

However, different states have different types of wildlife and terrain, and this is where training can be very different.

For example, a trainee in Minnesota may learn how to manage animals and perform rescues in a blizzard environment, while someone in Florida may focus on these tasks in the Everglades.

Usually, fish and game wardens start by completing their state's officer training program, which usually takes a few months. After that, they'll receive several hundred hours of fish and wildlife training.

Depending on the agency, a fish and game warden may be able to specialize in a specific area of the wildlife department, like boating operations or wildlife and fish identification.

Those interested in becoming a fish and game warden at the state level can learn more by visiting their state's wildlife department website.

Become a Fish and Game Warden

To become a fish and game warden, you'll need to first earn a degree and meet the minimum federal or state requirements. Then you'll need to complete a comprehensive training program.

With the guide above, you can start your path toward a career as a fish and game warden today.