Facts about Oklahoma Game Wardens for young outdoor enthusiasts
Game Wardens are some of the most recognized members of the
wildlife conservation team in Oklahoma.
A Game Warden’s primary job is to enforce the fish and wildlife
laws of the state. These laws ensure that our state provides an
opportunity for all sportsmen to continue to have opportunities
to hunt and fish for years to come.
When someone breaks a wildlife law, they are hurting the
future of hunting and fishing in our state. Game Wardens do not
enjoy arresting violators, but performing this necessary duty is
a vital tool in conserving and managing Oklahoma’s wildlife.
Every “game hog” or careless violator poses a threat to the
resource and enjoyment of others.
Sportsmen and women pay for the right to enjoy their sport in
Oklahoma by buying hunting and fishing licenses. Game Wardens
are public servants sworn to protect wildlife and the public’s
interests in the outdoors.
A Warden’s day is busy and rewarding! In addition to enforcing
laws, Game Wardens have many other duties that bring them in
daily contact with people.
They start some of their days well before sunrise, helping
biologists in their study of wildlife or fisheries problems.
From such studies comes the information that will be used to set
season dates and bag limits for hunting and fishing seasons in
Oklahoma.
Game Wardens may use their vehicle radio or mobile phone to call
in a fishing report on a certain lake. Such information is
relayed to newspapers, TV and radio stations. This information
helps sportsmen decide where to hunt or fish.
Game Wardens occasionally visit with sportsmen’s clubs, schools,
scout groups and civic groups. They may speak about new lands
and regulations, or about some topic directly related to hunting
or fishing. They may also pass along printed information
published by the Wildlife Department. This information may cover
anything from hunting or fishing laws to building bird houses to
improving habitat for quail. Game Wardens also frequently help
teach hunter education courses and fishing clinics.
Game Wardens often spend time visiting landowners in their
county, encouraging them to allow ethical hunters and anglers on
their land to harvest the surplus wildlife. They may assist the
landowner with poaching problems, or give them information about
getting fish for their pond.
Wardens also check licenses and bag limits of hunters and
anglers. In the spring, Game Wardens may also drop by a dove or
quail nest site to check its progress. They may investigate
areas where illegal deer hunting has been reported. To catch
poachers, wardens may have to wait, day or night, for long
periods in concealed locations.
Whatever Game Wardens do, they must do well. They are constantly
in the eye of the public. They are expected to know all there is
to know about hunting, fishing, wildlife laws, wildlife
management, camping, woodcraft and other outdoor activities as
well as general information about their county.
The first step in becoming a Game Warden in Oklahoma is to take
the Department’s Standardized Employment Exam. This exam
consists of 100 questions covering the state and federal
wildlife laws and regulations, Oklahoma geography, biological
and environmental sciences relating to fish and wildlife,
environmental education and communications, general journalism,
photojournalism, technical writing and editing.
To take the exam to become a Game Warden, you must be at least
21 years of age and have a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 16
credit hours in wildlife or biology related course work. A
Bachelor’s Degree in a wildlife related field is preferred. You
are not required to have any previous related experience.
Those who are selected for a Game Warden position are
interviewed and submit to psychological and physical exams, a
urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use, and a thorough
background investigation.
Wardens must be able to meet a physical ability standard,
jog/walk over rough terrain, swim, be able to physically control
and arrest law violators, operate a boat, and operate 2/4 wheel
drive vehicles.
Oklahoma Game Wardens are able to handle almost any problem that
comes up during their work day. They are able to render first
aid service, assist in lifesaving and water safety, and assist
stranded motorists along roadways. They investigate illegal
hunting and fishing, and help landowners improve wildlife
habitat. They speak to a variety of sportsmen’s groups, and even
come to your school to talk about wildlife careers.
Game Wardens can be your best friend in Oklahoma’s outdoors.
The Department will make all decisions regarding recruitment,
hiring, promotions, terminations, and other terms and conditions
of employment without discrimination on grounds of age, race,
color, creed or religion, sex, national origin, physical or
mental disability, or other factors which cannot be lawfully
used as the basis for an employment decision.
Contact:
Human Resource Office
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
P O Box 53465
Oklahoma City, OK 73152
In order to recruit, hire and retain a professional workforce,
Human Resources provides quality service to employees through
compensation, benefits, retirement, policy administration, and
education and training opportunities