Any wildlife officers in here or does anybody know any?

[CrAzYCrAcKeR911]

I was looking at the game Ohio Division of Wildlife website the other day and was wondering what it would be like to be a wildlife officer. How hard is it to be hired? I've heard that its pretty hard to get a position. You have to know someone. I myself enjoy hunting and what not and think it would be a interesting career. You might not see that much action as a regular police officer but it would be unique. Any comments on the matter. How would one go about pursuing a career as a wildlife officer? Are there any volunteer positions available?

[scott715us]

I was looking at the game Ohio Division of Wildlife website the other day and was wondering what it would be like to be a wildlife officer. How hard is it to be hired? I've heard that its pretty hard to get a position. You have to know someone. I myself enjoy hunting and what not and think it would be a interesting career. You might not see that much action as a regular police officer but it would be unique. Any comments on the matter. How would one go about pursuing a career as a wildlife officer? Are there any volunteer positions available?

In TN, we have the TN Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). They usually have some sort of background in biology or science with a minor or emphasis in law enforcement. The perks are pretty good so, yes, it is pretty tough to acquire a position. They are fully commissioned LEO's, but most of their enforcement is Wildlife & game commission. Enforcing hunting/fishing regs, nailing folks that are hunting out of season or going over their limit. TWRA is very active on our lakes around the Metropolitan area. They have several boats and I believe some jet skis. They can and will arrest violators of boating regs, particularly BUI (boating under influence). I got stopped earlier this year. He just asked to see my registration and check the fire extinguisher. Which I'm glad he did because my extinguisher on my fishing boat had gone bad. I'm glad they're out there. I don't know any personally, but from what I hear, they get to do alot of things us fishermen/hunters would love to do for a job.

The best thing to do is inquire into the agency in your area to see what they look for when hiring officers. It will be somewhat different than that of a regular LE agency. ;)

[CrAzYCrAcKeR911]

It has been somewhat of a thought in my mind lately of becoming a wildlife officer. I have almost a associates in Justice Studies and currently attending OPOTA coures. In Ohio, I know that you cant get into the OSHP with the OPOTA Cert. but you can become a wildlife officer. How would I go about my schooling? Should I continue with my Crim. Degree or switch to Biology?

[scott715us]

It has been somewhat of a thought in my mind lately of becoming a wildlife officer. I have almost a associates in Justice Studies and currently attending OPOTA coures. In Ohio, I know that you cant get into the OSHP with the OPOTA Cert. but you can become a wildlife officer. How would I go about my schooling? Should I continue with my Crim. Degree or switch to Biology?

I couldn't tell you the exact direction to take being in Ohio. I'm from TN and the requirements may differ. If you truly want to be in LE, but maybe in the wildlife arena, I would keep pursuing your CJ, but maybe have a minor or some extra classes in sciences, particularly in biology. I don't want to lead you in the wrong path, so maybe some folks from up north will respond to the thread and have a better answer closer to the area you are referring to. Good luck. ;)

[CrAzYCrAcKeR911]

Thanks for the advice. Anybody else have any comments? :confused:

[Sleuth]

May as well try Federal Fish & Wildlife, they have investigators that work all over the country. I did a few cases with them, sharp guys, good pay, Federal LEO Retirement.

[CrAzYCrAcKeR911]

I dont know if this is true or not, but a guy I work with was a Federal Fish and Wildlife Officer and he had told me that they had the highest deaths of LEOs than any other level of LE. He had told me that he used to get shot at alot when they would go on raids for people growing pot in the wilderness. True?