Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I picked up a copy of the "Game Warden Magazine" at Sportsmen's Warehouse the other day and wanted to compliment the Department on the high quality writing and photos." Answer: Thanks for the compliment, but this is not a publication of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. This magazine is produced and provided to sportsmen by the Idaho Conservation Officer's Association (ICOA). The ICOA is an independent employee association representing conservation officers that work for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Formed as a non-profit organization corporation in 1976, the ICOA was established as an organization dedicated to protecting and perpetuating the wildlife resources of our state. The mission and objectives of the ICOA are: A. To promote a more efficient and able body of conservation enforcement personnel and to meet our responsibilities and problems collectively; B. To create a truer sense of loyalty to the Department of Fish and Game and to our fellow officers; and C. To aid in any manner possible any other brother officer in distress. Produced by conservation officers with a knack for telling stories about catching poachers and offering outdoor tips, the magazine has become a conduit for the ICOA to highlight the good work of Idaho conservation officers and raise money for charitable causes. The ICOA sponsors two $500 scholarships annually to a full-time Idaho resident student attending the University of Idaho in a natural resources field with the intent to become a conservation officer. As part of the North American Wildlife Officers Enforcement Officers Association (NAWEOA) the ICOA also supports a fund to provide financial assistance to law enforcement officers and their families injured or killed in the line of duty. The ICOA also supports the NAWEOA sponsored North American Game Warden Museum being constructed at the International Peace Gardens on the border between Canada and the United States near Dunseith, North Dakota. Again, thanks for the compliment on the magazine, if you'd like to subscribe, contact your nearest conservation officer for details or go to www.idahogamewardenmagazine.com. If you have any further questions you may call the Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208)324-4350 or e-mail us at the Fish and Game web site at http://fishandgame.Idaho.gov.