Wildlife Conservation Officers Work for the Love Of It

By Mike Demick, Idaho Department of Fish and Game Some would say I'm biased, but I feel that most ethical hunters and anglers of Idaho would agree with me that pride, honor and dedication to duty are just a few of the traits that endorse the badge of a conservation officer for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. On the surface, an officer's job may seem glamorous and easy, but they are some of the hardest working, most dedicated state employees. They routinely put their personal safety on the line protecting the state's wildlife resources and its residents. They commonly put in long hours working outdoors in all types of weather, but they constantly stay focused on their mission - to help outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Idaho's great resources while protecting it for the future. There are seven regional conservation officers (supervisors) statewide within the seven regions. Regions are divided into two or three districts with 14 district conservation officers acting as first line supervisors. In addition, there are 72 senior conservation officers, 11 conservation officers, one investigator assigned to the regions, and two special investigators. There are 90 patrol areas, some of which cover more than 2,000 square miles. Because each area has specific resources and enforcement needs, each officer's role and work schedule are unique. Basically on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week, each officer is solely responsible for his or her individual patrol area. One thing is for certain: today's conservation officer does much more than enforce fish and game laws. They are also partially responsible for informing and educating the public as well as assisting in the management of wildlife and fishery resources. For example, officers conduct hunter education courses, present information at public meetings and through the media, as well as investigate and mitigate depredation problems. They conduct surveys and evaluate current habitat conditions. A job based on flexibility, conservation officers often start their day with a change in plans. It might be a tip from a concerned citizen about a suspected illegal activity, an assist call from another local law enforcement officer or a call from an upset farmer dealing with wildlife-caused crop damage. In every situation, though, the officer's day will involve interacting with hunters, anglers and the general public. Today's officer has to relate to people from all walks of life. He or she must be able to work with sportsmen, farmers and ranchers, legislators and schoolchildren. In fact, today's officers spend as much time working with people as with wildlife. This requires good communication and public relation skills, but also vast knowledge of wildlife related issues, Idaho law, investigation techniques as well as a multitude of other skills. The reasons most wardens studied and worked hard to get one of these coveted jobs vary from officer to officer, but most do it out of a love for the outdoors and our rich hunting and fishing heritage. They know that their rewards will be in forms that may seem strange to the general public but once again, the themes of pride, honor and dedication to duty greatly come into play. Studies conducted on what makes a quality officer concluded that role model officers are physically active, honest and ethical in behavior, enjoy helping others, enjoy being outside and are willing to work hard. However, the overriding trait exhibited by role model officers is a deeply held commitment to and a belief in the value of their work. The people of Idaho clearly approve of the officer's role and the job they are doing. An independent public opinion survey conducted in 1995 found respondents who had contact with any IDFG officer in the past five years were favorably impressed: 92 percent agreed the typical officer is professional; 88 percent felt the typical officer is friendly; and 91 percent said the typical officer is knowledgeable. In fact, the highest priority set by those surveyed was to see more officers in the field. Idaho's professional conservation officers have been serving our state since 1938. With more and more people putting pressure on our state's wild places and wild resources, they are more important now than ever. Nearly one third of Idahoans enjoy hunting and fishing, and our state's conservation officers are doing their best to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to enjoy those resources. Pride, honor, dedication to duty are all reasons the folks behind these badges serve the state's sportsmen. Mike Demick is the regional conservation educator based in Lewiston. He has worked for IDFG since 1994.