Game Warden education requirements

Hey guys, im currently in AIT for the Army and starting to look more in to what college classes i need to get into to get my career going. I know yall are out there so my question to yall is : What classes did you take to get where you are? I have an understanding that an all around good base eould be somerhing like Wildlife biology or Wildlife conservation. Anything else i need to consider? I know there’s different requirements for different states of course, but i just want to knoe ehat yall did. Thanks

Honestly I would concentrate on getting a law enforcement degree. I believe in the state of MN they did or still do require a certain number of years as a police officer. I would think most states would require a law enforcement degree over a wildlife managment degree.

See I always thought that would be a requirement universally, but oklahoma fish and wildlife only says you need 4 years of wildlife biology/conservation. Thanks

Jeff mattingly wrote:

Honestly I would concentrate on getting a law enforcement degree. I believe in the state of MN they did or still do require a certain number of years as a police officer. I would think most states would require a law enforcement degree over a wildlife managment degree.

That sounds reasonable since they have more jurisdiction than pretty much any LEO in the state.

Keep your record clean bud. Qualifications probably the same as becoming a state police officer. Pretty strict. Walk the straight line. You can do it. Proud of you for wanting to pursue this.

If you want to know exactly what’s going to follow, simply call your state DNR headquarters and ask to speak to someone in charge. Explain to them your aspirations, and ask what studies you should take and what degrees seek. They will help you. Keep in touch with them and us. Let us know how all goes. And then when you become conservation officer, please let us all know when and where you will be just so we could say hi. Laugh out loud

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/jobs/hiring.html

Are you looking to be a licensed game warden? In MN you would have to be POST license eligible which would mean you need a degree. You can do that in as little as two years but I would recommend a 4 year degree. Not many of us left with only a 2 year degree.
https://dps.mn.gov/entity/post/licensing/Pages/default.aspx
DT

Yes sir, thats what my plans are thus far. A bachelors in wildlife conservation or wildlife biology

I agree with DT. A 4 year will get you further. A buddy of mine that I graduated from skills with had a 4 year from the U in biology and his 2 year Law Enforcement. He’s still trying to get on. I do know that the DNR is a tough nut to crack and get into, so keep your nose clean…even little crap like driving offenses and petty misdemeanors. Do yourself a favor and do some security work or reserve police. It’ll look good and separate you from the rest. Good luck man, I wish you well.

Also, take a lot of law enforcement credits while you’re working on your 4 year. That was you’ll be about done with it and then you’ll just need skills.

I know a guy who did 4 years to become a DNR officer, he’s now working for the MN DNR….pulling weeds…..

First decide where (state or region) you would like to live, that is, where would you like to spend your career. Then go to college in that state. Major in wildlife management and minor in criminal justice. Having a high GPA will help you later in application process.

While in college get summer jobs with the state wildlife management agency, this will get you known and you can become familiar with how the agency works, etc. And yes, these jobs may be pulling weeds or other manual labor, but this is the “proving ground”; do poorly in these jobs and you will not have a chance at a job later on.

When, and if, you get hired to become a game warden you will most likely have to attend the state’s law enforcement academy for 2 to 4 months.

If you have done any drugs since junior high or early high school you should probably think about another career. The tests (written, oral, psychological and lie detector) you will have to take to get hired will eliminate you quickly if you are not the “law enforcement” type.

It is very competitive, the state I live in gives the initial written test to about 100 people for every 2-3 they finally hire.

ClearCreek

Brother lives near missioni Wisconsin, south of Wausau, weekends he works at a gun range during the summer and ski hill winter months. Must have some connection to Wi, DNR. He seems to think it is his way into a DNR job over there?????

States have all different requirements in regards to qualification. MN (where most of the members here are located) is one of the toughest states to become an LEO in any manner. I’m assuming since you said “ya’ll”, you are a little ways south of us.

I would do what Robby says or contact your local CO. They are almost always friendly and they will tell you exactly what qualifications are sought after in your area.

One last thing, thanks for your service

I recommend vermilion community college In ely, MN. Take the wildlife wild land law enforcement degree and in 2.5 years, a lot of fishing and hunting later, you will be eligible to take the MN POST test. I did this and while I worked part time at a sheriffs office I got my BA in criminal justice.

I did and and never did regret it. Good luck sir!