Nature of Work

Game wardens, also known as conservation officers, forest rangers, and wildlife officers, are Peace Officers employed by local, state, and federal government agencies. In Georgia, game wardens are certified peace officers through the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) council and employed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division. Game wardens are responsible for enforcing state and federal natural resources laws related to wildlife, fish, water resources, boating, and the environment. Some game wardens pursue extra training to specialize their role in their agency by becoming K9 handlers, investigators, participating in special operations and emergency response, joining aviation units, etc.

Specific daily activities depend on the location and agency the officer is employed by. Game wardens patrol their assigned region. Patrols may be conducted on foot, in a motor vehicle, UTV, ATV, boat, aircraft, or on horseback. On patrols, game wardens respond to reports from their community, investigate suspicious activities, make arrests, give warnings, and write citations. Game wardens may also be asked to testify in court concerning the cases they are involved in. Work typically occurs in rural and suburban areas of the state where more people are interacting with natural resources. They frequently assist other law enforcement agencies in investigating crimes, making arrests, and responding to incidents. Game wardens possess the same peace officer status and authority as any other state police officer. They enforce all appropriate federal and state laws regardless of if they are natural resources related. Game wardens are also responsible for coordinating search, rescue, and recovery operations on land and in water.

Game Wardens interact with the public outside of law enforcement activities as well. They regularly teach hunter and boating education courses, visit schools, and attend wildlife- related conferences/events. Game wardens support conservation efforts in the state by facilitating mentor hunting and fishing trips with various groups in their communities. On occasion, game wardens are asked to assist in wildlife and fisheries- related activities within other divisions of the Department of Natural Resources. These activities may include sample collection, habitat management, prescribed fire ignition, etc.