What is a Fish and Game Warden?
Position Description Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.
Life As a Fish and Game Warden
- Patrol assigned areas by car, boat, airplane, horse, or on foot to enforce game, fish, or boating laws or to manage wildlife programs, lakes, or land.
- Issue warnings or citations and file reports as necessary.
- Collect and report information on populations or conditions of fish and wildlife in their habitats, availability of game food or cover, or suspected pollution.
- Investigate crop, property, or habitat damage or destruction or instances of water pollution to determine causes and to advise property owners of preventive measures.
- Perform facilities maintenance work, such as constructing or repairing structures or controlling weeds or pests.
- Seize equipment used in fish and game law violations.
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Fish and Game Warden Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Fish and Game Wardens say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of Fish and Game Warden
- Fish and Wildlife Warden
- Wildlife Officer
- State Game Protector
- Community Resource Officer
- Woods Warden
Fish and Game Warden Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 7,000 jobs in the United States for Fish and Game Warden. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.3% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 300 new jobs for Fish and Game Warden by 2026. The BLS estimates 700 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Fish and Game Warden are Oregon, New Mexico, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Maryland, South Dakota, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Fish and Game Wardens Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Fish and Game Wardens ranges between about $40,090 and $80,140 a year.

Fish and Game Wardens who work in Illinois, Washington, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Fish and Game Wardens make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $52,620 |
Arizona | $51,740 |
California | $76,240 |
Connecticut | $58,620 |
Georgia | $60,510 |
Illinois | $88,300 |
Indiana | $59,930 |
Iowa | $82,520 |
Kansas | $46,460 |
Maine | $58,800 |
Massachusetts | $57,590 |
Michigan | $58,740 |
Mississippi | $43,490 |
Montana | $50,820 |
New York | $68,000 |
North Carolina | $41,110 |
North Dakota | $58,200 |
Ohio | $66,350 |
Oklahoma | $53,250 |
Rhode Island | $77,710 |
South Carolina | $48,610 |
South Dakota | $44,510 |
Texas | $66,130 |
Vermont | $59,380 |
Virginia | $50,750 |
Washington | $74,010 |
West Virginia | $46,490 |
Wisconsin | $49,420 |
Wyoming | $57,870 |
What Tools & Technology do Fish and Game Wardens Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Fish and Game Wardens:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Mapping software
How do I Become a Fish and Game Warden?
What kind of Fish and Game Warden requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Fish and Game Wardens Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Fish and Game Warden may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Fish and Game Warden sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Nicholas A. Tonelli via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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