What Do Fish and Game Warden Do?
Fish and Game Warden Job Description Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.
A Day in the Life of 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.
- Seize equipment used in fish and game law violations.
- Issue licenses, permits, or other documentation.
- Address schools, civic groups, sporting clubs, or the media to disseminate information concerning wildlife conservation and regulations.
- Investigate hunting accidents or reports of fish or game law violations.
- Collect and report information on populations or conditions of fish and wildlife in their habitats, availability of game food or cover, or suspected pollution.
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Skills Needed to be a Fish and Game Warden
Below is a list of the skills most Fish and Game Wardens say are important on the job.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
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.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles
- Park Warden
- Wildlife Conservation Officer
- Woods Warden
- Game Agent
- Game and Fish Protector
Is There Job Demand for Fish and Game Wardens?
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.
Average Fish and Game Wardens Salary
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 different U.S. states?
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
Becoming a Fish and Game Warden
Education needed to be a Fish and Game Warden:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Fish and Game Warden?

Where Fish and Game Wardens Are Employed

Fish and Game Wardens work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Fish and Game Warden may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Fish and Game Warden sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Nicholas A. Tonelli via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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