What Does it Take to Be 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
- Survey areas and compile figures of bag counts of hunters to determine the effectiveness of control measures.
- Document the extent of crop, property, or habitat damage and make financial loss estimates or compensation recommendations.
- 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.
- Investigate hunting accidents or reports of fish or game law violations.
- Compile and present evidence for court actions.
- Issue licenses, permits, or other documentation.
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Qualities of a Fish and Game Warden
Fish and Game Wardens state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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 for this Occupation:
- Wildlife Protector
- State Game Warden
- Game Agent
- Natural Resource Officer
- Environmental Conservation Officer
Fish and Game Warden Job Outlook
There were about 7,000 jobs for Fish and Game Warden in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 700 job openings in this field each year.

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.
What is the Average Salary of a Fish and Game Warden
The typical yearly salary for Fish and Game Wardens is somewhere between $40,090 and $80,140.

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 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?
Education needed to be a Fish and Game Warden:

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

Fish and Game Wardens Sector

Below are examples of industries where Fish and Game Wardens work:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Fish and Game Warden might also be interested in the following careers:
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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