What is a 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.
Fish and Game Warden Responsibilities
- Investigate hunting accidents or reports of fish or game law violations.
- Provide advice or information to park or reserve visitors.
- Issue licenses, permits, or other documentation.
- Survey areas and compile figures of bag counts of hunters to determine the effectiveness of control measures.
- Perform facilities maintenance work, such as constructing or repairing structures or controlling weeds or pests.
- Document the extent of crop, property, or habitat damage and make financial loss estimates or compensation recommendations.
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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.
Types of Fish and Game Warden Jobs
- Wildlife and Game Protector
- District Resource Officer
- Fisheries Enforcement Officer
- Wildlife Manager
- State Game Protector
Fish and Game Warden Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 7,000 jobs for Fish and Game Warden in 2016. 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.
How Much Does a Fish and Game Warden Make?
The average yearly salary of a Fish and Game Warden ranges 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 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 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 education or degrees do I need to become a Fish and Game Warden?

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

Where Fish and Game Wardens Work

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

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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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