Becoming a Game Warden

Game wardens are certified law enforcement officers with statewide jurisdiction and full police authority. They are primarily responsible for the enforcement of all AGFC regulations, but are capable of enforcing all state laws as well. Game wardens work tirelessly to apprehend poachers who are illegally taking wildlife to protect Arkansas’s wildlife resources.

Qualifications

AGE

• Must be at least 21 years of age

EDUCATION

• Graduation from a U.S. high school, G.E.D. or equivalent from a U.S. institution is required.

TRAINING

• Must pass physical, psychological, vision and hearing exams.
• Must pass a physical fitness test which includes:
  • 17 sit-ups in one minute
  • 13 pushups
  • 57% bodyweight bench press
  • 300 meter dash in 105 seconds or less
  • 1.5 mile run with a time of 24:53 or less
  • 250m row
  • 50 yard sled push at 100 lbs.
  • 10 sandbag up and over bar
  • 100 yard farmer carry at 35lbs./each
  • 200 yard shuttle run
  • 100 meter swim
  • 5 minute tread
  • Recovery of a 3 lb. brick in 12 ft. water

  BACKGROUND

  • Applicant must hold a valid driver’s license with good driving record, have no felony convictions, and must satisfactorily pass a thorough background investigation.

  SALARY AND BENEFITS

  • Starting Salary – $50,000 annually
  • Uniform allowance- $1,000 one-time start up and $150 a month
  • Partially paid group health insurance
  • Annual and sick leave
  • 11 paid holidays per year
  • Pension plan
  • Vehicle to conduct official AGFC business

  Duties of a Game Warden

  The duties of game wardens are more varied than ever before. Their primary responsibility is to patrol their assigned county enforcing AGFC regulations and boating laws, while establishing and maintaining good relationships with the general public in the communities they serve. Game wardens are state law enforcement officers who are required to enforce local, state and federal laws. Game wardens present programs to schools, 4-H Club, Boy Scouts and other youth groups, as well as civic clubs and other organizations. They teach hunter and boating education classes, give radio and television interviews, answer nuisance animal complaints, assist other law enforcement agencies, help with fish and wildlife management programs, and perform many other duties. A game warden is called upon to work any hour, day or night, and must work weekends and holidays. Regular days off are scheduled on weekdays. It is a full-time job, requiring the highest standard of personal and professional conduct.