From Deseret News archives:

Conservation officers dedicated, efficient

Published: Saturday, Oct. 22, 2005 5:16 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
I'd like to counter claims of widespread resentment reportedly discovered by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s transition team in regards to the Division of Wildlife Resources. The most apparent problem is there are severe misconceptions as to what a conservation officer actually does.

Wildlife conservation is the most educated law enforcement agency in the state of Utah. All of our officers have a bachelor's degree, with many having a master's. They attend police officer standards and training and are subject to an 18-month probationary period, which includes intensive wildlife field training.

Utah has only 40 district conservation officers. Many of them have districts roughly the size of Connecticut. Our officers work alone most of the time, often in the backcounty where safety is of the utmost concern. We are spread too thin in the field to afford pulling officers together on a regular basis. We are down approximately eight law enforcement positions statewide and face impending retirements as a result of HB213.

Wildlife law enforcement is only one of many tools within the scope of wildlife management. The primary duty of an officer is the enforcement of wildlife regulations, but our officers wear many hats.

Story continues below
Officers teach or attend hunter education classes, speak at schools and Scout groups, assist regional biologists with fish and game surveys and management recommendations, routinely deliver emergency notices to hunters, pull people out of mud holes, administer care to accident victims and lend advice to frustrated anglers and hunters, as well as their obligations as state certified police officers.

Our officers make drug- and alcohol-related arrests, respond to domestic disputes and assist other agencies as requested. Our officers utilize a variety of patrol tactics in an effort to achieve compliance and, more importantly, to educate the hunting, fishing and recreating public.

The industry of wildlife has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. The family deer hunt has evolved. The allure of a trophy has blurred the vision of many sportsmen to the point that illegal harvesting impacts wildlife management plans.

Illegal activity continues to grow. The conservation officer who already works nights, weekends and holidays rarely has a slow season.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

This might be my favorite article I've ever read from the Deseret News. Kudos.

Y. student vanished in China

Thank you for not giving up and don't give up now brother and sister...

Child prostitutes don't get help

Dr. Lois Lee's work with children who are victims of child sexual...

Look at the preview for Pixar's "Up". The whole move is summarized in...

Max Hall issues apology

I totally agree with you. I have always spoken to the Cougar fans that sit...

Max Hall issues apology

If I were looking for truth, the meaning of life, an understanding of the...

Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal

cool story random and anonymous championship player and coach.....

Field goals, penalties doomed Utes

You got it right...This offense was less than average all year. Whittingham...

cool story Amy

We had a football party at my house with fans that wore blue and fans that...

Advertisements