How to Become a Game Warden in Tennessee

Game wardens are an integral part of protecting fishing and wildlife laws in America. Many states have lowered their standards in hiring game wardens, such as Connecticut dropping its degree requirement. Tennessee however still adheres to its high standards. If you want to be an officer of the law while enjoying the great outdoors in a state that only accepts the best, then becoming a game warden in Tennessee is the way to go.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Maintain a clean driving record. You must also obtain a valid Tennessee vehicular operating license (driver's license).

2. Obtain a degree in wildlife or fish management. You may also obtain a degree in biological sciences, agricultural sciences, forestry, zoology, or a closely related field. If you choose this route however, you must have at least 20 semester hours of fisheries or wildlife related courses.

3. Keep in shape and healthy. There are various physical qualifications necessary to become a wildlife officer (game warden). These qualifications include being able to work in extreme heat or cold. You must also be fit enough to lift small boats and outboard motors, launch medium-sized boats, and remove dead deer from the flow of traffic.

4. Write to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to request an application. You must be at least 21 years old at the time of your application.

5. Pass a physical exam which will include a drug screening. This exam will be administered by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

6. Pass a vision test. To pass this test, you must have a visual accuity of at least 20/40 in each eye without corrective lenses, or 20/30 or better in each eye with corrective lenses.

7. Pass the written Civil Service exam. This exam will cover the following areas: Agricultural and Forestry Resources; Wildlife Management; Hunting and Boating Safety; Map and Chart Reading; Investigative Reporting; Reading Comprehension; and Interpersonal Communications.Make sure to study hard for this exam. Game Wardens are hired from the "top five" applicants on the Civil Service Registers.

8. Complete an oral interview board selection procedure.

9. Complete 8 weeks of training at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy. This training will include various law enforcement techniques including evidence gathering, firearm training, and other courses. After training you are on probation for 12 months. You are then given Civil Service status and must receive 40 hours of refresher courses every year.

Tips & Warnings

• Game warden is a good position if you like to travel, because once selected you may be put anywhere in the state of Tennessee.
• Game wardens are on-call 24 hours a day in case emergencies arise. Make sure you can handle this before trying to become a game warden.

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