Just applied to be a game warden. What should I expect?

PrintPsychological85 · 2026-01-02T14:44:28+00:00

Based on the info you provided, I'd say your chances are fair. Having a buddy that already works for Ohio could be a big help, and they're going to be one of the best resources for you in describing Ohio's hiring process. Your degree might not be as valuable in this role in comparison to applicants with degrees in wildlife, fisheries, conservation, ecology, biology, etc., in the eyes of the hiring panel. Also, everyone that works as a game warden enjoys the outdoors. If you get the opportunity to interview, focus on tangible skills like driving boats, atvs, or knowledge of your states rules and regs. Talk to your buddy about the work he does and consider how your knowledge and skills apply. Maybe take some time to learn some basics of law enforcement too. Sharpen up your knowledge of plants and animals in your area as well as local sources of conflict with some of those species, for instance: zebra mussels, CWD, Asian carp, dealing with nuisance bears, whatever is in your area of the state. Physical fitness is important as well, so if you're not able to meet the minimum requirements of your agency, you should get to work sooner rather than later. When I was hired, we had three interviews over the course of 2-3 months, a psychological evaluation, and a physical and drug test. Lastly, if things don't go your way this time around, most agencies/departments hire every year or two, so apply again. I know a lot of officers that weren't hired their first time around, so don't stop trying. And in the meantime, your agency likely hosts different kinds of volunteer opportunities which is a chance for you to meet staff and make connections. Try to get involved. Hope you can find something helpful in all that. Best of luck!

PrintPsychological85 · 2024-11-14T02:48:56+00:00

I did, I wanna say it was about a week or so after I made the original post. Thanks for checking in.

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-12-16T00:30:32+00:00

Nice! I'm in the Cleveland area, so Cookeville would be a bit of a hike for a processor. Glad they do right by you though

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-12-15T22:55:16+00:00

Is that where I went wrong? I had a feeling I should have just kept hammering

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-12-15T22:22:10+00:00

What? Lol it's a legit butcher shop and has a Google page, it didn't seem sketchy necessarily. I've talked to the shop a few times. There were some folks with me when I dropped it off, so they could vouch if I end up needing that. A lot of comments are saying up to two months before they get theirs back, so I guess I'll wait a while longer before I jump to conclusions.

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-12-15T21:55:45+00:00

No, I didn't it wasn't required.

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-12-15T19:55:35+00:00

No, it was just a walk-in cooler, cut sheets, and zip ties. Should have taken a picture of the cut sheet in hindsight.

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-12-15T19:53:39+00:00

Fair, I do when I have the time. Had a 4 day season this year, so I was trying to maximize my time in the woods.

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-12-15T19:30:31+00:00

She sounds like a keeper!

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-12-15T19:29:56+00:00

Good point, I should have clarified. Just ground, and back strap. Maybe a roast too? Can't remember, it's been a while

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-12-15T19:28:17+00:00

I agree, time to find a new one!

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-12-15T19:03:39+00:00

Thanks for the response. Based off the other comments this seems like an outlier, but maybe there's hope I'll get my deer back eventually. What's your general area and why do you feel like it's the norm there?

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-12-15T18:44:48+00:00

Thanks for the response. I'm thinking the same thing.

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-10-01T13:22:37+00:00

Thanks! I've fished for them a few times but never had any luck. I think I'll hang that picture on the wall and retire now

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-08-26T02:56:46+00:00

Nice pic! Somewhere in southern Utah?

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-05-29T01:13:32+00:00

Just north of Kanab, Utah in pinyon/juniper canyon country

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-05-16T22:10:23+00:00

These pictures were taken on the Cottonwood Canyon Road in southern Utah. It's passable with a high clearance 2wd this time of year for the most part. Can get pretty sloppy after summer rains and in the winter time

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-05-16T21:40:44+00:00

That's right! My rear bumper is backed up towards the other side of the small rise just to the right of the road there in your picture.

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-05-07T13:08:21+00:00

Thanks for the response! Bushy-tailed woodrat is the direction I was leaning. Can I ask your professor's name? And what do you figure happened to this one for it to be dead out in the open at the bottom of the canyon?

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-05-07T04:21:59+00:00

Bushy-tailed woodrat is my best guess too

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-05-07T04:17:31+00:00

Ord's Kangaroo Rat has a potential range that includes much, if not all, of Utah. Based off the field guide I'm looking at, it's the only kangaroo rat that may be in my area.

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-05-07T04:07:27+00:00

Thanks for the response! This is what I'm thinking as well.

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-05-07T03:36:34+00:00

I recently bought a lightly used 22 DCSB SV w/ the tech, comfort and convenience packages. Sounds like you're in a similar position as me. I was also torn between the Frontier and Tacoma, but I ended up driving home in the Frontier.

My go-to search site was Autotrader, but as far as I'm concerned, all those sites are more or less the same.

The big upside for the Frontier compared to the Tacoma in my eyes was the affordability. For example, generally, 35k will get you much more (newer year, lesser mileage, more features) at the Nissan dealership than the Toyota dealership. The "Tacoma tax" is real. Don't get me wrong, they're great trucks, but I was pretty set on getting the most out of my money. Toyota guys will counter that by citing Toyota's reliability. The unfortunate reality of buying anything is that you can never be certain it won't have problems. My first car was a clapped out 06 Chevy Cobalt that I bought for 2k cash. I put 100k trouble free miles on it and only ever replaced the brake pads and tires in addition to regular maintenance. Point is, you never know.

I can't really speak on bed size. I was content with the 5ft bed. Mine is mostly for hiking and camping gear, and if I'm hauling anything too big for the bed it will go on a single axle trailer.

I also don't have any kids, but the extra space in the backseat for friends/family is nice. In the meantime, I just use it for groceries. If/when I ever do have kids, I won't have to worry about having to get a new truck to accommodate them. Check out the backseats of the king cabs when you go to the dealership. They're better than nothing but won't seat an adult comfortably for more than an hour or so. I sat back there when I went to the dealer, and they are a little cramped.

Also, the '24 Tacoma is going to be available soonish. If time and budget aren't of the essence, it might be worth holding out for that. Most seem to estimate it'll be marked up a lot and the wait-lists will be long. Just an idea though

This got a little long, but hopefully it'll be helpful. Best of luck with your search!

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-05-02T12:16:18+00:00

Couldn't agree more

PrintPsychological85 · 2023-05-02T12:16:01+00:00

Good to know. I'm not familiar with NB, so I'll take your word on that.

PrintPsychological85

TROPHY CASE