California game warden numbers decline to 1950s levels

[spectr17]

http://insidebayarea.com/dailyreview...ews/ci_3683757

[tacticaltj]

I don't mean to be a "glass is half empty" kinda guy, but, screw DFG! They are one of the most bureacratic, backwards thinking agencys in California. Every single, thats every single, Sheriff's Department in California has a reserve deputy program in place(voluteer=free). Without these volunteers many of the Sheriff's Departments couldn't do half of what they do, or do it half as well. I have proposed this concept to DFG for years, but, the answer has always been "no...it's too costly!!". As if that answer makes any sense.

DFG could easily increase thier Wardens numbers by 10X using reserves IF they wanted to and IF it was even a minor priority to DFG. The real questions is WHY they aren't interested. What are the real motives for not wanting to increase thier Law Enforcement presence.

M

[scr83jp]

I'd imagine there'd be some who would be qualified to do it on a part time basis especially retirees with prior LE experience or with formalized training in the field.

[larrysogla]

Even some active duty LEO who would like to volunteer some free time to police the backwoods and forests. Especially those Nat. Forests abutting or adjacent to major Metropolitan Areas. For example the Angeles N.F., San Bernardin N.F., Cleveland N.F., Los Padres N.F. are all next to big population centers and are in need of LEO volunteers. The rural Deputy Sheriffs can also volunteer on those other National Forests especially in Northern California. Reserve Game Wardens seem like it has a nice ring to it. 'Nuff said.

[luvthegsp]

a reason that many folks turn to traditional law enforcement instead of becoming a warden is money DFG pays squat in comparison

I think that the idea of using retired LEO's for a volunteer force is an excellent idea...

[socalgobblerhunter]

well I just completed LVL 3 POST academy and will graduate from LVL2 in may. I'm on a path to persuing a career as a warden. I took the written test 4 weeks ago and still waiting to see how I did.

Its amazing that how low the salary is for a warden who encounter people with firearms on a constant basis.

One funny thing is that when I was taking the written test there was a girl who said "I dont like killing animals, I dont understand hunters". Now how in the wrold does some one like that even get accepted to take a warden test. Hope she never makes it.