A love for the out-of-doors and for the sports of hunting and fishing are influences which may motivate you toward a career in fish and wildlife law enforcement.  The wildlife officer is quite often the only contact the general public has with the Division of Wildlife.  The acceptance of wildlife conservation programs is determined largely by the abilities and actions of the wildlife officer.  Therefore, it is imperative that individuals with outstanding knowledge of the job and of unquestionable character be selected for these positions.

Law enforcement is the primary job of the wildlife officer; however, he or she is also much involved with fish management, wildlife management, and information and education projects.  A state wildlife officer is assigned to each of Ohio's 88 counties.  The officer assigned to the county is required to live in the county.  Approximately five wildlife investigators are assigned to each of the five wildlife districts and Lake Erie.

Officers are required to have a working knowledge of current fish and wildlife management projects and be able to give technical advice and hands-on help in the administration of these projects.  Activities may include collecting information and samples by wildlife surveys, hunter bag checks, creel censuses, test nettings, as well as installing and maintaining artificial nesting structures.

Allen County Wildlife Officer Craig Barr says, "The diversity of my job is what I like the most.  One day I may be checking hunters or fishermen and the next, with a group of school kids or manning the booth at the fair. On the third day, I could be working on an investigation." 

Working as the Wildlife Management Supervisor is Officer Scott Butterworth of the District 2 Office in Findlay.  He says, "Every day is different and presents new challenges.  You must like to deal with people, budgets, rules, and regulations.  Overall, it is a very rewarding career with some very unique opportunities and experiences."

Hardin County Wildlife Officer Ryan Kennedy says, "Hardin County has a diverse population of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and pheasants.  One of the favorite things about my job is the changing of the seasons.  From spring to fall, as each season changes, so do the aspects of the job."

District  Law Supervisor Paul Kurfis explains, "I am a sportsman, a hunter, and a fisherman myself, and working for the Ohio Division of Wildlife allows me to work with other sportsmen that have similar interests and concerns while working together to maintain great opportunities in Ohio to pursue these sports.  My position as a Wildlife Officer and District Law Supervisor allows me to be a part of enforcing wildlife laws which helps to insure future populations of game and non-game animals for all Ohioans to enjoy."

Hancock County Wildlife Officer Matthew Leibengood shares, "Much of my work is derived from negative situations or problems people are having with wildlife.  So naturally I enjoy my job most when I am able to take the negative situation and end it positively."

Union County Wildlife Officer Christopher Rice states, "I enjoy the fact that every day brings new contacts, experiences, and challenges that keep things interesting.  The position isn't just a job, it's more of a lifestyle, which makes me look forward to putting on the uniform and beginning the day.  That type of job satisfaction is something I had never felt with other jobs I held previously."

If you need more information, or would like to talk to a fish or wildlife professional, feel free to call the Division of Wildlife District 2 Office in Findlay at 419-424-5000;
Allen Co. Wildlife Officer Craig Barr 419-429-8379;
District Wildlife Management Supervisor  Scott Butterworth 419-424-5000;
Hardin Co. Wildlife Officer Ryan Kennedy 419-429-8385
District Law Supervisor Paul Kurfis 419-424-5000;
Hancock Co. Wildlife Officer Matthew Leibengood 419-429-8384;
Union County Wildlife Officer Christopher Rice 614-644-3929 x1213