Behind the Badge

Sometimes people, with the best intentions, can cause a great deal of harm when they think they’re helping. Read one such story in this Behind the Badge by Warden Daniel Hoenke.

Many city homeowners have little experience with wildlife, so when a call comes in about a worrisome critter in the yard, it is best to proceed with a little skepticism, as this Behind the Badge by Warden Courtney Sprenger shows.

For hunters, sometimes the greatest rewards are found not in the hunt itself, but rather in passing on their skills and love of hunting to a new generation. Read one story in this Behind the Badge by Warden Erik Schmidt.

Making a case is always based on hard work, but often it also requires a little luck. Read one such story by Warden Shawn Sperling.

When venturing into the outdoors, it is wise to keep in mind that nature is an unforgiving force, as one man discovered in this week’s Behind the Badge by Warden Mike Sedlacek.

Being able to pinpoint your own location while in the field can be critically important as evidenced in this post by Warden Sam Feldmann.

Normally, encouraging an uninvited guest to decamp does not require calling your local game warden, but sometimes…

Every career comes with its advantages and drawbacks. Learn about some of the everyday rewards that come with being a Game Warden in this Behind the Badge with Warden Jerad Bluem.

Have you ever observed someone you think might be committing a hunting or fishing violation? What is the best course of action in such a situation? Find out in this week’s Behind the Badge with Warden Corey Erck.

Public outreach. Game Wardens do it every day. But some groups are a tougher audience than others and require a bit more forethought to effectively address as warden Art Cox illustrates in this Behind the Badge.

In this Behind the Badge, Game Warden Paige Swanson takes us on her journey to becoming a game warden.

Sometimes when on patrol, game wardens encounter some rather farcical situations. Read this week’s Behind the Badge for a few examples from game warden Keenan Snyder.

Giving credit where credit is due is a value most learn early in life, but sometimes that lesson requires a little reinforcement…

A game warden just never knows what they'll encounter on any given call and of all the possibilities, Santa Clause in a bathtub just doesn't make the list...until he does...

The end of an era and beginning of a new one - Stories from Drayton Dam.

Have you ever been on a snipe hunt? Some refer to a snipe hunt as a prank, but snipe hunting can be an enjoyable pastime. Learn more in this post from Warden Greg Hastings.

 Spotting “shiners” is relatively easy, catching them...sometimes not so much. Read Warden Phalen’s story in this week’s Behind the Badge.

The solo hunter is only so effective, yet when paired with a good bird dog, the success rate for the team can be substantial. This holds true when hunting game and when looking for poachers. Read Warden Pilot Jeffery Sieger story in this Behind the Badge.

The job of a game warden is multifaceted, pulling heavily on skills common to other careers such as communications and education. Learn more in this Behind the Badge with Warden Michael Sedlacek.

From Iowa to North Dakota, one game warden’s journey.

When teaching kids, it is easy to wonder just how much of what you say sticks in their minds, and sometimes you can be happily surprised by just what they do retain. Read one warden’s experience in this week’s Behind the Badge.

Sometimes when a RAP call comes in the case is solved and perpetrators held to account quickly. Sometimes it takes time and a little luck to solve a case. Read one warden’s story in this week’s Behind the Badge.

So is it possible to hide an adult deer in the trunk of a Buick? Lamentably, one less than principled fellow decided to find out. Read the story in this Behind the Badge with Warden Jon Peterson.

When a neighbor asked for a ride-along with Warden Corey Erck, Erck was concerned the ride might be boring. It wasn't. Read the story in this week's Behind the Badge.

Taking some simple precautions when hunting with a dog can make the difference between a satisfying hunt and a regrettable one. Learn more in this Behind the Badge with Game Warden Josh Hedstrom.

For many working regular hours is desirable. But others, like our game wardens, prefer a little more variety in their lives as is evidenced by this post from Game Warden Corey Erck.