An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
PDF: A Game Warden's Duty by Sergeant Rufus Cravens, Jr.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Law Enforcement Division is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Game Warden team. Game Wardens serve as certified peace officers responsible for protecting Kentucky’s natural resources, enforcing wildlife and boating laws, and ensuring public safety across the Commonwealth. This page outlines the requirements, training process, and career expectations for becoming a Game Warden Recruit.
Education: High school graduate.
Experience: None.
Education Substitution: None.
Experience Substitution: None.
Special Requirements: Must be at least 21 years of age and possess or have the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license.
The starting salary of a Game Warden Recruit is $47,794.32. A 5% increase will be granted upon successful completion of probation (1 year). Once reclassified to a Game Warden I, the salary increases to $52,693.20.
In addition, once candidates are Peace Officer Professional Standard certified and complete the KDFWR academy, they will receive a monthly training stipend totaling $4661.92 annually.
Grade: 12
Probationary Period: 12 Months
Applicants must complete the POPS Physical Agility Test with an overall minimum of 50 points.
In addition to the POPS Physical Agility Test, applicants must complete a 100-yard swim using the following techniques or any combination thereof: freestyle, breast stroke or side stroke followed by a 10-minute tread immediately followed by retrieving an object from 7 feet of water and returning it to the side of the pool.
For more information on the POPS physical agility test and suggested training, go to the Physical Agility Test Prep .
Basic police officer training in firearms, defensive tactics, search and seizure, and arrest. Information on the Department of Criminal Justice Academy can be found at What to Expect — DOCJT (ky.gov) .
Upon completion of the academies, the cadet will spend 16 weeks of field training with a primary and a secondary Field Training Warden.
The majority of time is spent outside. Conditions are consistent with other law enforcement officers. Must have the ability to run, swim, bend, stoop, lift, push and pull heavy objects and individuals. Must be able to be trained in the use of weapons and defensive tactics, and in the use of other law enforcement-related equipment.
If you have any questions or concerns you may call 800-858-1549 or email FW-LErecruiting@ky.gov.
Review the documents below:
Recruit Pre Academy PT ProgramRecruit Pre Academy Swim Program
Game Wardens are tasked with protecting our state's natural resources through the enforcement of state laws. Wardens enforce all laws of the Commonwealth with a major focus on public safety, specifically on the water. Wardens patrol the state using a variety of methods, including vehicles, vessels, ATVs, and side by side. Game Wardens work in all areas of the state, including woods, fields, metropolitan areas, lakes, rivers, and all points in between.
The KDFWR academy is mentally and physically demanding. The academy is a mix of classroom and hands-on portions. Recruits are expected to be physically fit and should prepare themselves prior to arrival. Body weight exercises including pushups, pullups, sit-ups, and others increase muscular stamina that is required. Additionally, recruits are expected to be able to run and swim. If an applicant is a weak swimmer, we strongly encourage him/her to seek help prior to coming to the academy. In addition, recruits will attend the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT). The basic academy at DOCJT is a blend of classroom and skills portions. Recruits will need to maintain their physical fitness throughout to meet the standards and earn the opportunity to graduate.
There is no mistaking that being away from family is difficult in many cases. However, you will be permitted to return home each weekend. We encourage recruits to make the most of this time at home and when they are at the academy have their focus on training. Those deciding to attend the academy are making the decision to exchange a short time away for the long-term security and benefits of having a career as a Game Warden.
Wardens are assigned based on agency needs. Currently, the agency is designed for most counties in the Commonwealth to have one warden per county. However, the initial assignment is only permanent for three years. Additionally, wardens are permitted to commute to nearby counties as allowed by agency policy.
Being a Game Warden has many benefits and opportunities. Upon completion of the academy, you will be assigned to a patrol position and working to serve the sportsmen and enforcing the law. You do not have to worry about being assigned to a jail or temporary position. Wardens are not on a shift so you will not be stuck on an undesirable shift just for being new. You are granted a great deal of flexibility once on solo patrol. When you leave your house, you are working! There is no need to attend roll call or have a long commute just to get to work. Once you have a county assignment, you determine the patrol needs of that area and tasked with being efficient in patrol and executing your duties as a Game Warden.
First and foremost, we are serving people, conserving fish and wildlife. You are expected to work with honor, integrity, personal courage, and selfless service. To do this, you do not have to be a professional hunter. You must come with an open mind and a willingness to learn. You will be taught a great deal of outdoor terms and learn what to look for during patrol. Once in the field, fellow officers are always available for assistance. You will have plenty of wildlife and boating training to give you a solid foundation to begin your career and your willingness to learn will continue to help you grow in these areas. Many officers take up hunting or fishing once they are hired here because they realize the opportunities that they have been missing out on!
Yes! Starting salary is $47,794.32 during the first year (Game Warden Recruit). Following the first year, officers are eligible to move to Game Warden I and will be paid $52,693.20. Additionally, once POPS certified and completion of KDFWR academy has taken place, they will receive an additional $4,661.92 annually.
Yes! At the end of the academy, you will be issued a patrol vehicle. During the academy, you will drive your personal vehicle to and from the academy on the weekend and we will provide transportation throughout the week. Additionally, we will reimburse you for mileage during your travel to and from home on the weekend. Depending on the area of the state you are assigned, you may also be issued an ATV, side by side, vessel or some other equipment specific to your patrol area.
You will still have to attend the KDFWR academy. The KDFWR academy utilizes many of the skills of regular law enforcement but trains officers to perform work focused to the mission of KDFWR. Officers will be trained in a variety of areas including boating, trapping, hunting enforcement, fishing enforcement, defensive tactics, and many others.
You can contact us directly by emailing FW-LErecruiting@ky.gov.
Yes, however, Tattoos/brands or body piercings anywhere on the body that are offensive, obscene or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination are prohibited in and out of uniform.
Any tattoos, brands, or body piercings prejudicial to good order and discipline or of a nature that tends to bring discredit upon KDFWR are prohibited in and out of uniform.
Any tattoos, brand or body piercing visible on the face, head or neck is prohibited.
The LE Director makes all final determinations as to whether the body art is offensive.
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