Game Wardens on patrol all year

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandra M. Sandoval
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Patrolmen of the 2d Security Forces Squadron aren't the only ones asking to see licenses. Expect to see official Barksdale game wardens to ask for licenses while fishing and hunting on base. 

Game wardens assist in wildlife management by enforcing laws and regulations set by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and Base Natural Resources. 

"Our mission is to ensure safety and welfare of boaters and hunters," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Breland, 2d SFS game warden. "We also monitor the base boundary and conduct random anti-terrorism measures ensuring the protection of America's global strike assets." 

The wardens monitor all activities conducted on the East Side such as the camp sites, bike trails, canoe trails, oil sites and the archery range. The game wardens also enforce base traffic laws for over 18,000 acres of forest. 

Game wardens are responsible for monitoring five lakes, nine ponds and 15 miles of streams, rivers and bayous. 

"We maintain daily liaison with local, state and federal agencies regarding all fish and wildlife enforcement matters," said Sergeant Breland. 

The game wardens also assist in teaching hunter safety classes for all personnel hunting on base. 

"There are between 100-200 hunters on the East Side at any given time," said Airman 1st Class Derek Meadows, 2d SFS game warden. "Someone with the knowledge of applicable hunting and safety laws must be present to monitor all activity. We ensure that hunters are being safe at all times. 

"We check hunters for their orange vests, which must be worn at all times, as well as for loaded weapons," Airmen Meadows added. 

Hunters may not have a loaded firearm within 100 feet of a road or vehicle. 

The hunting season begins in September and runs through March. The animals included in the season are deer, duck, turkey, rabbit, dove and squirrel. 

"The hunting season is our busiest time of the year," said Sergeant Breland. "We work till every hunter comes back safe." 

Game wardens also respond to incidents and complaints from the East Side as well as restore order at the scene of an incident. The wardens initiate investigations of incidents, complaints and traffic accidents and provide follow-on assistance to security forces investigators as required. 

Other than the normal block training that occurs within the 2d SFS, the game wardens begin training by completing a hunter safety course at the Base Natural Resources. From there the wardens conduct on-the-job training. 

To become a game warden, Airmen from the 2d SFS submit a resume when the tasking becomes available. 

"Every day is a great experience," said Sergeant Breland. "Being a game warden is what I want to do as a civilian, so this is training for me. I have, hands down, the best job in the Air Force." 

Hunters are required to have a state and base hunting license. State licenses can be purchased at local hunting and fishing retailers. The base hunting licenses can be purchased at Natural Resources after completing the Hunter Safety Course. On base, the hunting license cost is $10. 

To fish on base, Airmen must have a state and base license as well. Purchasing the state license is the same as purchasing the hunters' license. The base fishing license can be purchased at Natural Resources and the East Side Shoppette. A fishing license on base cost $10. 

For more information on hunting and fishing seasons and to apply for either license, contact Natural Resources at 456-3353.