Careers in wildlife

I was reading an interview that'd been conducted by a local news source with a wildlife officer from another state. It was typical; he was fielding questions about what his job entailed, the training and the type of background required. While browsing it with a rather disinterested interest born of a been-there, done-that attitude; he suddenly said something that caught my attention. He was asked if he could describe the job in one sentence. He replied, "Sure … it's what every boy dreams of doing and what every old man wishes he'd done." "Wow," I thought aloud. Though while not exactly in those words; I've heard those sentiments paraphrased a lot during my years as a wildlife officer. Let me add first that there are a lot of women and young girls that share those same aspirations and there's no reason they shouldn't. Whether I was visiting a hunter education course, youth or scouting event or college class, it wasn't unusual to be cornered by some of those young people wanting to know what it takes to get my job. Likewise, I've been waylaid by adults with good careers for prominent companies and enforcement agencies with the same questions, only from a more experienced perspective. Then there were those in the twilight of their lives. Their remarks were more wistful, simple statements of having missed something that may have once been but was now lost to time. A youngster's dream, a mid-life reassessment, a lost wish. Some explained that they might have pursued a wildlife officer's career but were discouraged by what they believed were dubious wages. My reply to that has always remained consistent; what's the value of doing something worthwhile? How do you assess the unique experiences shared by so few yet envied by so many? How do you weigh fulfilling a dream? What makes the job special? My career spanned nearly 36 years and three Ohio Department of Natural Resource divisions — a preserve officer with Natural Areas and Preserves, Ranger with Parks and Recreation (now the Division of Parks and Watercraft) and an officer and supervisor with Wildlife. I guess that gives me something of an expert's viewpoint. So, here's the secret: It was fun. I felt like I performed a service. I liked that people were interested. I was protecting something that couldn't protect itself. I felt I was doing something that was right. All this made me feel good; proud of my job, of the people I worked with and of the agency…my agency. Whether I was checking hunters or anglers for license compliance, flying night-time poaching missions, running early morning turkey surveys, bouncing around on Lake Erie, maintaining wood duck boxes, attending a sportsmen's club meeting while enjoying the back and forth ribbing with longtime members or any one of the myriads of other tasks; I found them; and the company, worthwhile. Yes, there were tedious jobs. Reams of paperwork (now converted to carpal tunnel aggravating computer chores) or the occasional seemingly meaningless meeting; my cohorts and I each occasionally suffered our own Achilles heel. Yet, while some of those duties seemed like a soul-robbing tedium, we learned that those tasks were likewise necessary. There were also some potentially dangerous, difficult and even controversial situations that I encountered. Some left indelible scenes painted within my memory. Training, perseverance, a will to succeed and a modicum of luck got me through those. In the end; it was more than worth it. The job fit me and I fit the job and that's a difficult occupation to find. Some riches cannot be banked and those may well be the most valuable commodities in your life. There's still a lot of work to do and a long future to be pursued. Could you be up to it? It's never too early to start planning. For a career as a Wildlife Officer, visit ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/support-odnr/jobs/wildlife-officer-career. To become a Natural Resource Officer, check out ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/support-odnr/jobs/natural-resources-officer-career "Do what you love, go where you're admired, not where you're tolerated. Be what you want to be not what others want you to be." — Anurag Prakash Ray Along the way Fourteen cadets began attending the 32nd Ohio Wildlife Officer Training Academy which began Monday, Aug. 14. Hired from a pool of 993 applicants, the cadets will complete 21 weeks of Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training and an additional 8-10 weeks of specialized training from the Division of Wildlife. Training includes law enforcement procedures as well as skills for wildlife and fisheries management, communications, ATV and vehicle operations, as well as advanced firearms and self-defense. Upon graduation, they will complete an extensive on-the-job Field Training Program while joining the ranks of Ohio's Wildlife Officers. These officers have statewide authority to enforce wildlife regulations and protect state lands, waterways, and property. The cadets, listed with their hometowns, will graduate in April 2024: Alex Almeter, Randolph, New York; Levi Boggs, Ashville, Ohio; Breyer Ehrnfield, Zanesville, Ohio; Mary Janowiecki, Bremerton, Washington; Nolan Johnson, Marblehead, Ohio; Jacob Losekamp, Oregonia, Ohio; Chase McDonald, Manchester, Ohio; Jacob Parker, Laurelville, Ohio; Payton Phenicie, New Washington, Ohio; Joshua Quail, Crestline, Ohio; Adam Stachler, Celina, Ohio; Brady Stevens, Toledo, Ohio; Lucas Wildman, Delaware, Ohio and Kiri Williams, Martins Ferry, Ohio. Four of the cadets, Almeter, Ehrnfield, Phenicie and Stachler, have law enforcement experience and past academy training. They will be assigned to wildlife district operations while the rest complete the basic peace officer academy and will join them for the wildlife specific training portion. Step outside •Through Aug. 31: Applications for the Hancock Park District's Hunting-with-Permission Lottery. Entries must be received by Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m. Individuals must register online at HancockParks.com under "Park News." The season for hunting Litzenberg Memorial Woods will be Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, 2024. Additional information can be found online at HancockParks.com under "Park News." You may also contact the park office during business hours, Monday through Friday: 419-425-7275. •Through Labor Day: Marblehead Lighthouse offers tours daily from noon–4 p.m. Cost is $3 per person, cash only. 110 Lighthouse Drive, Marblehead, OH 43440. •Thursday: Trap and Skeet Practice, open to the public. 4 p.m. UCOA, 6943 Marion Township 243, Findlay. •Aug. 26: 3-D Archery Match, mixed animal targets. Field and Stream Bowhunters; 11400 Allen Township 109, Findlay. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Contact: Harold Spence, 419-423-9861. •Aug. 30: Full Blue Moon Hike, Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve, 7:30–9:30 p.m. 2514 Cleveland Road E., Huron. It is as rare as a blue moon and by the end of the hike, the full moon should be visible in the sky. You will also get to learn what crepuscular animals are active in the reserve. Dress for the weather, and if you bring a head lamp, it must have a red-light option. Registration required: owc@dnr.ohio.gov or call 419-433-4601. •Sept. 5, Oct. 3: Free Youth Clays Shoot, 5-6 p.m. Sandusky River Coon Hunters Club. Sponsored by Seneca Co. Pheasants Forever. 7575 S. Township Road 131, Tiffin. Open to the public for kids 17 and under. Kids and adults bringing a participating youth may shoot for free. 12- and 20-gauge shot shells will be provided. If bringing your own ammunition, no shot sizes larger than 7 ½. Information: Don — 567-278-1551. •Sept. 12: Fall Trap League Begins and will last for six consecutive weeks, 4:30 p.m. A seventh week will be a Fun Night Shoot. This is for 5-person teams so it's time to get your team together. Open to the public. UCOA, 6943 Marion Township 243, Findlay. For information, contact: Kevin Thomas, 419-722-5063, or Sandy Thomas 419-722-2441. •Sept. 12, 13, 14: The Division of Forestry is hosting three in-person open house meetings. Participants will have the chance to review and give input about the division's Annual Work Plan for State Forests. Tuesday, Sept. 12: Athens Headquarters, 360 E. State St., Athens. Sept. 13: Chillicothe Headquarters, 345 Allen Ave., Chillicothe. Sept. 14: Loudonville Library,122 E Main St, Loudonville. Each meeting will be from 4:30-6:30 p.m. •Sept. 16: Black Swamp Bucks Unlimited Fall Classic, 3–8 p.m. Hancock County Fairgrounds, Legacy Pavilion. Fundraiser includes live music, food, drink, games, raffles and outdoor packages. Proceeds will benefit the conservation programs of the organization. $10 tickets can be purchased early at blackswampbucks.com/raffles or at the door. •You can purchase your hunting and fishing license, the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp as well as subscribing to Wild Ohio Magazine at wildohio.gov, on the HuntFish OH mobile app or at participating agents statewide. Abrams is a retired wildlife officer supervisor for the state Division of Wildlife in Findlay. He can be reached at P.O. Box 413, Mount Blanchard, OH 45867-0413 or via email at jimsfieldnotes@aol.com