Job shadowing is a great way to show people the realities of a profession, including the good, the bad and the really...well, let's say unappetizing. In this week's Behind the Badge, warden Courtney Sprenger tells the story of a job shadow that didn't stint on reality.
Behind the Badge
When Illegal Becomes too Illegal
In this week's Behind the Badge, warden Jonathan Tofteland recalls a case where honest mistake and intentional misconduct intermix.
Read Full Article: Read When Illegal Becomes too Illegal
Stewards of the Land
In this week's Behind the Badge, warden Joshua Hedstrom gives some simple tips for being a conscientious steward of the land.
Read Full Article: Read Stewards of the Land
Things Are Not Always as They Appear
So what do you do when that foolproof plan to find a lawbreaker turns out to be rather less than foolproof? You improvise. Read one such story in this week's Behind the Badge by warden Corey Erck.
Read Full Article: Read Things Are Not Always as They Appear
Small Talk
Sometimes the impulse to indulge in unmindful small talk can lead down unexpected paths as in this Behind the Badge by warden Zane Manhart.
Read Full Article: Read Small Talk
The Moose
A district game warden often serves as the go-to person for wildlife concerns in their community. An incident in 2020 highlighted this when a moose, stuck in a muddy wetland, was assisted by warden Erik Schmidt and a local veterinarian.
Read Full Article: Read The Moose
Adventures and Misadventures in the Wild North
Like most jobs, a game warden's workday is often routine, but when routine ends, things get interesting. District game warden Ken Skuza shares some examples in this week's Behind the Badge.
Read Full Article: Read Adventures and Misadventures in the Wild North
On Duty at Devils Lake
On the waters of Devils Lake, the role of a game warden extends far beyond enforcing fishing and hunting regulations. Find out how in this Behind the Badge by game warden Jonathan Peterson.
Read Full Article: On Duty at Devils Lake
It's Not What it Looks Like
The question, "Do my eyes deceive me", gets an answer in this week's Behind the Badge by game warden Zachary Biberdorf.
Read Full Article: Read It's Not What it Looks Like
Sometimes Work Finds You
For many, getting some time away from work is as simple as leaving the office (and turning off that cell phone). But if your office extends beyond four walls, getting away can be a bit more challenging.
Read Full Article: Read Sometimes Work Finds You
Trust
In a law enforcement career, the foundation of teamwork, cooperation, and safety is trust, as shown in this Behind the Badge by district game warden Connor Folkers.
Read Full Article: Read Trust
Sibling Spats
Most adult siblings manage to resolve disagreements by talking over their issues. However, some take other routes, as shown in this week's Behind the Badge by game warden Andrew Dahlgren.
Read Full Article: Read Sibling Spats
The Interview
Conducting an effective suspect interview can be challenging...or, sometimes, not so much. Read one warden’s story in this week's Behind the Badge by game warden Alan Howard.
Read Full Article: Read The Interview
Becoming a Game Warden
The road to becoming a game warden: How one man turned his love of hunting and fishing into a career.
Read Full Article: Becoming a Game Warden
Cases of Mistaken Identity
We all make mistakes and when you make one while hunting, calling a game warden and coming clean is really the best option, as evidenced by this Behind the Badge with game warden Keenan Snyder.
Read Full Article: Read Cases of Mistaken Identity
One Deer, Two Permits
"Waste not, want not" is a motto to live by, but sometimes it can cause a little conflict, as in this Behind the Badge by game warden Jerad Bluem.
Read Full Article: Read One Deer, Two Permits
Pushing the Limit
How many walleye is too many? Find out in this Behind the Badge by warden Riley Gerding.
Read Full Article: Read Pushing the Limit
Get the Gun!
In early November, a local landowner made a peculiar call. Their account of a buck encounter left us skeptical, prompting further investigation. Find out more in this Behind the Badge by warden Alan Howard.
Read Full Article: Read Get the Gun
The Importance of Species Identification
While obvious to most, a big part of being a good hunter is knowing what the species you're hunting looks like, but there are those who struggle a bit with this aspect of hunting. Read one such story in this Behind the Badge by warden Mike Sedlacek.
Read Full Article: Read The Importance of Species Identification
Over the Hill
Avoiding a collision with a fleeing buck led to an encounter with a hunter whose excitement at the hunt overrode not only his compliance with rules but also common sense. Read this week’s Behind the Badge by warden Alan Howard.
Read Full Article: Read Over the Hill
The Circle of Death
We hunt to put food on the table and to experience the satisfaction of spending time outdoors in pursuit of wild game. But hunting also entails responsibility. Ignoring those responsibilities can give us all a bad reputation. Read more in this week’s Behind the Badge by warden Daniel Hoenke.
Read Full Article: Read The Circle of Death
Misunderstood Regulations
Taking the time to understand hunting regulations before you go into the field can not only keep you in compliance with the law, it can help you avoid missed opportunities as game warden Erik Schmidt shows in this week’s Behind the Badge.
Read Full Article: Read Misunderstood Regulations
Boat and Water Safety - It’s not just for the warm weather months
History tells us that the fall is the deadliest time of year for boating fatalities. Learn more in this week's Behind the Badge by enforcement operations supervisor Jackie Lundstrom.
Read Full Article: Boat and Water Safety - It’s not just for the warm weather months
The Most Important Part of the Hunt
What is the most important part of any hunt? Planning probably isn't the first thing many think of to answer that question, but perhaps it should be as is evidenced in this Behind the Badge by warden Zane Manhart.
Read Full Article: Read The Most Important Part of the Hunt
The Escapee
What does it take to catch an escaped prisoner? Combines and tree stands probably aren’t the first things to come to mind, but sometimes they’re just what’s needed. Learn more in this week’s Behind the Badge by Warden Andrew Dahlgren.
Read Full Article: Read The Escapee
Filling Multiple Shoes
Building a foundation for working as a game warden can be a multifaceted, engaging endeavor as warden Clayton Edstrom shows in this week’s Behind the Badge.
Read Full Article: Read Filling Multiple Shoes
Choosing a Personal Flotation Device
One of the most important considerations when choosing a PFD is, will you wear it. Modern inflatable PFDs can be a comfortable option, but are they right for you? Learn more in this week’s Behind the Badge by Warden Erik Schmidt.
Read Full Article: Read Choosing a Personal Flotation Device
It’s Not Always Hooks and Bullets
Most associate game warden duties with hunters and anglers … such as checking them for valid licenses, abiding by daily and possession limits, and so on and so forth.
But there is so much more that goes into the life of a game warden. The following, a letter of recognition for warden Greg Hastings, is just one example of what a game warden does to help ensure the safety of all citizens.
Read Full Article: Read It's Not Always Hooks and Bullets