Rules & Regulations

The mission of the Enforcement Division of the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission is to fairly administer the regulations of the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, state, and federal laws while promoting resource conservation and public safety.

 

Wildlife Officers are certified law enforcement officers with statewide jurisdiction and full police authority. They are responsible for the enforcement of all AGFC regulations and their vehicles are marked “Wildlife Officer”.

 

Some of the duties of a Wildlife Officer include checking sportsmen for license and bag limits. Apprehension and writing of citations for violating AGFC regulations by unlawful hunters is a major responsibility of every Wildlife Officer and they work tirelessly to apprehend “poachers” who are illegally taking wildlife because the practice of poaching depletes the wildlife resources in the state.

 

Sport fishing compliance is important because of its value for recreation for the fishermen and its ability to draw tourists to the state. Commercial activities of the state’s fish and wildlife is an economic plus for the state but also must be kept in check by Wildlife Officers to conserve this resource for future generations.

 

Arkansas’ Wildlife Officers are charged with the duty of enforcing State and Federal boating laws upon the many thousands of acres of lakes, waterways and rivers that the State enjoys.  They also provide protection and enforcement of laws that cover threatened and endangered species of fish and wildlife that call Arkansas home.

 

Public Relations is an important function of the Enforcement Division and wildlife officers teach Hunter and Boating Education classes as well as participate in community and school-based projects.

 

A wildlife officer may be called on to work any hours, day or night and must work weekends and holidays.  Regular days off are scheduled on weekdays.  This is a full-time job requiring the highest standard of personal and professional conduct. 

 

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife officers are highly trained law enforcement officers.  The AGFC Wildlife Officer Cadet training consists of classroom instruction, in the field training, as well as hands on and practical applications.  Currently Wildlife Officer Cadets must complete 20 weeks of intensive training with a total of  927 hours. The Cadet curriculum consists of approximately 90 subjects utilizing 80+ AGFC officers and other division personnel, as well as 15 outside instructors.

 

If you would like to learn more about becoming a wildlife officer, you can download a printable brochure or call our offices at 1-800-364-4263 for more information.