[6.5-284BMF]

As of lately all the poaching/blatant disreguard for game laws has me just fed up! A few weeks back I watched a flock of turkey at work on and off for 2 hrs. I walked in a building to check a machine I was running when I went in a guy got out of his truck and shot one from the rd. I drove over and reamed him a new one all while he lied to my face saying he shot it from up above and it rolled down there. Meanwhile it was posted property and he was turkey hunting in blue jeans and a green flanel shirt. Called a WCO I know and he was close made it right down and caught the guy right up the rd. Admitted to it all. Best part was when the WCo came back to get my report he informed me it wasn't even turkey season. They nailed him thats the best part! This week my fathers friends were running rabbits and told me they found a cable restraint so they kicked it over, I went and looked the next morning but whoever set it checked it and since there were tracks and it was knocked over they removed it. The cable stake was still there though. It amazes me the lack of morals/ respect for the game we persue these people have today. I'm thinking about trying to become a deputy WCO. Does anyone know whats involved and how you go about it? I just want to make a difference. I started a QDMA branch this year and thought maybe through that I could make an impact. The QDMA fits well with their poaching stance and the work with youth and habitat but I now feel like being a deputy might be the best bet. I think its a little late in life to change careers all together. I'm 31 and have been at my current job for 12 yrs. I'm very serious and need pointed in the right direction. Thanks in advance for any replies

 

[MattA]

I have a friend who was a Deputy WCO for years. It's a volunteer job and pretty thankless. He eventually got into the Fish Commission full-time but had to move for the job. Here's a link with a lot of info.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=575673&mode=2

Good luck!

 

[KapaaPA]

It is an honor and privileged to be a deputy. Our Commonwealth/Game Commission can use you. Can your regional office for information.

 

[Fleroo]

Called a WCO I know and he was close made it right down and caught the guy right up the rd

Call that same WCO that you know and have him point you in the right direction..

 

[R. S. B.]

It all starts with the local WCO explaining the program to you and then if you are qualify and are still interested the WCO can fix you up with an application. Call your local WCO or Regional Office and explain that you are interested in becoming a Deputy. The WCO will get in touch with you, though maybe not until after Christmas.

I and all other honest hunters thank you for stepping up and trying to make a positive difference for our future.

Dick Bodenhorn

 

[triplethreat]

Dick, Can you explain the deputy application process in further detail. I submitted my personal info on the GC site but thats as far as i could go.
Advice???
Thanks

 

[R. S. B.]

Dick, Can you explain the deputy application process in further detail. I submitted my personal info on the GC site but thats as far as i could go.
Advice???
Thanks

The very first step is to get in contact, in some capacity, with the local WCO. The entire application process is explained and conducted by him/her.

It really is a very involved process that requires a background and character investigation. There is an application that has to be completed and once it is sent through and approved the applicant goes into a ride-a-long status where they have to complete a period of, I believe, twenty hours of ride-a-long with the WCO.

They also have to meet various physical requirements such as vision and dental expectations. Then if everything is still good they go for a written exam. That is not to be taken lightly either because it isn’t an easy test.

If they pass that test they then go back on ride-a-long status and have to complete more hours. Then they will have go for a weekend of training on the Game and Wildlife Code. Then they have to purchase a duty gun, leather gear and other duty belt gear and equipment (the exact type will be dictated so don’t go buying something thinking it will be ok to carry) before you have to go to the Harrisburg Training School for a week of training. You will get the mandatory firearms and defensive tactics during that week.

Then you come back and go back on ride-a-long, for I think something like 80 hours, while you are being trained on a whole checklist of various functions. During this time you are also studying a lot of natural history material because you then have to go back and take another test, that I think requires an 80% to pass.

If you pass that test, and have completed all of the other requirements, you are then sworn in as a Deputy and issued your badge, credentials and uniforms. Then you have to work for one year with the WCO or an approved more experienced deputy. During that year you are on probation and can be dismissed without much cause.

After that year of probation you become a regular deputy and can do some Game Commission work on your own.

You are required to attend a number of both mandatory and non-mandatory training sessions each and every year. It is a very interesting position and can be both fun and fulfilling if a person really wants to do the job and has a sense of wanting to make a worthwhile contribution to the future of our resources and hunting.

Good luck! And, remember the first step is in making contact with the local WCO.

Dick Bodenhorn

 

[jimbridger]

This week my fathers friends were running rabbits and told me they found a cable restraint so they kicked it over,

Would you be able to fine your Father's friends for messing with trappers? Just asking. Waugh!

 

[R. S. B.]

This week my fathers friends were running rabbits and told me they found a cable restraint so they kicked it over,

Would you be able to fine your Father's friends for messing with trappers? Just asking. Waugh!

It is only unlawful to interfere with LEGAL sets. Cable restraints aren’t legal to use until December 26th.

Hopefully they notified the local WCO so he/she can remove them and arrest the illegal trapper.

Dick Bodenhorn

 

[6.5-284BMF]

JIMBRIDGER, I believe your sole purpose is to stir the pot on any thread you post in. I cringed the moment I saw you replied on this one. R S B responded before me and clarified the actual law not the one you were trying to insinuate they broke. They were in now way wrong to knock the cr over. Oh, and your welcome for clarifing that law for you.

RSB, A WCO was called but was off duty. I went and checked and the cr was gone but the stake was still there. These were the answers I was looking for about the process. I work full time and have a 2 part time jobs. I would quit both the part time if I decide to move forward with this. I feel powerless sitting back and seeing what some people do today. Its sickening. People break the game laws day in day out. Never thinking twice. Why? Why is it so hard to do things legal? The amount of things you hear about people doing is unreal. The types of things also are so dumb. I'm trying to separate myself from all of it. Thankfully through the QDMA branch I have found alot of like minded individuals to talk with. I try to focus my efforts on helping youth through the branch or landowners that need some help. I feel like being a DWCO would be another way to help other hunters. I wouldn't mind being a WCO either but now were talking a total life altering change. I for one won't go into anything if I can't give it 100%. I'm going to contact a WCO and get some more info.I actually feel bad for the WCOs but man look at the flack they get when they are doing their jobs! Not enough done, not soon enough, not blah blah. I believe they all took their jobs intenting to do well but sometimes there are incidents they can't solve or prosecute. I for one, in a prior complaint I filed couldn't help the WCO and testify because I would of had to testify and that would of exposed my parents who lived close to the person that committed the crime. I only didn't to save them any retaliation. It was a open and shut case but I couldn't help him in this instance. Not the other way around

 

[triplethreat]

Good luck! And, remember the first step is in making contact with the local WCO.

Dick Bodenhorn
[/quote]

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[R. S. B.]

You are certainly welcome and thank you for taking an interest in the Deputy Program. Deputies are the backbone of the Game Commission’s law enforcement program.

WCOs generally don’t have the time to do law enforcement other then the reactionary enforcement that comes from responding to the various complaints and frankly they are sometimes overwhelmed while trying to cover all of those.

Dick Bodenhorn