How many DFG enforcement agents in your state?

I have just learned that there are 189 DFG Game Wardens in the entire
state of California. My initial response is that this is an absurdly
low number. Many of us recreational fishermen and even many in DFG
itself would like to see the state employ a lot more. Our state has
about 36,000,000 people; 2,000,000 purchase a sport fishing license
each year.

For comparison, we'd love to know what the numbers are in your state.
Please include a link for confirmation if possible.

Many of us believe that poaching is a huge problem here. How 'bout your
state?

Dale

Kentucky 130 DFW law enforcement officers for 120 countys.
http://www.kdfwr.state.ky.us/gllefie...5&NavPath=C439



"FishWisher" wrote in message
ups.com...
I have just learned that there are 189 DFG Game Wardens in the entire
state of California. My initial response is that this is an absurdly
low number. Many of us recreational fishermen and even many in DFG
itself would like to see the state employ a lot more. Our state has
about 36,000,000 people; 2,000,000 purchase a sport fishing license
each year.

For comparison, we'd love to know what the numbers are in your state.
Please include a link for confirmation if possible.

Many of us believe that poaching is a huge problem here. How 'bout your
state?

Dale

Thanks, James. 130+ wardens for Kentucky. 180 for California. I
couldn't find how many sportsmen licenses are issued in Ky but
2,300,000 in California. We have a lot fewer wardens per angler/hunter,
I am certain.

Dale

FishWisher wrote:
Have done some more research today:

====================
From http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/o...80609.htm#art4
According to the most recent figures released by the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service, Wisconsin has one warden per 10,469 warden hunters
and anglers, compared to the national average of one warden per 5,700
hunters and anglers. Wisconsin's ratio improved from the previous
year, but so did other states' ratios.
============

It's pretty slim pickins' to find ratio info. But according to the
above, the national average is 1 warden per 5700 hunters and anglers.

I have researched California hunting licenses for 2005: 300,000
Also California rec fishing licenses of all kinds approx: 2,000,000

So, if we do have 189 wardens (A DFG employee stated that) we have a
ratio of 1 warden for each 12,170 hunters and anglers.

Bottom line: California appears to have less than half the number of
wardens that other states employ on average based on wardens per
sportman. If these numbers are true, the statement that California
refuses to enforce its fishing regulations rings very true indeed.

Why do the legislators in the largest state of the union get away with
being so unconcerned about the enforcement of our wildlife,
conservation and environmental laws?

This really is old news. The warden academy was mothballed almost three
years ago.

October, 2003
-- No more cadets: With a state hiring freeze in place, more layoffs
likely and no positions projected available in the next year, the DFG
shut down its academy to train new game wardens last week.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...PGTD2JMFN1.DTL

Lots of fingers to be pointed. Fishing license $ (and probably hunting
license $) goes into the general fund. DFG gets a budget and does the
best they can. Even if they get extra $, the warden's salaries aren't
high enough to risk your life for. Be careful who you vote for.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...3/SP271428.DTL

I could not find the number of sports licenses either but as a ref. point
Kentucky's total population is apx. 4.2 million
Jim

"CoachPotato" wrote in message
ups.com...
Thanks, James. 130+ wardens for Kentucky. 180 for California. I
couldn't find how many sportsmen licenses are issued in Ky but
2,300,000 in California. We have a lot fewer wardens per angler/hunter,
I am certain.

Dale