Page 2 - 2019 NOV/DEC Outdoor Oklahoma

Panoramas

I am leaving the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Some would add cell phones and electronic devices to
Conservation after 30 years of working with the sports- this list, and I would agree on some days. The electronic
men and sportswomen of Oklahoma. It seems like only devices along with Department advances in the license

yesterday I was making the trek to Oklahoma City to system have allowed us access to the license information
take the test each year along with 300 other hopeful and at most times, which is good for both the officer and the
excited individuals, each year writing down all of the sportsman. They have also allowed for real-time check-
information I could remember to help me for the next ing of harvested animals, with this information available

test if I was unsuccessful. to the officer. Sportsmen and landowners
When I finally did get that call and got also have a line of contact with us 24/7 with
to start my career in western Oklahoma, I these devices, which is good for important
was like a youngster in a candy store. My information but challenging to handle all

job duties would change with the seasons, of the inquiries in a normal workweek.
and I got to work with people and serve During the 30 years I have spent with
sportsmen who shared the same mind-set as the Department, I have had the pleasure
I. The idea I would have a truck and equip- of working with some of the most talented,

ment to work my way around the country to dedicated and determined coworkers one
check hunters or fishermen was a dream come true. could have. I worked with sportsmen and landowners
Then I realized how much our Department does in across the state who are second-to-none with their pas-
addition to law enforcement. We educate our youths sion for the outdoors, and I also got to do a job I loved.

about outdoor activities and work with landowners who When you sit back and look at all of these things com-
have problems with people and wildlife. I did presen- bined, it is easy to understand why the Department has
tations at schools and civic groups on different outdoor so many long-tenured employees. It isn’t just a career; it
topics, all of which I hadn’t thought about beforehand is a way of life. And I want to thank everyone involved

but came to understand how important these contacts in letting me play one little role in it.
are to the public, just to visit with the Game Warden to
ask questions or express concerns.
During my time as a Game Warden, the equipment

has improved a great deal. We now make use of night-vi- Bill Hale
sion gear, newer firearms, nicer patrol vehicles of all Chief of Law Enforcement
kinds, better training and training officers, and decoys. (Retired September 2019)

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