This article might come off a little bias towards Oklahoma game wardens, and if it does, it was intentional. Like police officers and fire fighters, I give these men and women all the kudos they deserve. I’ve always thought it must be a bit daunting for a warden to walk up on someone in a field knowing the majority of people they approach are likely toting a firearm. That said, I’ll give praise to Blake Cottrill (Garfield Co), Phillip Cottrill (Major Co), and Marshall Reigh (Grant Co.). These are all friends of mine and literally all guys I’d trust with about anything. They work long hours, and they work hard. More than anything, they all are of the opinion of trying to educate violators instead of simply issuing tickets.
I did a ride along with Warden Reigh at Kaw Lake recently. We made what seemed like a million contacts, and for the most part, people were compliant and had the requisite boating regulations in order. He’s always told me he’d rather educate folks than simply write tickets for lesser violations. Funny story, when I first met Warden Cottrill (Philip, not Blake), he was the local warden. I shot a turkey and had drug it 100 yards to my truck to tag it. He was sure to inform me it needed to be tagged where it was shot as opposed to moving it prior to tagging it. I’ve hunted my whole life, but I reckon I wasn’t aware of that rule. Instead of giving me a fine, he let me know the regulations.
Back to the premise of this article: Warden Reigh was just awarded “Game Warden of the Year” for the entire state. I know of no other person that likes to hunt/fish as much as him (and his wife and daughter). He mentions the best part of his job is spending time working with the public. He gets to spend his time outdoors, and he hopes to do more checking of compliance rather than writing tickets.
His father was the Payne County Warden beginning in 1976. They traveled all over the U.S. hunting and fishing, and he instilled the love of the outdoors in his children. Therein lies the love for the outdoors.
There are currently 118 wardens in the state, making it the 2nd largest law enforcement agency. You must have a bachelor’s degree with 16 hours of “upper level” science to apply. Game wardens are referred to by many as the “Swiss Army Knife of Law Enforcement”, which is certainly applicable. They handle not only law enforcement duties but answer questions all day (and sometimes night) about what someone can do/cannot do.
I’ve rambled long enough. My friend and the Grant County Warden, Reigh, just won this prestigious award out of over 100 wardens. I literally don’t know a more “down to earth” guy that loves his/her job more than he does. I don’t hate being a lawyer by any means, but I also don’t love my job like he does. Congrats pal.
