Wanted: deputy game wardens

Now that he has settled in as the Pa. Game Commission's new wildlife conservation officer for Cameron County, Wayne Hunt is looking to build a new team to provide better service.

Hunt, who began service as WCO last month, has put out a call for deputies.

It's a familiar role for Hunt, who served as a deputy to WCO Doty McDowell in Elk County for six years before graduating from the Game Commission's WCO training program earlier this year.

"It's vital that I establish a core group of deputies," Hunt told Endeavor News. "But I am confident that I will have no problems doing so, since Cameron County has such large base of people familiar with the area and the wildlife."

Hunt also said he is out to repair some of the relationships between the Game Commission and both hunters and property owners that may have lapsed since the WCO position stood vacant.

WCO Travis Anderson was assigned to Cameron County for a short time, but relocated to Somerset County for personal reasons.

Before Anderson, Clint Deniker and Wes Stauffer each held the position for relatively short periods of time.

Doty McDowell, who covered Cameron County as well as he could on an interim basis, encouraged local citizens to support Hunt by becoming deputies.

"Deputies make our job a lot easier," McDowell said. "Yes, they have to spend some time and money for little in return. But they're not in it for the money -- they do it out of a love of nature and a desire to help."

He pointed out that the Game Commission is not just a hunting and law enforcement agency.

"Basically, a WCO handles anything that occurs in the area dealing with wildlife," McDowell said. "Cameron County is a great place to be. Not only are the people supportive, but there is some flexibility and you can get more involved with wildlife work."

Hunt noted that becoming a deputy has been a stepping stone for himself and others to eventually being hired as a wildlife conservation officer.

Deputies must be at least 21 years old. A "ride-along" internship with a WCO of at least 20 hours is required.

Deputies must also pass an exam and undergo training. Candidates should have knowledge of wildlife, hunting and trapping, as well as an ability to maintain good relationships with the public.

WCO Hunt can be reached through the Game Commission's regional office at 570-398- 4744.

Additional details on the deputy WCO requirements are available at the Game Commission website, pgc. state.pa.us.