Dec 8, 2014 4 min read

Hunting season is well under way. It’s an exciting time for many, not only 16 year olds with new hunting licenses, but for hunters throughout Washington and Greene counties.

It’s not only hunters who are out and about, however. Wildlife Conservation Officers are also in the neighborhood, enforcing laws and protecting wildlife.

Wildlife Conservation Officer Daniel Sitler has been in the field for 15 years.

“We wear many hats,” Sitler said. Protecting wildlife resources is “first and foremost,” however, WCOs have many other jobs, as well.

Wildlife management is a major aspect to their line of work. WCOs work to tag bears, respond to calls about sick or injured animals, control deer populations and give advice to landowners.

While on the job, WCOs are permitted to pull over and arrest people on offenses unrelated to wildlife, such as drug offenses.

WCOs also educate the community. They can be found speaking anywhere from preschools to colleges to civic organizations.

Of course, that only scratches the surface of their jobs.

“One nice thing about this job is we never see the same thing twice,” Sitler commented. This appears to be true.

Sitler pointed out differences regarding the Pennsylvania Game Commission as opposed to other law enforcement agencies. WCOs have flexible schedules, not to mention they are able to work from, and keep their state vehicles at, home.

Their training is different, as well. The academy portion itself lasts 50 weeks. It is different than police training and includes more wildlife biology training.

According to Sitler, the academy training is the longest in the country and is very intense.

After graduating, officers-in-training spend 10 weeks in the field with another officer in an assigned district. WCOs can continue their training even after certification.

Sitler said the type of calls he receives depends on the time of year.

Frequent calls during the hunting season consist of possible violations, poaching and other illegal activity. During the spring when wildlife is born, they receive many calls concerning raccoons and fawns. Calls about sick and injured animals are consistent year-round, and areas with a large population of bears receive many calls related to the animals.

Sitler related stories about unusual calls. For example, every once in a while, a deer needs to be rescued from inside a building. Sitler said he even responded to a call where he found a deer standing in a bathtub inside someone’s home. He has also rescued a deer stuck in a pond. The deer allowed him to towel dry it after being rescued.

Sitler added deer can be dangerous and can hit or cut people with their hooves. Sitler urged community members to contact Pennsylvania Game Commission with information concerning illegal activity, such as deer poaching. He said WCOs rely on public reports. “[It’s] definitely crucial in our line of work.”

To report emergencies or illegal activity to Pennsylvania Wildlife Commission, call 724-238-9523.

Sitler wanted to be involved in law enforcement since he was a freshman in high school. He loved hunting and wildlife in general, so he took beneficial classes and enlisted in the U.S. Army reserves.

“This is kind of a dream job,” he said.

For anyone interested in pursuing a career as a WCO, Sitler offered some advice: It’s important to stay out of trouble, have integrity and be willing to do the job. Although a college education is not required, he said it enables you to market yourself.

As far as this year’s hunting season goes, Sitler has a few tips for hunters. He recommends hunting where there is a food source, such as apples and acorns. A desirable place to hunt is in and around oak trees. He suggests hunters do their homework before going out for a better chance of success.

Though he said he’s seen some nice deer and bucks this year, he added it is important to keep the same thing in mind every year: “[The] most important thing for (hunters) is just to be safe.”