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Summer
2007
Minnesota
DNR Enforcement Celebrates 120
Minnesota is very excited to host the 2007 NAWEOA Conference during
the 120th anniversary of Minnesota conservation law enforcement.
The year is 1887. The Boone & Crockett Club is organized to
protect U.S. wildlife from ruthless slaughter by commercial market
hunters. Its founders are a group of "American hunting riflemen" including
Theodore Roosevelt.
1997 also marked a milestone in the history of conservation in
Minnesota when the legislature appointed W.F. Zwickey as the first
Minnesota game warden. His mission: cover the entire state enforcing
game and fish laws. Never mind there was no salary, no expense
money and no personnel to assist him. Not surprising that Zwickey
lasted less than two years before taking another law enforcement
position in Washington state.
In 1889 the legislature deleted the position entirely, shifting
the enforcement of "wildlife" laws back to local sheriffs,
policemen and constables. Two years later the position of game
warden was re-established. He received a small salary and could
select four unpaid deputies to assist.
Flash forward to 2007.
PDF Format.
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