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.