The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will begin accepting applications on December 1 for the 69th Texas Game Warden and State Park Police cadet class. The application period will close on December 31.

The cadet program is open to individuals interested in enforcing conservation laws, ensuring public safety, and joining the next generation of state law enforcement officers.

As fully commissioned peace officers, game wardens and park police enforce all Texas criminal laws, including the Penal Code, Transportation Code, and Health and Safety Codes. Their duties extend beyond city streets, with responsibilities that include patrolling remote regions, enforcing hunting and fishing regulations, monitoring waterways, and keeping millions of residents and visitors safe while enjoying the outdoors.

“Since 1895, Texas Game Wardens have been an elite branch of law enforcement that is critical to protecting our communities and Texas’ natural heritage,” said Col. Ron A. VanderRoest, TPWD Law Enforcement Director. “Honor, commitment and service guide our wardens every day as they focus on conservation enforcement, connect with the public and respond to emergencies and natural disasters across the state.”

Game wardens are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, teaching hunter and boater education courses, hosting outreach events, and working with local partners to promote safe and ethical outdoor recreation. TPWD officers also play a vital role in emergency response, trained in search, rescue, and recovery operations on land, in the air, and on the water.

The Texas Legislature has authorized an expanded enforcement program that includes a 50‑hour work week for game wardens and paid overtime for State Park Police. This schedule increases patrol coverage statewide and provides opportunities for higher earnings.

State Park Police officers share a similar mission, patrolling forests, rivers, mountains, and beaches to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for nearly 10 million annual visitors. “For more than 50 years, State Park Police Officers have protected Texas’ parks and people,” said Chief Wes Masur, Director of State Park Police. “Our officers use community‑oriented policing strategies to educate the public, enforce state laws, and serve as active partners with local law enforcement agencies. It is demanding work at times, but serving Texans in these special places is an incredibly rewarding career.”

Applicants must be at least 21 years old by the start of the academy and hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university by June 30, 2026. Candidates must also pass a background check, psychological and medical evaluations, and complete a physical readiness test that includes handgun stability, a 2,000‑meter row, and a swim test.

Cadets accepted into the program will live at the Game Warden Training Center near Hamilton during the 35‑week training period, which begins October 1, 2026.

Applications can be submitted online. The process is highly competitive, with only the most qualified applicants selected to attend the academy. For more information, visit the TPWD game warden career webpage or contact park police recruiter EJ Rivera at ej.rivera@tpwd.texas.gov.