A Mount Vernon resident was one of 11 students who began classes in the 31st Ohio Wildlife Cadet Training Academy on Aug. 22.
Taylor N. Combs began classes on Aug. 22, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
“Keeping Ohioans safe and protecting our wildlife resources are two of our top priorities,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a release. “These cadets, once trained, will increase our ability to serve Ohioans and will create a positive experience for Ohio’s sportsmen. We are happy to have them on board with the Division of Wildlife.”
The 11 cadets were chosen from a pool of nearly 800 applicants. They will undergo more than 6 months of training before becoming Ohio wildlife officers after graduation in March 2023. Ten of the future officers will be assigned to individual counties, with one remaining at large.
Ohio wildlife officers enforce wildlife regulations and protect state lands, waterways and property. They also speak to clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs, perform fish and wildlife surveys and provide technical advice and instruction about wildlife management issues, hunting, fishing and other outdoor related recreation.
A cadet who requires state law enforcement certification must complete approximately 21 weeks of Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training. All cadets get another 8-10 weeks of specialized training from the Division of Wildlife. This includes law enforcement procedures and agency policies as well as wildlife and fisheries management, communications skills, ATV and vehicle operations, and advanced firearms and self-defense topics.
