STATE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENTS 195 



up to a certain point, personnel should be recruited who are 

 likely to remain in the service, and only a limited number 

 of the better educated men, who can be assured of reason- 

 ably rapid promotion, should be encouraged to enter it. 



The qualities most desired in a warden are a practical 

 knowledge of woodcraft, physical endurance, courage, and 

 honesty. Special training in elementary biology can be given 

 after entrance to the service. Physical characteristics can 

 be determined by age, and by medical examination ; honesty 

 and courage, to some extent, by records of past experience. 



The examination system for warden appointments seems 

 to have originated in Wisconsin some twenty years ago. 

 The State Civil Service Examiner aided by Dr. Palmer of 

 the United States Biological Survey conducted the first ex- 

 aminations which were in the nature of the theoretical and 

 practical tests of the candidate's knowledge of wild life. 



To-day, Wisconsin tests the candidate's knowledge of the 

 game and fish laws by an objective written examination. In 

 addition the candidate is given a recognition test to determine 

 his ability to recognize birds, fish, and other wild animals, 

 and an oral test under the direction of the Director of Per- 

 sonnel upon his general knowledge and character. Each test 

 carries a weight of one-third. 



The Minnesota examination is fairly typical of those 

 given in the mid- west. To qualify for the position of game 

 warden, the applicant must be: an American citizen and a 

 resident of the state, not less than 25 nor more than 50 

 years of age, healthy and physically fit, have an eighth grade 

 education or its equivalent and pass a written examination 

 with a grade of at least 60 percent. 



The written examination consists of simple questions to 

 determine the applicant's knowledge of wild life, of the 

 game and fish laws, civil government, mathematics, and 

 English. In determining the final rating of the applicant 



