62 Nebraskaland • March 2025
THE LAST STOP
The line of conservation officers — often known to hunters
and anglers as "game wardens" — was long. It stretched
from one end of the hall of the Crete Carrier Riverview
Lodge at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park to the other, small
conversations between old and new colleagues forming a
baseball-stadium-crowd-like hum.
With a black backdrop and portable studio lights, I had
been tasked to photograph each of these officers after one of
their rare meetings together.
I was working fast, the mood was light and this assembly-
line process would be finished soon.
"Why are we doing this?" someone called out from down
the hall loud enough for everyone to hear.
"For when they show you on TV after something bad
happens," another responded.
Pause.
Pause to the old stories between old friends.
Pause to the laughter.
But the interlude didn't last long, and within a minute, the
banter resumed. Despite the dangerous nature of their jobs,
often acting as first responders to non-wildlife incidents on
top of their everyday duties, our conservation officers don't
have time to worry about what could happen.
The hats they wear are many, the least of which is checking
to see if a hunter or angler has the appropriate license. They
investigate poaching cases, make arrests, testify in court and
respond whenever a person, or group of people, compromises
the enjoyment of the outdoors for others.
They also mentor kids, volunteer at shooting ranges, make
public appearances, teach classes, appear on radio shows and
are handpicked because they are good with people. Through
all the times I've been stopped by officers, I've never had a
negative experience.
They understand their roles, and their demeanor
can change on a dime depending on their complex job
requirements. They are a special group of friendly people.
So when you encounter them, do your best to hold up your
end of the friendly part.
Brian Arp and his conservation officer colleagues wear many
hats for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
PHOTO BY JEFF KURRUS
By Jeff Kurrus
WHEN SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS
