Nebraskaland

56 Nebraskaland • April 2026 "Conservation work ... requir[es] strong law enforcement skills and judgement but applied in a way that protects natural resources for future generations. After many years in traditional policing, that aspect has been especially fulfilling," Prohaska said. He appreciates working with the public in a setting that fosters positive, proactive interactions rather than strictly reactive enforcement. What Prohaska enjoys less about being a conservation officer is the p a p e r wo r k , re p o r t i n g a n d t i m e spent navigating the complexities of evolving rules and regulations. While necessary, the administrative workload can sometimes take away from time spent in the field and interacting with the public, he said. A d d i t i o n a l l y, " e n f o r c e m e n t isn't always clearly understood by the public. Educating individuals who may not realize they are in violation c a n b e t i m e c o n s u m i n g , a n d compliance doesn't always come easily. That said, those moments also reinforce the importance of patience, communication and professionalism," he explained. The downsides don't outwe igh the satisfaction of the work. Serving the public and protecting the state's natural resources is what ultimately drives conservation officers to do what they do. Although there is no "typical" work week, officers do "follow the activity." They adjust their schedules to whenever hunters, anglers, boaters and parkgoers are most active. For example, during deer season, Shepler is out early in the morning to check permits. Then he might go home for a couple hours and then go back out in the afternoon. And then again at night to watch for night hunters. On the other hand, during the park season, most bad activity happens during the evening, late night and early morning. Despite having to work weekends, holidays and some nights, which can put a strain on family life, the job does allow for some flexibility during the week, and it's fun. "What other job do you get issued a truck and/or a boat and/or a UTV and/ or a jet ski? Where your job is to go out and interact with people who are fishing, and get on the water and ride a boat, and enjoy the sunrise and the quiet?" said Shepler. "And the good thing is, most of the people that we interact with are good people." While officers like Prohaska and S h e p l e r fo u n d c o n s e r va t i o n l aw enforcement later in their careers, there are rare birds like Sophia Gobber, who became a conservation officer right out of college at 21 years old, the minimum age. She is the youngest CO to be hired since southeastern district conservation officer Russell Mort joined 50 years ago. Six years on the team, Gobber still considers herself a "baby" in her career. Gobber showed a strong interest in wildlife from an early age. She grew u p h u n t i n g a n d f i s h i n g n e a r Syracuse located outside of Lincoln a n d vo l u n te e re d h e r t i m e w i t h a local wildlife biologist, who inspired her to pursue a career in the outdoors. Then, while attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, an internship with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission cemented her path. The time she spent riding along with COs led to her pursuing a double major

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