Nebraskaland

objectives. With his political acumen and public support, Kosters fostered respect for game laws by sharing his warden's exploits in apprehending poachers and violators with the press. Still, despite his administration's best efforts, it would be many years before the tide of public opinion would truly turn. But it was a start. On March 1, 1926, Frank B. O'Connell — former adjutant of the American Legion — was appointed chief deputy warden. Although O'Connell was not a "sportsman of any fashion," reported the newspapers, he was a competent administrator, wrote Farrar. And he understood the power of the press. While Kosters solicited the favor of the newspapers, O'Connell took one step further by creating his own publication. In June 1926, the first edition of Outdoor Nebraska magazine — the precursor of Nebraskaland Magazine — was published. In addition to serving as chief game warden and secretary of the Bureau of Game and Fish — formally the Game and Fish Commission — O'Connell was also the magazine's editor. He used this new platform to spread the word of conservation, to urge the public to adhere to game laws and to advance the aims of his administration. A TURNING POINT O'Connell's administration was a turning point. In 1927, the legislature determined that all fees collected from hunting and fishing licenses were to fund the work of the Bureau of Game and Fish — a measure that sportsmen had been demanding. In addition to more funding, this measure would also help remove politicians from the game department and increase its accountability. T h e l a rge r b u d ge t a l l owe d fo r hiring more and better qualified game wardens to handle the increasing demands of a new pheasant season in October 1927 and the rise in violations that resulted from more stringent federal waterfowl hunting regulations during the 1930s — a response to plummeting bird numbers. At the end of 1928, a growing department budget left room for 12 to 20 paid wardens to be employed on a seasonal basis. Then, at the end of the decade, another major shift occurred — one that would usher in the modern era of game, fish and parks management in Nebraska. A NEW ERA Prior to 1930, the Bureau and its wardens were effectively one and the same. Law enforcement had made up half of the state's game and fish department, and its leadership served as both chief deputy game warden and Bureau head. However, during the 1929 legislative session, that changed. B a c ke d by t h e I z a a k Wa l t o n League, "which has been working for a number of years to put in force the Commission form of government in game affairs," reported Outdoor Nebraska magazine in July 1929, the Bureau of Game and Fish was removed from the Department of Agriculture and merged with the Forestation Commission and the Park Board, resulting in the creation of the Game, Forestation and Parks Commission. A board of commissioners would increase efficiency and help prevent corruption. Elected officials would also be leaders in their fields, bringing their knowledge and expertise in decision making. However, this restructuring meant that law enforcement would take a less prominent role in the administration of the fish and game department, subsequently becoming one of many divisions that fell under the responsibility of the agency. Still, the role of game wardens became no less vital — it became more focused. By the end of the year, 17 full-time officers were on payroll and furnished with green and gray, Mountie-like uniforms that were fitting of their p o s i t i o n . O 'C o n n e l l a l s o b e g a n e l i m i n a t i n g v o l u n t e e r s p e c i a l deputy wardens, keeping only a few individuals on a commission basis. In a 1929-1931 report, he referred to game wardens as "officers" for the first time. " In t h e 1 9 3 0 s a n d 1 9 4 0 s, l e s s was said about game wardens and more about game farms, improved fish hatcheries and new recreation areas and parks," Farrar wrote. "Law enforcement had become the reliable old horse in the team. It pulled its load without a lot of attention." It seems Nebraskans were finally warming up to their defenders of wildlife and wild places.

• Cover