Lieutenant Game Warden Aaron Sims, a public information officer for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said game wardens mainly conduct compliance checks and rely on respectful relationships with hunters, especially given the limited number of wardens covering large areas. Sims was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.

“What makes us unique in law enforcement is that we're not always responding to 911 calls," said Sims on a recent edition of the Texas Talks Podcast. “We're doing compliance checks, and the overwhelming majority of anglers and hunters follow the law, abide by the laws, the bag limits, and the seasons. The majority of our contacts involve compliance checks, where we're checking licenses and bag limits, and most end in handshakes and conversations. This is a good thing because they serve as our eyes and ears when we can't be out there.” 

“There are just over 500 game wardens for the entire state of Texas, which isn't a lot," said Sims. “In our area, it's unique because it's multiple counties per game warden, while in other parts of the state, it's multiple wardens per county. You have to develop relationships, both with respect, and that's also how you check the hunters.”

Lieutenant Game Warden Sims serves as a public information officer for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which aims to manage and conserve Texas's natural and cultural resources. The department also provides hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities for the enjoyment of the community.

Texas Talks podcast is hosted by Brad Swail. The weekly show is focused on public policy in the state of Texas, with insights from the people and organizations that influence it.

The podcast is available on Simple Cast and YouTube.