New Ohio Wildlife Officer assigned to Scioto County

Ohio Wildlife Officer Tyler Fields, of Pomeroy, has been assigned to Scioto County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Officer Fields replaces Ohio Wildlife Officer Cole Tilton, who transferred to Vinton County last year.

Officer Fields is one of 11 Ohio wildlife officer cadets who completed the 31st Wildlife Officer Training Academy and was sworn in as a commissioned wildlife officer during a graduation ceremony Friday, March 17.

The cadets completed the 21-week Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training as well as 10 weeks of specialized wildlife officer training by the Division of Wildlife. Cadets received instruction in wildlife law enforcement procedures and agency policies, wildlife and fisheries management, communications, outdoor education, all-terrain vehicle operation, hunter safety and advanced firearms and self-defense.

Officer Fields, 25, graduated from Meigs High School and then Hocking College in 2018 with a degree in natural resources law enforcement.

Prior to the academy, Officer Fields was a trooper for the Ohio State Highway Patrol and served in the Ohio Army National Guard from 2016-22. During his downtime, Officer Fields enjoys hunting, kayaking, hiking and fishing.

As a wildlife officer, Fields has statewide authority to enforce wildlife regulations and protect state lands, waterways and property. As a state law enforcement officer, he also contributes to public safety both locally in southeast Ohio (Wildlife District Four) and in Ohio’s vast outdoors.

Each year, Ohio’s wildlife officers speak to hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs; perform fish and wildlife conservation duties; and provide technical advice and instruction about wildlife management issues, hunting, fishing and other outdoor-related recreation.

Officer Fields is now in the field and will continue his training by working with experienced wildlife officers during the next six months.

To reach Officer Fields directly, call (614) 565-9064. To report suspicious activity involving wildlife, call (800) POACHER (762-2437). Reports can remain anonymous.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.