GAME WARDENS VS STATE TROOPERS: The difference in 
jurisdiction between Game Wardens and State Troopers 
[07 “…rules and regulations.”] … on Passport to Texas. 

This is Passport to Texas’ Ask a Game Warden

Game Wardens and State Troopers are state peace 
officers; although assigned to specific areas, they enforce 
laws and regulations wherever needed statewide. 

Sharon Cundiff of Williamson County contacted us to ask 
about the difference between Wardens’ and Troopers’ 
jurisdictional areas. We reached out to Game Warden 
Travis Porter, in Tarrant County, to help sort things out.

43—One of the main differences between State Troopers and Game 
Wardens are that Game Wardens have the added ability to enforce 
wildlife and natural resource rules and regulations throughout the state 
as well. Game Wardens are the law enforcement off the pavement. Most 
of the time, we get off the roadway, and that’s where we enforce most 
of our rules and regulations. Texas Law grants us the ability to enforce 
those laws anywhere wildlife lives, roams, or can be found—with a few 
limitations. These laws are designed so that we can enter private 
and/or public property to enforce hunting, water safety, natural 
resource laws and regulations, when the situation is called to do so. 
Game Wardens use these abilities to promote and regulate safety 
among those who are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the 
outdoors, and to help conserve natural resources for future 
generations. 

Click on the Contact Us link at passporttotexas.org to 
submit your Ask a Game Warden question.

Lone Star Law featuring Texas Game Wardens airs on 
Animal Planet Thursdays at 9 p.m. CT.

The TPW Foundation supports our series and helps keep 
Texas wild with the support of proud members across the 
state. Find out more at tpwf.org. 

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.  





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