Meet “Warden,” the newest “agent” working for the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Enforcement Section. Warden, along with Agent Casey Zolper, are part of DNREC’s first-ever canine program.
After learning about canine programs in other states, Agent Zolper did some research, and then volunteered to take the intensive 400-hour, 10-week training course required to start the program in Delaware. The training was conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which hosts the premier resource enforcement K-9 unit in the country. The Commission provides training for K-9 programs in numerous states. The training, which is voice-command and praise-focused, is certified by the United States Police Canine Association.
Unlike traditional police canine units, Warden has been trained specifically to meet the needs of the Enforcement Section of DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Division. He is trained in tracking, evidence recovery and wildlife detection. In addition to helping agents in search and rescue operations, Warden is able to track people and wildlife, including doves, turkeys, ducks, deer, fish and shellfish. He is also able to sniff out evidence, like discarded firearms and shotgun shells.
Agent Zolper and Warden are permanent partners employed statewide.
Warden is a 17-month-old black lab, who was donated to DNREC’s Enforcement Section by Bill Wolter, founder of Owens Station, a hunting preserve in Sussex County that features some of the region’s best hunting dog stock. Wolter has been a dog trainer and hunter for more than 40 years.
Funding for the canine program was provided completely by donations from private organizations. These include Bill Wolter’s Owens Station, the Dewey Beach Lions Club and The National Turkey Federation.
