As the summer time begins, it is just another day at the office for our Texas Game Wardens whose job never stops.
“It is always busy here on the coast,” says Texas Game Warden Lerrin Johnson.
Johnson and her partner of seven years, Albert Flores, took me out this morning for a glimpse into their day to day lives. And for the game wardens, boats travelling in the waters of the Coastal Bend are under their jurisdiction.
“We do commercial regulation as well as recreational regulations,” Johnson says.
The commercial boats they are regulating mainly consist of shrimpers. The game wardens board the ships to make sure they are following regulations.
“We’re going to make sure that they have their proper limits and licenses,” Johnson said.
After clearing the shrimping boats, Johnson and Flores turn their attention to recreational boats. They then begin a basic inspection.
“We are looking for basic water safety equipment,” Johnson says. “Such as life jackets, type four throwables and registration cards.”
They then will ask to see a fishing license from everyone on the boat. Fishing licenses are a requirement and failure to comply can result in a fine.
“It’s the law” Johnson says. “It would be like driving a car without a drivers license.”
With summer arriving in the Coastal Bend, Texas Game Wardens are urging visitors to follow the rules.
Anyone not familiar with the rules and regulations can get a copy of the parks and wildlife outdoor annual that can help with any questions.
