Department of Natural Resources (D.N.R.) Safety Education Programs

SLEA members have the opportunity to become student and/or instructor certified in D.N.R. Safety Education Programs.  SLEA offers the following courses: ATV Education, Angler Education, Boating Safety Education, Bow Hunter Education, Hunter Education, and Snowmobile Education.  SLEA is always looking for apprentices and instructors to help teach the programs.  If you have any questions about the Safety Education Programs, please contact our Vice President, Chad Wippermann.

Law Enforcement Ride-Along Opportunities

Involvement in SLEA provides members with ride-along opportunities. This is a great way to gain hands-on experience riding in a law enforcement vehicle and meeting valuable contacts.  If you are interested in participating in a ride-along, please contact SLEA Advisor Bob Holsman.

Internships

There are countless internship opportunities that exist in the law enforcement field.  Members can set up internships with Conservation Wardens, City Police Officers, Sheriffs’ Deputies and Forest or Park Rangers.  Interns gain valuable experiences while working in the field that will aid them in their career paths.  Contact SLEA Advisor Bob Holsman if you are interested in learning more about internships.

Sturgeon Guard

SLEA members travel over to the Wolf River each year to assist the D.N.R. with their Sturgeon Guard program.  Members simply sit on the riverbank to deter poachers from committing violations on the prehistoric fish species during their peak spawning period.  Click here to watch some video footage taken by SLEA Freshman Cabinet member Ryan Propson.

River Watch, Spring Fish Runs and Fall Salmon Runs

These activities let SLEA members work side-by-side with Wardens in the field.  SLEA members function as the eyes and ears for Wardens while fishing amongst potential violators.  Common problems that occur are noncompliance issues such as littering and fishing violations.  This gives SLEA members valuable contacts, involvement in protecting our aquatic natural resources, and gain hands-on field experience in the real world.

SLEA Trips

During the fall SLEA members will have the opportunity to participate in the fall recreational trip.  SLEA members have the chance to shoot shotguns, rifles, handguns, bows, ride ATVs, shine deer, bow hunt, and small game hunt.

Last year SLEA members took an ice fishing trip to Vilas County.  They were able to gain experience ice fishing.  SLEA members received valuable hands-on training on ice fishing equipment.

In the past, SLEA members took a trout fishing trip in the spring.  SLEA members were able to learn about fly-fishing, complex rules and regulations, and equipment involved in trout fishing.  Members also learned fish identification.

Highway Clean-Up

SLEA members volunteer their time cleaning up a two-mile stretch of Hwy J in Portage County several times a year.  SLEA adopted the two-mile stretch and is responsible for picking up litter along the ditches.  Following the clean-up effort, SLEA members typically meet at Jordan Park and enjoy a cookout where they meet new friends and gain insight into SLEA activities and job opportunities from veteran SLEA members. 

Wisconsin Deer, Turkey and Fishing Expo and Sport Shows

Each spring SLEA member volunteer their time at the Wisconsin Conservation Warden Association booth at the Sport Show in Madison and Milwaukee.  SLEA members meet Conservation Wardens from all around the state.  SLEA members answer questions, sell goods and have fun hearing stories from Wardens during the event.  Admission to the Sport Shows for SLEA volunteers is free and housing is usually provided.

Cookouts and Bonfires

Throughout the semester, SLEA members enjoy fine cooked meals as a group.  Recently we started grilling out near a boat landing by the Wisconsin River.  We also have a small bonfire at these cookouts.

Wisconsin River Clean-Up

Each spring SLEA members participate in the Wisconsin River Clean-up in Wausau, Wisconsin.  SLEA members supervise grade school and high school kids while cleaning up the river by boat or by walking the river banks.

Lake Superior Marine Warden Ride-Along Opportunity

SLEA Members have the opportunity to work with Conservation Wardens on Lake Superior.  SLEA members spend most of their day on the water learning about Marine enforcement techniques and Great Lakes navigation while checking for both commercial and non-commercial fishing violations.  In the evenings, SLEA members learn about raccoon hunting while treeing raccoons with hunting dogs.  This is an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge of our natural resources and hunting and fishing heritage.

Elections

Any SLEA member who has two or more semesters before they graduate can run for an officer position.  Officer positions are very involved and SLEA members who are dedicated and motivated will make good candidates.  Elections are held in December.

Law Enforcement Recruit Academy

SLEA members typically interview for the Law Enforcement Recruit Academy in the fall of their sophomore or junior year.  The academy starts in January of the spring semester and runs for approximately 15 weeks.  New recruits typically apply for Limited Term Employment positions as Forest or Park Rangers following their academy graduation in late March or early April.  Once they graduate they are certified law enforcement officers for a period of two years.  Once you are hired either part-time or full-time you will be certified by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.  If you discontinue your employment, your certification will terminate after a period of two years without Law Enforcement Employment.

Ice Fishing Tournament

For the past 3 years, SLEA members have been hosting an ice fishing tournament to raise money for Safety Programs and SLEA projects.  The contest takes place every February on McDill Pond.  SLEA members seek donations from local businesses for event prizes.  SLEA members sell tickets, grill food, and even find time to do a little fishing.