JULY 2021 Blues Vol 37 No. 7

TEXAS GAME WARDENS PHOTO

TEXAS GAME WARDENS PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPT. & THE TEXAS GAME WARDENS information a state trooper learns, then add all the rules and regulations for Parks and Wildlife. Also, while you are there, you will learn how to back trailers, drive boats, ride four wheelers, and anything else you can think of a game warden might use. It’s an unforgettable experience for sure. After graduation, Provaznik was assigned to the Galveston district (a natural place for someone with her marine background) and she’s been there ever since. In early 2016, her boss approached her about the opportunity for her and her work partner, Mack Chambers, to participate in a reality show for Animal Planet that chronicles their adventures as Game Wardens. “Lone Star Law” premiered on June 2, 2016, and Provaznik has become one of the most popular ‘stars’ of the show. But Provaznik will tell you that fame, notoriety, whatever you want to call it, may sound cool, but there’s a downside as well. Like people following you down the highway because they want a selfie. Trying to arrest someone while people are asking for autographs. And don’t think for a minute that friendly Texas attitude and pretty face is going to go light on you if you’re breaking the law. Provaznik is as tough as her male counterparts, and she doesn’t back down from anyone. Like all law enforcement officers, Provaznik has her share of war-stories. When asked what’s the funniest thing she’s experienced since the academy, she said, “One of the funniest things I ever saw was during flounder season. I was checking bank fishermen and looking into coolers and almost everyone had a limit. I get to one cooler and the gentleman said “Aren’t they big! I got my two” and as I look at him, I saw the crotch of his pants move. And I look him straight in the face and asked “Um, excuse me sir, but do you have a fish in your pants?” he stated “Nope,” and the pants flopped again. Now dying laughing on the inside, I call my partner over the radio to see if he will search this man’s pants for a fish. And you know what he did, he stuck a live flounder into his boxers. It may had been my first time seeing someone put fish in their pants, but it was definitely not my last.” And your worst day? “Some of my worst days involve water fatalities, especially when most of them could have been prevented by wearing a life jacket. It’s my opinion that EVERYONE should wear a life jacket while underway, it’ll dramatically improve your chances of survival in an accident.” Finally, I asked her what her advice to someone thinking about becoming a game warden. “My advice to anyone looking to be a game warden is, first, make sure you love the outdoors, and you want to be a police officer. Yes, we work in the outdoors enforcing wildlife and boating rules and regulations, but we also are Texas Peace officers, you never know when you will stop an armed bank robber (trust me, I checked that box). Second, make sure you are willing to go anywhere in the state of Texas and know you may be stationed in a one warden county. Volunteer in your community, choose your friends wisely, and don’t be afraid of hard work. And last, but not least. Train. Train like your life depends on it because it just might one day. Hit the gym, swim, and run. Not only will it make you a healthier person, but it will also keep you strong mentally and physically for the demands of this job.” 50 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 51