The commission—which oversees the department's commissioner and promulgates regulations governing fishing, hunting, and boating—is a nine-member bipartisan board appointed by the governor from a list of candidates nominated by active hunters and anglers in each of nine geographic districts in the state.
Financial support of the department is derived through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, boat registrations, federal grants and numerous other receipts.
The department has a $68 million budget and employs about 400 full-time staff and more than 100 interim (seasonal) employees and contract labor.
The department's mission is to conserve, protect and enhance Kentucky's fish and wildlife resources and provide outstanding opportunities for fishing, hunting, trapping, boating, shooting sports, wildlife viewing, and related activities.
1912: Kentucky Division of Game and Fish formed as a small commission with limited staff.
It focuses on regulations to protect and help recover the fish and wildlife populations of the state that had been depleted as a result of unregulated exploitation of various kinds, as well as rapid habitat loss.
Commissioner Earl Wallace announces a department magazine, Happy Hunting Ground, to inform and educate the public.
The first issue is published in December 1945, with a press run of 15,000 and a subscription cost of 50 cents a year.
Big Game Restoration Program, cooperative quail raising project with sportsmen begin.
Experimental release of Great Plains jackrabbits in Mercer, Pendleton and Hancock counties.
All netting operations in Tennessee River below Kentucky Dam banned due to widespread violations.
1973: Minor Clark Fish Hatchery at Cave Run Lake begins operations.
Second CO dies in line of duty—Denver Tabor drowns July 20 in Ohio River attempting to save a 10-year-old.
Formal training becomes requirement for COs; receive 160 hours instruction in basic fish and wildlife law enforcement at Eastern Kentucky University.
1982: Nongame Program begins; studies distribution and management of species not hunted or fished; partial funding by voluntary contributions through state income tax check-off.
First state issued patrol vehicles for Conservation Officers 1984: Statewide VHF Radio system operational.
Legislature passes law giving conservation officers full police powers.
Law Enforcement uses mounted wildlife (deer, turkey) as decoys to apprehend violators.
Third conservation officer killed in line of duty—Robert C. Banker shot March 19 while checking a fishing license.
Division of Public Affairs adds "Policy" to its name, helps department leaders make better decisions by providing information and developing processes.
[2] 2001: Division of Water Patrol Regions Abolished, and all officers wear green uniforms.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is directed by a Commissioner, and overseen by nine District Commission Members.
Commission Members serve as an oversight board, recommending fish, wildlife and boating regulations and statutes (pending final action by applicable legislative committees for regulations, or the legislature as a whole for statutes) and approving large-scale contracts such as major research projects.
The five nominees receiving the most votes are sent to the Governor of Kentucky for appointment of one as District Commission Member.
[6][7] Since the establishment of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, six officers have died in the line of duty.