Code enforcer

By age 16, Kevin Polley knew he wanted to become a conservation agent.

His father was in law enforcement, and when Polley was younger, he rode along with game wardens learning about the wildlife code, increasing his desire to work in the field.

“I’m an avid outdoorsman, and my fit is working for the department,” Polley said.

Polley, 32, of Sedalia, has been with the Missouri Department of Conservation in Sedalia for almost four years.

His duties include checking fishing licenses, and enforcing codes against poaching, littering and spotlighting.
Polley said a lot of reports come from phone calls by concerned citizens.

“We hardly ever get lucky and just stumble across this stuff,” Polley said.

His job is 50 percent law enforcement and 50 percent public outreach. When he is not tracking down the “bad guys,” he is teaching hunter education classes or speaking with organizations about conservation.

“We’re here to serve the public,” Polley said.

He received a degree from Central Missouri State University in conservation enforcement.

After more than six months and 1,200 hours of training and tests, he was qualified to enforce the wildlife code. He is the only conservation agent in Pettis County, and his job requires a flexible schedule.

“We have no idea what the days are going to bring,” Polley said.

Polley works from home. The best part of his job is the flexibility and the ability to travel all over Missouri. His schedule gives him time to spend with his wife and two children.

Patty Hopkins, public service assistant for the department, said Polley takes his job very seriously.

“Kevin is extremely diligent when it comes to his job,” Hopkins said. “He ... is a firm believer in everything his job stands for.”

With archery season under way and firearm season approaching, Polley said there is no shortage of work.

“Fall is busy with hunting season, but anymore we don’t slow down,” Polley said.

He said most of the time people violate conservation laws and codes unknowingly or because they believe it is not a big deal, compared to traffic laws.

“We want to continue to have quality hunting and fishing, and the only way to continue that is compliance of the wildlife code,” Polley said.
Conservation is important in helping to protect the wildlife populations in Missouri. Deer season also helps generate revenue and produce jobs, Polley said.

Enforcing the wildlife code also helps to protect people from injuries while hunting and fishing.

“We want people to go and enjoy hunting and fishing but we want people to come home from that too,”

With a range of toys such as watercrafts, a four-wheeler and company truck, he can enforce the wildlife code on land or water.

“It’s my little way to give back to the sport I participate in and enjoy so much,” Polley said.