WGFD Photo
Rock Springs Game Warden Dave Hays just reached a career milestone; Hays has worked for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department 35 years and is not ready to call it quits, just yet.
Hays, an Iowa native, graduated from University of Wyoming in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology and Wildlife Management.
Hays began his career with the WGFD in July of 1979 in the Laramie Game and Fish Regional Office, working various temporary appoin
tments as a check station technician, biologist aid, district biologist, and eventually, a game warden trainee in Glenrock in 1982.
In 1983, after graduating from the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy, Hays was assigned to Alcova to work as a watercraft enforcement officer and, later that year, to work in the Cheyenne Game and Fish Headquarters.
In 1984, Hays was assigned to Douglas and served as the district game warden in Converse County for 10 years.
Hays transferred to Green River in 1994 and to Rock Springs in 1997, where he has been district game warden for the past 19 years.
In 1993, Hays received the statewide WGFD Peer Recognition Award and was also named Wildlife Officer of the Year by the Wyoming Game Warden Association.
“From the first day I started this career I would often think to myself, I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do this,” Hays said. “After more than three decades, I still have a few of those same reflective moments.”
“Dave Hays has distinguished himself as a professional and dedicated wildlife officer and wildlife manager throughout his career,” said Green River Wildlife Supervisor Steve DeCecco. “Wyoming’s wildlife and citizens have benefited from his knowledge and expertise.”
Hays shares his life with his two sons, David and Evan, and three dogs, who think his green patrol truck is their second home.