Fulfilling a Life-Long Drealll Becollling A Maine Gallle Warden By Tom Seymour Fishing and hunting were not part of Anthony Gray's early family life. And yet, outdoor sports appealed to the youngster. Young Anthony spent time boating on Thompson Lake, and that brought him into contact with people who were out fishing. That was all it took to kindle a deep fascination with the outdoors, the results of which were to affect the course of his adult life. By the time he reached middle school, Anthony had set his mind upon a career in the outdoors, specifically that of a Maine Game Warden. To that end, he made an appointment to visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's (DIF&W) Gray Regional Headquarters. There, Anthony met with a Warden Lieutenant who gave the youngster support and direction . Along with other solid advice, this warden told Anthony to immerse himself in outdoor recreation, specifically hunting and fishing.
Outdoor Buddies After the interview, Anthony told his father what that warden had told him. At that point, the senior Gray decided to do whatever he needed to in order to help his son learn everything he could about the outdoors. From that point on, the two became outdoor buddies , going on trips and sharing quality time together in Maine 's great outdoors. Tn time , Anthony graduated from high school and then headed for college. Since no openings existed for new wardens at that time , Anthony enrolled in forestry courses at University of Maine in Orono. After three years, he transferred to University of Maine in Augusta and spent the next I -_ years in criminal justice tudies . Both these pursuits seemed beneficial to his long hoped-for, eventual employment as a Maine Game Warden . After graduation, Anthony married
Maine Fish and Wildlife
and about that same time, applied for a position as a police officer with the City of Auburn. He was hired, and served for 1-_ years as a police officer. Then came the news that DIF&W was hiring wardens. Anthony applied, made it through the physical, oral boards and final interview process, and soon after was enrolled in a 14-week course of Advanced Warden School hosted by DIF&W. The first section of the course was held at the former Naval Base at Winter Harbor, and the balance of training was completed at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro. Upon completion of training, Anthony Gray became a Maine Warden, fulfilling his life-long dream. Thus far, Anthony has served as district warden for the New Game Warden Anthony Gray South Paris area for approximately one year. When asked how he likes with the Maine Warden Service. He's his job, he said, "I love it." here to stay, he says. For him , there is no other or better job. Gray attributes his becoming a warden to that initial meeting Varied Duties with the kindly warden lieutenant who Warden Gray's duties are many and helped him to set his goals and to work varied. In summer, Gray logs his hours toward them. And of course, he thanks on the water, enforcing fishing and boathis father for supporting him in his ing laws. In winter, Warden Gray moniendeavor. tors snowmobile activity. Checking ATV Anthony Gray has some advice to riders , a year-round task, occupies part of others who may aspire to a career as a Gray's time as well. Warden Gray says that typically war- Maine Game Warden . Gray says to immerse yourself in the outdoors. dens from all around the state are Become active in fishing and hunting, detailed to northern and eastern regions and learn all you can from everyone you to assist the wardens there during meet. Gray also mentioned that it is stan Maine's moose hunt. This past season, dard procedure for young people to 'jobGray spent two days working the hunt in shadow', and "ride-along" with a Maine Monticello , with the district warden in Warden . The two requirement for this that region. "It's a great job, with lots of variety," opportunity are that you must be at least 18 years old, and have a serious interest Warden Gray said. For him, some of that in becoming a warden. So if you, too, variety includes working on search-anddream of becoming a Maine Warden, call rescue details. Gray said that last fall, he the nearest DIF&W regional headquarters spent an entire night in the field, searchand ask to link up with a warden. After ing for a missing person. Finally, another member of Gray's team located that indithat, the rest will be up to you. vidual. Warden Gray plans to make a career
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