Meet Philip Ferry, Westmoreland County's new game warden

Philip Ferry has been one with the woods since he was a young boy.

Growing up in Youngstown, Pa., surrounded by forest and wildlife, his affinity for hunting and being an outdoorsman is what led him to become Westmoreland County’s new game warden.

“Most people …. they find out early, when they’re a kid, that they want to be a game warden,” Ferry said. “For me, I had never really thought about it at a young age. I’ve always been big on the outdoors. I grew up in the woods. I’m passionate about fishing, hunting, camping – all of that.”

Being a Boy Scout and then Eagle Scout, Ferry formed a deep appreciation for nature. He was constantly outdoors, and lived in a secluded area with few neighbors. His idea of fun was running around and exploring the woods near his home.

Ferry was working as a parts liaison for Laurel Highland Motors’ collision center when he saw the advertisements for game warden applications, he thought he’d give it a shot.

“I thought why not get out there and try to protect the wildlife for people that are out there trying to do things the right way for hunting and whatnot,” Ferry said.

This plan launched Ferry into an extensive two year application and training process. Requirements include being at least 21 years old, a state resident and having at least 60 college credits or military experience. Eligible applicants are then required to take a civil service exam.

Those who pass the exam are invited to Harrisburg for a physical fitness test developed for different age groups. At age 43, Ferry had to complete pushups, situps, vertical jumps, a bench press, a 300-yard sprint and a mile and a half timed run.

After a two month background check and a medical exam comes an oral interview, where applicants have to solve field scenarios. After passing all of these phases, a 44-week cadet class must be completed. Ferry reported March 27 last year and just graduated on Feb. 4.

“The training school is quite the battle itself,” Ferry said. “They put a lot of information in your head in those 44 weeks. Long days with early mornings, but in the end it’s all worth it because you’re one of the most trained law enforcement officers in the state.”

A game warden has a medley of responsibilities. They take phone calls to answer questions and give information, and report to distress calls regarding animals or the land. Wardens also represent the state game commission during educational events at local schools.

“We’re big about hunter-trapper education for young children that want to get involved with hunting,” Ferry said. “They come out and we teach them … about safety and the proper way to go about hunting and trapping.”

Near the end of training, each student is given the opportunity to list their preferred placement. Westmoreland was number one on Ferry’s list.

Ferry’s class included 17 other game warden hires this season.

“The game commission and game wardens have always been short handed,” Ferry said. “The amount of territory in Pennsylvania is big and there’s not enough officers out there. I believe they’ve come to realize that they need more game wardens out there to protect the wildlife.”

According to Ferry, the commission previously held cadet classes every four to five years. To help fill needed territory coverage, cadet classes are being held more often. The next two will be held consecutively.

“It’s a really exciting job,” Ferry said. “Your one day to the next is never going to be the same. You got a lot of different things under your belt as a game warden.”