Conservation agents are certified as peace officers to enforce all state laws on lands owned, managed or leased by the department. Many agents are also commissioned by the U.S. Department of the Interior to enforce federal conservation laws. Resource law enforcement is very important in managing Missouri's fish, forestry and wildlife resources. Conservation agents are assigned to each county in the state and are responsible for carrying out a wide range of wildlife-related law enforcement duties. Patrols by vehicle, boat and foot are routine.
Agents depend heavily on help from local citizens to report violations.
Although law enforcement is the division's primary function, only about half of an agent's time is devoted to that activity. Numerous surveys, censuses and special field studies are conducted for state and federal fish and wildlife research personnel. Many special programs require personal contact with individual landowners. Preparation of land-use plans, delivery of seed and wildlife plantings, inspection of developments and periodic progress reports are involved in wildlife habitat improvement and fish stocking programs. Frequently, community interest and participation in department projects designed to provide or increase local recreational opportunities result from encouragement or initiation by agents.