Sec. 11.020. DEPUTY GAME WARDENS. (a) The director may commission deputy game wardens to serve at the will of the director. Provided, however, that no deputy game warden commissioned under this section may be commissioned for a period of longer than four years. At the expiration of each four-year commission the deputy game warden shall be eligible for recommission.

(b) The commission shall make regulations to govern the qualifications, conduct, and duties of commissioned deputy game wardens. The director shall implement an education course which includes training in pertinent aspects of a game warden's duties. Completion of this course shall be a prerequisite to any person obtaining a commission as deputy game warden.

(c) A commissioned deputy game warden may enforce state laws relating to hunting and fishing and to the preservation and conservation of wildlife and marine animals. The department shall prescribe the geographical area in which a deputy game warden may operate, except that a deputy game warden may not operate on the coastal waters, bays, or estuaries of this state. At all times when any commissioned deputy game warden is on duty or is acting in an official capacity he shall carry official identification and shall wear an official badge which is clearly visible. A commissioned deputy game warden must present his official identification to any person he believes is violating this code before the deputy game warden makes an investigation or arrest. A commissioned deputy game warden shall purchase and wear at all times when on duty or acting in an official capacity a uniform prescribed by the department.

(d) A deputy game warden must file an oath and a bond in the amount of $2,000 payable to the department at the time he receives the commission.

(e) Commissioned deputy game wardens serve without compensation from the state, but the department may expend necessary funds to support and maintain this responsibility.

Added by Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 650, ch. 241, Sec. 1, eff. May 25, 1977.