Game Warden and Conservation Officer Jerry Jinright doesn’t write as many violations as he did when he first started 39 years ago. He says it is the people, not his efforts that have changed.

“I think people want to preserve what we’ve got and pass it on to their children,” he said.

Preservation is what Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Enforcement is all about. When wildlife laws are broken, it is the future generations of hunters and fishermen who pay the price.

Outdoor sports come with a price tag. Those who hunt and fish in Alabama pay for the right to do so by buying licenses and it is Jinright’s job to see that those who fish the Conecuh River and other public waterways are licensed to do so.

“I do routine patrols, checking the river for fishing and boating licenses,” he said. Jinright was out Saturday doing just that. He was pleased to see that violators were few and far between.

It is the people who make his job enjoyable. “I love being outdoors and meeting people,” said Jinright.

He loves to fish and said others should take advantage of what Pike has to offer. The county does not have a lot of public fishing access and it will be a while before Pike County Lake reopens.

The land may belong to others, but Jinright says the waterways are free and people should take advantage of that by boating. On its website, www.outdooralabama.com, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers an interactive map that allows users to search for public fishing lakes, wildlife preserves and handicap hunting trails. The site also offers information about hunting and fishing licenses and boat registrations and renewals.

“Come out and enjoy yourself,” he said. “Some days you catch fish. Some days you don’t. But, you always enjoy yourself.”