Texas Special Game Warden Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain a Texas Special Game Warden bond (otherwise known as a Public Official bond).

At a Glance:

• Lowest Cost: $100 per year or $10 a month
• Bond Amount: $2,500
• Who Needs It: All special game wardens commissioned for office in Texas
• Purpose: To protect the public from financial harm if the special game warden commits fraud or otherwise abuses their position of power
• Who Regulates Special Game Wardens in Texas: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Background

Texas Parks and Wildlife Code 11.0201(h) requires all special game wardens commissioned for office to obtain a surety bond before being sworn in for their official term. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department enacted the surety bond requirement to ensure that special game wardens do not abuse their position of power. To provide financial security for enforcing such laws, special game wardens must purchase and maintain a surety bond to be eligible for their appointed position.

What Is the Purpose of the Texas Special Game Warden Bond?

Texas Parks and Wildlife Code 11.0201(h) requires all special game wardens commissioned by the director of the Parks and Wildlife Department to purchase a surety bond as part of the process of being sworn into office. The bond ensures that restitution is available to any damaged party should the special game warden fail to abide by the regulations outlined in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code. Specifically, the bond protects claimants if the special game warden commits fraud or otherwise abuses their position of power. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the special game warden violates the terms surrounding their commissioned position.

How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a Texas Special Game Warden Bond?

BondExchange makes obtaining a Texas Special Game Warden bond easy. Simply log in to your account and use our keyword search to find the “special game warden” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Enroll now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone (800) 438-1162, email, or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.

At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensures that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.

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Is a Credit Check Required for the Texas Special Game Warden Bond?

No, a credit check is not required for the Texas Special Game Warden bond. Because the bond is considered relatively low risk, the same rate is offered to all special game wardens in Texas regardless of their credit history.

How Much Does the Texas Special Game Warden Bond Cost?

The Texas Special Game Warden bond costs just $100 per year or $10 per month.

How Does Texas Define “Special Game Warden”?

To paraphrase Texas Parks and Wildlife Code 11.0201, a special game warden is an enforcer of hunting and fishing laws, as well as an enforcer of the preservation and conservation of Texas marine animals and wildlife. Special game wardens are game wardens who have previously honorably retired but have come back on the job after being commissioned by the director of the Parks and Wildlife Department. 

It is important to note that special game wardens should not be confused with general game wardens and game warden cadets as they are not required to obtain a surety bond.

BondExchange now offers monthly pay-as-you-go subscriptions for surety bonds. Your customers are able to purchase their bonds on a monthly basis and cancel them anytime. Learn more here.

How Do Special Game Warden Become Appointed in Texas?

Special game wardens must navigate several steps to obtain a commission for office by the director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Below are the general guidelines, but applicants should refer to the Department’s Game Warden webpage for further details on the process.

Commission Term – Texas special game wardens hold a commission term of four years.

Step 1 – Fulfill Financial Requirements

Special game wardens in Texas must purchase and maintain a $2,500 surety bond for the entirety of their commission term. In addition, a personal liability insurance policy of $100,000 is required for special game wardens.

Step 2 – Complete Commission Application

Applications for a commission as a special game warden are provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Before submitting a completed application, all applicants must meet the qualifications listed on the Department’s Requirements for Texas Game Warden webpage. To name a few, applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have completed a bachelor’s level degree from an accredited college or university.

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Special Game Wardens in Texas?

Special game wardens in Texas must purchase and maintain a $100,000 personal liability insurance policy for the entirety of their commission term.

How Do Special Game Wardens in Texas File Their Bonds?

Texas special game wardens should submit their completed bond forms, including the power of attorney when submitting their commission applications to the Parks and Wildlife Department (see the mailing address listed below).

          Game Warden Training Center
          4200 Smith School Rd
          Austin, TX 78744

The surety bond requires signatures from the surety company, as well as the special game warden. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:

• The legal name of the individual buying the bond
• Surety company’s name 
• Date the bond is signed

What Can Texas Special Game Wardens Do to Avoid a Claim Against Their Surety Bond?

To avoid claims against their bonds, Texas special game wardens must follow all regulations regarding their commission position, including some of the most important issues below that tend to cause claims:

• Misrepresentation
• Negligence
• Misfeasance
• Malfeasance
• Fraud

What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Special Game Wardens in Texas?

Texas requires commissioned special game wardens to purchase coverage for a $100,000 personal liability insurance policy. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue any other types of insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.

How Can Insurance Agents Prospect for Special Game Warden Customers in Texas?

Unfortunately, Texas does not provide a public list of active special game wardens in the state. We suggest contacting the Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Offices to obtain a list of commissioned special game wardens. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.