Everglades Lawmen: True Stories of Game Wardens in the Glades

by James T. Huffstodt

From the first game wardens in the Everglades to present-day wildlife officers, law enforcement in the wild, untamed Everglades has kept pace with changing times. Today's game wardens chase escaped convicts, keep surveillance on drug runners, and recover wreckage from plane crashes as well as arrest deer, turkey, and alligator poachers. Meet the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the wildlife and natural resources in the only Everglades on earth. For anyone interested in law enforcement or the Everglades.

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2000

Reviews

[Rebecca Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 2000, I was curious about what this book might say about the invasive snake problem in south Florida. As it turns out, not a lot (nothing until page 194). But perhaps the story on that note has become more intense in the intervening years. What the reader DOES get is a fascinating compilation of the stories of many game wardens over the relatively short history of the agency.

The wildlife playing the most prominent part in the book were the astonishing and often gruesome stories of gators. And lots of poacher stories, whether involving out-of-season game or protected species.

Recommended for those interested in wild Florida, wildlife protection, or backwoods tales of adventure.

[LP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining; I loved it. Seems like such an exciting & dreamy job to be a game warden, esp in the Everglades back in the day. Another great Florida game warden book is Backcountry Lawmen by Bob H Lee which was published a few years ago (I believe?). I highly recommend both.

[Spencer Pullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author digs deep into the old stories of what really happens in the Everglades. If you are interested in Florida history or what it takes to be a game warden, this is worth a read.

[Haley Kilgour]

I dnf’ed at 92 pages.

Interesting topic, poorly executed writing style.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories of a job few people would be qualified to do. Florida is lucky to have them!