We are requesting your wild game recipies! Email us your favorite wild game recipies at Fish.Game@crit-nsn.gov

Effective January 1st 2026, the camping fees for CRIT Lands will be $60.00.

Effective January 1st 2026, the camping fees for CRIT Lands will be $60.00.

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About Us

About Us

“To protect human life and property by enforcing Tribal laws, deterring criminal activity, ensuring public safety and to conserve, enhance and restore diverse wildlife resources and habitats through protection and management programs and to provide wildlife resources for the enjoyment, appreciation and use by present and future generations.” —

CRIT Fish and Game Mission Statement

History

The first Chief Game Warden was Mr. Luke Patch Sr. back in the early 1950’s. He was instrumental in creating the Range Riders, whose primary duty was to control livestock. In later years the Fish & Game Department was then formed under Chief Game Warden Luke Patch. The Natural Resource Code was passed, and subsequently, other codes were written by the authority of the Natural Resource Code. Mr. Patch ended his long-dedicated career and retired in 1981.

Mr. Stanford Ameelyenah was hired by the Tribal Council in 1981 with a recommendation from Mr. Patch. Stanford was in office until 1994 when he retired. Mr. David Martinez became Chief Game Warden in 1994 until he retired in 2010. Mr. Carl Harper Jr. was hired as the Chief Game Warden from 2012 until February 14, 2018. Harper Jr.’s sudden passing had an unexpected bearing on the department, but operations continued onward with the direction of Acting Chief Game Warden Raymond Aspa. On November 30, 2018, Chief Game Warden Josephine Tahbo was hired and appointed by CRIT Tribal Council.

The department is under the direct supervision of the Tribal Council and receives its primary funding from the Tribal Government. We are poised to carry out any and all assignments ordered by the Tribal Council; one example is by establishing a law enforcement presence in the southwest boundary of the reservation and patrolling the Big River areas. The Department enforces Tribal Codes throughout the reservation.

Game Warden Sgt Christian Handyside

Join Our Team

Applications Currently Closed. However!
Want to be a game warden? Read the information below to prepare.

Do you enjoy working outdoors? Do you love animals, plants, or the environment? Do you enjoy working closely with, and servicing your community? Consider joining us at CRIT Fish & Game as a Game Warden!

Being a game warden for CRIT offers a unique, engaging and challenging experience. The work is hard, but the experience will last a lifetime and help make a real difference in the land so many call home.

Applicants with first responder experience or military background prefered.

Looking for a new career with Fish and Game? Please contact us at 928-669-9285 and ask for assistaint cheif warden Robin Martinez.

As a game warden with CRIT, you will:

  • Serve your community by monitoring local wild areas and waterways.

  • respond to potential wildlife law violations.

  • Protect and monitor fish and wildlife.

  • Ensure the safety of visitors to nature parks and reserves.

  • Receive local and out-of-state training relevant to both law enforcement and conservation.

  • Contribute to conservation activities with hands-on monitoring and documentation of local wildlife.

  • Uphold the local laws and regulations when hunting and fishing.

  • Help conserve the habitats of countless species of wildlife.

  • Learn about and protect unique indigenous culture and historical sites.

Click the link below to start your applicaiton.

* Game wardens are required to attend a five-month long Arizona Peace Officer Training Academy, and willingly submit to a drug test and background check.*

Game Warden Ramirez Florez

Game Warden Brandy Eddy

Learn more about CRIT
Become a Game Warden

Junior Warden Youth Program

THIS PROGRAM IS NO LONGER
IN OPERATION

CRIT Fish and Game, we value teaching our youth about the importance of conservation and respecting the land and creatures that call our reservation home. Our “Junior Warden Program” accepted students ages 15 to 18 and had them work right alongside Fish and Game staff. Learning from the experts, they develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in natural sources, wildlife law enforcement, and more!

 This program has had three students complete the entire curriculum and go on to succeed in both higher education and the military. Each of these students were tribal members or descendants and have left their mark on the proud history of the Colorado River Indian Reservation.

Junior Warden Taylen Aspa collects fish for aquatic health survey

Junior Wardens got their hands dirty with a ton of work in the field. Here, junior warden graduate Taylen Aspa catches a large catfish as part of a survey to determine the health of the river and the species that live in it!

Junior Warden Wyatt Hicks Feeding Fish at Achii Hanyo

Junior Wardens were introduced to many aspects of natural resources work, including operating a fish rearing facility and hatchery. Part of the daily routine for this job? Feeding the fish!
Here, junior warden graduate Wyatt Hicks feeds the endangered razorback suckers being raised at Achii Hanyo Native Fish Rearing Facility on CRIT.

Junior Wardens learn about fishery sciences

Junior Wardens worked closely with several entities in the natural resources space. USFWS member and Achii Hanyo Director, Angela Palacios, taught junior wardens Wyatt and Artimea about the endangered Razorback Suckers and the importance of fishery sciences to the local ecosystem.