WDFW’s mounted patrol

Using domestic animals to help protect wildlife and their habitat

Two animal members of the mounted patrol and one human member on a backcountry patrol.

Washington is fortunate in that it still has wild spaces that roads can’t reach. For those who love to get off the beaten path once in a while, backcountry areas in the state offer a break from motorized vehicles, technology, and even people, for a little while. While that may sound appealing at times, it creates some challenges for the law enforcement officers who work to keep those areas safe. Fortunately, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police’s mounted patrol makes this job possible.

Every day, WDFW Enforcement officers patrol Washington’s natural and public lands and waters to ensure people are enjoying Washington’s outdoors safely and legally. In areas where traditional patrol vehicles can’t access the backcountry, the mounted patrol is called into action. This unique patrol is made up of WDFW officers, two mares who have been with the Department over ten years and are nearing retirement age; a smaller, younger dun colored mare; and the latest addition, a draft/cross quarter horse that’s half Clydesdale named Clyde. And then there’s a mule.

One of the animal members of WDFW’s mounted patrol.

“Each of the animals have their own unique personalities,” said WDFW Officer Glenn Steffler, who cares for the animals of the mounted patrol. “That can be both fun and frustrating at the same time.”

The team of animals are highly trained and can go almost anywhere, even places all-terrain vehicles can’t. They allow officers with equestrian skills to access areas like the Pasayten Wilderness Area in Okanogan County, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Central Cascades, Glacier Peak Wilderness in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and other backcountry areas across the state.

“We’ve also conducted patrols within WDFW’s South Central, Southwest, and Coastal regions and have had a few search and rescue patrols in wilderness areas,” said Steffler. “We schedule trips into the backcountry during emphasis patrols specific to hunting season openers or when there are concerns of increased pressure on natural resources in remote locations.”

One of the amazing backcountry areas that horses and a mule can access but even ATVs struggle to get to.

Backcountry patrols are crucial not only for monitoring illegal activity but also for offering assistance to backcountry visitors who may need help.

In most areas across the state, WDFW officers use trucks to conduct patrols, which allows them to carry all kinds of supplies. Patrolling dense forests, high alpine meadows, and steep river valleys with a pack train requires officers to plan carefully and pack sparingly. Every item has its’ place, as Officer Steffler explains in the video below.

The bond between an officer and horse (or mule) is key to a patrol’s success. Each animal requires expert care, conditioning, and training to handle the physical demands of backcountry work. Their stamina and reliability are essential to patrolling remote areas, often for days at a time.

“Horses enable officers to conduct long-range patrols without disturbing the natural environment or wildlife. Their agility and endurance let officers cover large areas,” said Steffler. “Horses are also quieter than motor vehicles, giving the patrols an added level of stealth when deterring illegal activities like poaching.”

It’s common for backcountry visitors to approach mounted patrol officers for advice, which is a great opportunity to provide education about local wildlife regulations, safety precautions, and conservation principles.

“These officers serve as a critical resource for educating visitors on responsible recreation and wildlife stewardship,” said Steffler. “The mounted patrol’s presence in Washington’s wild spaces acts as a visual reminder to hikers, campers, and hunters about the responsibilities that come with enjoying the outdoors.”

A WDFW officer during a wintertime mounted patrol.

WDFW’s mounted patrol is the last of its kind in the state. Patrolling by horseback hasn’t been a common sight for decades, but for WDFW Police, this pack string remains an essential tool for wildlife law enforcement and education.

In a world increasingly dominated by technology, it represents a blend of tradition and innovation. The mounted patrol’s work — whether in search and rescue operations, enforcing wildlife regulations, or educating the public — is a unique approach to wildlife management, law enforcement, and protecting Washington’s wilderness for future generations.