Badges, Bears, and Eagles: The True Life Adventures of a California Fish and Game Warden

I found this book very interesting and readable. Steve Callan has admirable dedication to protecting and preserving our natural resources, and he expresses that dedication in a plain, sincere style. In addition to expressing what one might call his credo, Callan presents very readable accounts of the activities and the settings of his stories. The reader gains an inside view not only of a game warden's work but also of the hunting and fishing activities (sometimes very repugnant) as practiced by chronic offenders. Callan also offers good insights into human nature with his characterizing touches of these people. This book has a lot of truth in it, and it does not focus on minor offenders. It depicts true abusers, people who catch, shoot, or otherwise take much more than they would use for their consumption. I can understand why one of the people portrayed in this book chose to write a long diatribe against it, but I think that a person who may have strayed at one point or another, made a mistake or gone over the line, can read this book and appreciate the understanding it offers. Although Callan is passionate about his beliefs, he is not sanctimonious. People who are criticized or ridiculed in this book deserve it.

Always amazes me how different people think about the natural resources and how you should treat and use them. Game Wardens are right in the middle of most important issues having to do with misuse, makes for great stories. Loved the read, as well as the authors other books.

I found "Badges, Bears, and Eagles", to be an intriguing memoir by a fierce protector of wildlife. Steve Callan followed his dad, Wallace J. Callan, a respected Game Warden for the State of California, into a distinguished career as a compassionate, yet tough law enforcement officer. In "Badges, Bears, and Eagles" he writes of his adventures in the wild, but far more, his book is filled with drama and suspense. He tirelessly investigates and solves wildlife abuse cases and helps to convict those who commit these shocking crimes against God's most beautiful creations. Steve chronicles the teamwork and cooperation that exist among law enforcement agencies which is necessary to bring resolution and conviction to those who inflict harm and abuse to these precious gifts. These criminals often receive far less punishment than they deserve. I am hoping that there will be a sequel. I highly recommend this well-written labor of love.

I bought this book because I know Steve's wife, Kathy, and also had a friend who was a game warden. I bought the book and took it home, thinking I'd just glance at it and go on with other things I was doing. Funny thing happened - I don't know where the day went, but I couldn't put the book down. I had to know what happened next! Friends have looked at it in response to my suggestion and they all seem to like it too, even if they don't have a particular interest in this subject. Don't buy it unless you can afford to spend a day or two or at least several hours to find out what happens next. Steve keeps the interest and suspense up, and now I'm waiting for the sequel! Keep writing, Steve.

I really enjoyed reading 'Badges, Bears, and Eagles'. I could not put the book down. It was a very good read and helped me to understand a lot more about the great work being done on behalf of our wildlife and environment. I grew up in Northern CA and heard about the bear problem, but reading it straight from a source so well informed opened my eyes even more. Steve Callan is to congratulated for a job well done and deserves and A+ in my estimation. I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you care about this wonderful land and the preservation of so many species that would otherwise become extinct.

Our daughter purchased this for her 9 y/o brother for Christmas. He wants to be a game warden when he grows up. He is absolutely loving it! Reading it is often a favorite part of his day and what he is looking forward to for the next day - and this is a boy who would usually rather do something other than read!

The reader is not left wondering whether the writer is passionate about the environment and the laws created to protect it. The dedication and determination displayed by those serving the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is truly admirable. One fact painfully overlooked by those outside the profession, just about everyone the wardens encounter is carrying a weapon of some sort, gun or knife or both. This is a collection of short stories with multiple lead characters which span the entire state of California and its many different climates. Good read for all ages.

I purchased this book simply out of curiosity. I live in the area where part of the book's activities take place and know, or know of, several of the book's mentioned people. What I learned from reading this is how dangerous a job a warden actually has. I suppose I hadn't really thought how dealing with an armed suspect and his armed cronies would be like in this line of work. Believe me, I have a whole new appreciation for what our Fish & Wildlife folks do. Thanks to the author for educating people about this profession. It's a lot more than just writing a ticket for the fisherman fishing without a license.

This is a well written and very informative book about the adventures of a game warden in California, I would have never have realised how varied and dangerous a job it was and Steve certainly brings the stories to life although I was disappointed at the seemingly 'light' sentences the villians got...A great read!