From Wildlife Officer to Author: Duane Bailey Shares a Lifetime of Stories in The Rings of Saturn

For more than three decades, Duane A. Bailey patrolled the fields, rivers, woodlots and marshes of northwest Ohio as a Wildlife Officer, enforcing conservation laws while witnessing countless moments of humor, hardship, and humanity. Now, after years of encouragement from friends and fellow officers, Bailey has transformed those experiences into his first book, The Rings of Saturn: A Game Warden’s View of the Universe.

Bailey began his career with the Ohio Division of Wildlife on January 1, 1980, working in wildlife management throughout the Lake Erie marshes. Less than two years later, after completing the Division’s training academy, he was assigned to Paulding County on November 1, 1981, succeeding retiring Game Protector Dan Griffiths Jr. He would remain in the area for the next 32½ years before retiring on June 1, 2012.

Originally from the east side of Columbus, Bailey graduated from Whitehall-Yearling High School. His father, a schoolteacher and former aircraft industry employee during World War II, and his mother, whose strong Christian faith left a lasting impression, helped shape the values that would guide Bailey throughout his career.

It wasn’t long after arriving in Paulding County that another life-changing event occurred. While making rounds through the courthouse shortly after his assignment, Bailey met Sharon, who would later become his wife. The two married in June 1983.

Although writing was never his profession, Bailey’s path to becoming an author began during his years as a Wildlife Officer. Local newspapers often contacted him after hunting seasons for interviews. After finding that some published accounts didn’t accurately reflect what he had said, Bailey began preparing written summaries himself. Those reports eventually evolved into the popular “Paulding County Outdoors” column, which later expanded into a full outdoor page featuring conservation news and local outdoor topics.

“I wasn’t really a writer,” Bailey admitted. “My training was in technical writing.” The turning point came when someone offered simple advice: write the story the same way you would tell it to someone sitting across from you. That approach became the foundation of his writing style.

Fellow officers frequently encouraged Bailey to preserve the memorable events from his career in a book. He began organizing stories shortly before retirement but set the project aside for several years while enjoying retired life with Sharon. Today, the couple stays busy with their five great-granddaughters, who live in Paulding and Payne, and continue to enjoy the outdoors together.

Faith also plays an important role in Bailey’s life. While he appreciates traditions from both Protestant and Catholic backgrounds, he says he feels closest to God when surrounded by nature. A pocket copy of the Gospel of John, received years ago from Pilots for Christ during an aviation gathering in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, accompanied him throughout much of his career.

Now complete, The Rings of Saturn brings together decades of memorable encounters, thoughtful reflections, and lessons learned in the outdoors. Bailey hopes readers will enjoy the stories as much as he enjoyed living them.

Published by West Bend Printing & Publishing of Antwerp, The Rings of Saturn: A Game Warden’s View of the Universe is available now by calling or stopping in the West Bend Printing office to place your order. The book offers readers an authentic glimpse into the life of an Ohio Wildlife Officer and the people, places, and experiences that shaped a remarkable career.