Duane A. Bailey devoted more than 32 years to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, serving as a Wildlife Officer in northwest Ohio from 1981 until his retirement in 2012. Throughout his career, he protected Ohio’s natural resources while working with hunters, anglers, landowners, and fellow conservation officers. Along the way, he experienced countless memorable encounters that ranged from humorous and heartwarming to challenging and thought-provoking.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Bailey found both his career and his home in Paulding County after joining the Division of Wildlife. There he met his wife, Sharon, and began writing what would become the popular Paulding County Outdoorsnewspaper column. Though trained in technical writing rather than creative writing, Bailey discovered a gift for sharing stories in the same conversational style he used around the campfire or at the coffee table.
His first book, The Rings of Saturn: A Game Warden’s View of the Universe, brings together decades of true stories, reflections, and life lessons gathered throughout his years in conservation law enforcement. Drawing on his love of the outdoors, his Christian faith, and a lifetime of public service, Bailey offers readers an authentic look at the people, places, and experiences that shaped both his career and his perspective on life.
Today, Duane and Sharon enjoy retirement in northwest Ohio, spending time with their family—including five great-granddaughters—and continuing to appreciate the outdoors that inspired a lifetime of stories.
