RE: Conservation Officers??
I think what hurts recruiting is the people interested in the job are the ones who will want time off during hunting season. Realize going in that your busiest time of year will be during hunting season. How much time off do the guys at H&R Block get between Jan.and April? You get the idea. The flip side is you get to work outdoors.
Most states give bonus points on your exam for being a veteran, so that will definitely help, because the top test scores will be very close. Where you will really separate yourself from the herd will be in the interview. Sometimes the ones doing the interview will be the same ones administering the exam, so look sharp for the test. Other than that, I can't really help, I was a city cop. Good luck to you.