OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KFOR) — Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation said they have 13 open positions for game wardens, making that the highest number they've had in a long time. Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement, Wade Farrar said some of the current openings are due to retirement and others because of pay. "That puts us about 10% below full capacity. This is the busiest time of year," said Farrar. "They've left for other jobs with higher pay and better retirement. The starting place right around $55,000." When fully staffed, there are 118 game wardens covering all 77 counties. Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield seeks $12M in lawsuit against his father’s company "With 13 openings, there's 26 less game warden guys out there looking for for poachers," said Farrar. Republican Senator David Bullard chairs the senate tourism and wildlife committee. He said game wardens are paid less than other law enforcement officers in the state. "Which makes it really difficult to keep and retain good field agent," said Bullard. The wildlife department is mostly funded through the sale of hunting and fishing licensing. Bullard pushed for the Oklahoma Wildlife Modernization Act, which raised fees for hunting and fishing licenses, something he said hasn't happened in a long time. "It had been 23, now 24 years, and since they had had any kind of raise for funding," said Bullard. Bullard hopes higher fee's will eventually provide a pay raise for game wardens. "They're very good at what they do, and they protect that wildlife from poachers around, and they protect our private lands, our public lands," said Bullard. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week Farrar said the wildlife department has received more than 100 applications for the 13 openings. They are currently in the process of hiring, but it won't be until around February until they can start training.