Data were collected from January, 1973, through December, 1975, on 62 conservation officers, on their operating environment and tactical approach, on 343 sportsmen, and on the remainder of the Fish and Game agencies in the United States. The growth rate of the violator population was described in terms of officer, tactical, user, and agency variables. Results showed that the officer variables that most influenced the growth rate of the violator population were the officer's age, perception of independence, and perception of the reasoning skills required to accomplish the job. The tactical variables that most influenced the violator growth rate were officer visibility and the type of area on which the officer concentrates. The sportsman's knowledge of the regulations, attitude toward enforcement, and contact frequency with conservation officers were the most important determinants of regulation compliance. Sportsmen density and the ratio of officers to sportsmen were the agency-related variables that most influenced the growth rate of the violator population. The data were used to develop a new tactical approach to law enforcement, emphasizing small group patrols and precise data collection. Data were also used to develop a conceptual model of the wildlife law enforcement system. Recommendations to reorganize the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and to correct major internal problems are presented. Data collection instruments and nine tables are appended. Twenty figures and a list of 89 references are included. (Author abstract modified)