A top U.S. Fish and Wildlife official in Denver says it's the first time he can remember one of his agents being told not to work with other authorities in the state they serve. 

But that's what is happening to federal game warden Bob Prieksat of Pierre. After years of complaints about abrasive and aggressive behavior dealing with hunters, the Governor's office is stepping in. 

Governor Rounds says in 2004, his office sat down with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Supervisor out of Denver, Gary Mowad, and voiced concerns about Prieksat's behavior in the field. Moward asked for a chance to coach Prieksat on how to deal with hunters. But three years later, the Governor's office says there's been no change, so it's telling all South Dakota officials and Game, Fish, and Parks officers not to co-operate or work with Prieksat. 

Gov. Mike Rounds says, "We want some folks who have some decent bedside manner, whether they be a law enforcement officer with the Highway Patrol or the F.B.I or one of our game wardens, or someone who is representing U.S. Fish and Wildlife. We simply think they have to be able to treat the citizens of this state with dignity and respect."

In a town where hunting is one of the most popular past-times, the issue of one game warden's conduct is a topic of conversation. 

Hunter Shane Hyde says, "A change, just a change, whether it's he's moved somewhere else, or he resigns or he changes his demeanor with the people. Just a change." 

These are just a few of the many hunters who are calling for a change in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services office in Pierre. It's where Bob Prieksat works as the Resident Agent in Charge...meaning he is the head game warden for North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. But according to these hunters, he is taking his duties too far. 

Sport shop owner Caleb Gilkerson says, "You do have a federal agent that is out of control that does like to play judge, jury, and executioner." 

When KELOLAND News called Bob Prieksat to talk about this story, he said he didn't have any comment. But the hunters he had contact with in the field have plenty to say. 

Hunter Brad Reinke says, "An abrasive approach to dealing with his duties and that's really where the basis of this came from. People were concerned about his demeanor in the field." 

Hunters say Prieksat sticks his badge in their faces and harasses them. 

Hyde says, "He keeps badgering you...or trying to find something to get you, we were treated like we violated every law to migratory hunting." 

Mark Swenson says his group stopped hunting one day after Prieksat kicked over their decoys and accused them of bagging more than their fair share of geese. But Swenson says they hadn't shot a goose all day. 

Swenson says, "I was never cited for nothing I was never told what I did wrong, other than he said where are all your geese at and he left the scene I just felt so violated at that point." 

Hunters say the stories go on and on. It's why they formed a group and have started meeting weekly to gather concerns and pass them along to South Dakota leaders. Only six hunters were at the first meeting in the middle of February, but there were more than 70 in attendance Tuesday night. 

Gilkerson says, "Because one story alone is not credible, but when you can combine hundreds of stories and then you begin to identify a pattern in all the stories that has some power in itself." 

Hunter Mike Jockheck says, "What I would like to be able to accomplish with this is to have agent Prieksat be held accountable for his actions and have his supervisor Gary Mowad conduct a thorough investigation." 

Hunters say they've dealt with this behavior for years but a change needs to be made. 

Hyde says, "We break the law...we pay the fine, we'll do it...that's the way it is, anybody would do that, but when you're not doing that and you're within the law you have the right to be treated with respect." 

It's why these guys are willing to speak out...in the hope of making hunting in the area a better experience. 

KELOLAND News also called Gary Mowad, Prieksat's supervisor, who had that meeting with the Governor three years ago. He called the current accusations an unfortunate situation which he hopes is resolved soon, but that shouldn't be played out in the media. 

A group of hunters is currently collecting signatures on petitions asking for Prieksat's removal. As of Wednesday they have collected 500 signature and 50 signed statements about Prieksat's actions in the field.