Warden's Watch

Iron Skillet Seasonings

Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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170 The Ray Anderson Case – Washington State

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

What began as a baffling discovery in a Washington State clearcut quickly turned into one of the most significant wildlife cases in the region – mainly because of the sentence that followed. Officers Lanny McOmber and Sergeant Brian Alexander walk us through a long, technical investigation involving multiple poached elk, complex necropsies, geofence warrants, cutting-edge tech and a suspect who just couldn’t stay away.

Our Sponsors:

Iron Skillet Seasonings

Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

· Why officers called it the Ray Anderson case

· Four elk found dead in a clearcut

· “There was no question - this was a poaching incident.”

· Necropsies on multiple elk in field conditions

· No bullets or brass recovered

· A fifth elk tied to the incident

· Early frustration with limited evidence

· Asking the public for tips

· Turning to geofence warrants

· A complex, multi‑step warrant process

· Waiting months for data returns

· Separate trespassing issues on timber land

· Cut gates and trail cameras

· A familiar vehicle keeps reappearing

· The suspect returning near the scene

· Contact with a convicted felon

· Firearms located in the vehicle

· Quietly keeping cases separate

· Geofence data starts lining up

· An interview that slowly tightens

· Initial denials turn into admissions

· The claim of “guiding” elk by shooting at them

· Washington’s spree‑killing statute explained

· Elevating wildlife violations to felonies

· How prior case law came full circle

· The gut punch of sentencing day

· A delayed - but meaningful - outcome

· Mentorship and career‑defining cases

· “You create your own luck in this job.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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169 – PAGC Tracking Team

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Warden’s Watch, we sit down with members of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Tracking Team - a rare, highly trained group of game wardens who specialize in man tracking. From grassroots beginnings and intense training standards to real‑world deployments where everything clicks, this conversation explores what it truly means to be experts in the woods. Along the way, the guys share powerful success stories, gear talk, and a reminder that camaraderie might just be the most important tool they carry.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

Here’s what we discuss:

· How Pennsylvania’s Tracking Team grew from a small grassroots idea

· Wardens investing in their own training before the team officially existed

· The missing person search that proved the team’s value

· What it really means to be “the police in the woods”

· Why earning a tab can take two to five years

· The training required to stay on the team, from tracking to firearms to med skills

· Why trackers focus on disturbance, not perfect boot prints

· “If it was just footprints in the sand, we wouldn’t need a tracking team.”

· Learning the natural patterns of the woods - and noticing what breaks them

· How time, distance, and decision‑making shape every search

· A call‑out that led to a young boy being found and returned home

· A fugitive pursuit that unfolded just like a training scenario

· “Everything clicked - it felt like Christmas morning.”

· How tracking teams and K9 units support each other in the field

· Knowing the limits of scent work and when human tracking matters most

· The gear they carry and why preparation is everything

· A quick snack can be a small thing that makes a big difference

· How mapping and coordination happen before teams ever hit the woods

· The close‑knit camaraderie that defines the team

· What it means to wear the tab and lead by example

· The “shirt off your back” tradition

· Why so many wardens want to join the team - and why standards stay high

· How teams like this help agencies stay trusted, capable, and relevant

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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168 Talking Turkey - With Patrick Gibbs & Ben Martin

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Spring might still be a snow-covered dream up north, but down in Georgia the dogwoods are thinking about blooming – and that means the turkeys are waking up. This week, Georgia Game Warden Patrick Gibbs and Ben Martin of HuntRegs join Wayne for a closer look into the southern turkey season, the surprising quirks of Georgia’s big‑game rules, and why the HuntRegs app is becoming one of the most powerful tools in the field. From license mistakes to a Thanksgiving turkey story involving a dog with questionable morals, this one’s packed with practical advice and classic game warden comedy.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

Here’s what we discuss:

· Spring turkey talk and the north–south difference in season timing

· Patrick’s 13 years as a Georgia game warden

· Working the Georgia coast: shrimping, crabbing, oysters, and commercial fisheries

· Moving inland and “traditional” game‑warden work

· HuntRegs’ goal of improving public understanding of what wardens actually do

· “There’s not enough game wardens” - why follow‑up matters

· What wardens look for on a turkey hunter check

· Licensing requirements for turkey

· Bag limit changes: two per season, one per day

· “Leave one to keep the population going”

· Printed harvest records vs app check‑ins

· You can game‑check without service and upload later

· Requirements: record before moving the bird, game‑check within 24 hours

· Turkeys as the most‑poached species and why tagging matters

· Patrick’s approach with inexperienced hunters and juveniles

· Why turkey hunters tend to be more seasoned

· Public‑land turkeys: “No inexperienced hunter is killing a Georgia public bird”

· Florida, early spring weather, and turkey chatter starting up

· “When the dogwoods bloom, the turkeys gobble”

· Common mistakes: assuming WMAs follow statewide turkey dates

· Miss the quota? “You’re definitely getting a ticket.”

· HuntRegs app: geolocation, pin drops, license requirements, special rules

· Archery‑only zones, no‑camping rules, and property‑specific notes

· Game wardens using the app themselves before checks

· Printed regs and rules: “They call it the digest… not very digestible!”

· Growth of HuntRegs and its state‑by‑state customization

· A turkey tossed out a car window, then snatched and hidden by a dog

· “Did you charge the dog - aiding and assisting?”

· No fall turkey season in Georgia; hens always protected

· HuntRegs‑generated cases: night hunting, baited duck ponds, hunting without permission

· Duck pond baited with molasses and corn, caught on Thanksgiving morning

· Why community tips matter

· Focus on catching blatant violations: night hunting, baiting, hunting under the influence

· Anonymous reporting, optional follow‑ups, and confidentiality

· Georgia’s monetary rewards for tips leading to convictions

· Improving the system based on warden feedback

· “Already a good day when you learn something new.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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167 Amanda McKune – Illinois

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0000

It’s Women’s History Month, and there’s no better time to highlight CPO Amanda McKune - Illinois officer, new mom, and the 2025 NWTF Officer of the Year. Amanda shares the behind‑the‑scenes reality of the job: the long hours, the high‑stakes turkey and deer cases, the instincts that guide her, and the determination that has already defined her first six years in the field. Humble and relentless, she’s exactly the kind of story this month is made to celebrate.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

Here’s what we discuss:

· Stepping onto the NWTF stage and realizing the scale: “I had no idea going into that… wow.”

· Working turkey and deer hunters in southern Illinois - being “in the right place at the right time.”

· The habitual turkey poacher and the tip that set everything in motion.

· Working 3 AM mornings through April until she finally caught him.

· Charging him with 8 birds she could prove, knowing the real count was far higher.

· Spending another April up before dawn to catch him again during suspension.

· The rush when officers from another district caught him a third time.

· Why turkey cases are so tough: long hours, staying still, waiting.

· “Sometimes it doesn’t add up… but 90% of the time it leads to something.”

· The strain of April on her young family - “They put up with me the whole month of April.”

· A wild deer case: a shot at dark, a suspect in Long Johns, and three huge bags of illegal deer corn.

· Interviews stretching for hours as he claimed he was “just looking.”

· Finding his gun buried in a creekbed, wrapped in his unworn camo: “We were all amped up… we got him.”

· Growing up fishing, discovering her interviewing superpower — “People just like to talk to me.”

· The importance of catching a single word out of place.

· Illinois’ massive deer - with 26‑pointers becoming normal in some counties.

· Ongoing cases involving 30+ illegally killed deer.

· Starting her career in the same county she grew up in.

· Knowing the land, families, and history.

· Tips and informants as the backbone of most big cases.

· Balancing motherhood, a state‑trooper husband, and long hours: “I’m taking advantage now and trying to catch these guys while I can.”

· The rise of night road hunting and non‑residents chasing big Midwest deer.

· October–December feeling like another April.

· A new era of poaching — thermal optics and crossbows with thermals.

· Working across the Missouri border and the challenges of multi‑state cases.

· District teamwork: “It takes all of us to make these big cases.”

· The impact of heavy illegal take on local populations — especially in concentrated areas.

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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166 Badges on the Bayou

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:30:00 -0000

On this episode of Warden’s Watch, we head deep into Louisiana with Captain Will Roberts and Sergeant Terry Hicks — two wildlife agents who bring the state’s culture, cases, and Cajun humor to life. From crawfish wars and cooking secrets to big-game patrols, wild night‑hunting busts, and the state’s legendary boat poker runs, Will and Terry share stories that reveal a Louisiana most of us have only imagined. It’s part culture lesson, part law‑enforcement adventure, and entirely Louisiana.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

Here’s what we discuss:

· Cajun cooking traditions, heavy seasoning, and why the roux matters.

· “You season everything two or three times.”

· Crawfish culture, regional boil methods, and the friendly “crawfish wars.”

· How Louisiana farms, regulates, and harvests crawfish — and how dry weather affects production.

· Wildlife across the state: deer, turkey, black bears, and tightly regulated alligator seasons.

· Long deer seasons, electronic tagging, and how multiple hunting seasons overlap.

· Busy waterways, boating safety, and enforcing alcohol laws on the water.

· “A DWI on the water is the same as on the highway.”

· The Tickfaw 200 poker run, big boats, long routes, and how safety has evolved.

· Career paths, teamwork, and how Operation Game Thief works behind the scenes.

· Memorable trespass, baiting, and night‑hunting cases, including turkey hunters caught sitting on cracked corn.

· Decoy operations and the mix of funny, tense, and unpredictable encounters.

· Working small communities where they often know the people they catch.

· Strong landowner relationships and why most hunters follow the rules.

· Cajun identity, accents, and local names like sac‑a‑lait and pull‑dues.

· What keeps them in the job — the adventure, the outdoors, and the humor.

· “I’m surprised they pay us for a lot of the stuff we do.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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165 Shawn Elmore – Georgia DNR

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

After more than 30 years with Georgia DNR, Sgt. Shawn Elmore joins Warden’s Watch for a long‑awaited conversation filled with humor, hard lessons, and unforgettable cases. From hunting alongside his dad as a child to becoming one of Georgia’s leading boating‑incident investigators, Shawn shares a mix of heartfelt family stories, outrageous poaching cases, and high‑stakes investigations that helped change state law. Join us for a candid, funny, and deeply human look at life behind the badge.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

Here’s what we discuss:

· Finally recording after four years of trying

· Shawn’s 30+ year career with Georgia DNR

· Growing up hunting with his dad

· “That’s what I’m gonna do for a living.”

· His son becoming interested in law enforcement

· Catching multiple in‑laws over the years

· “It takes you a long time to build your credibility… and a snap of a finger to lose it.”

· People claiming to “know” wardens to get out of trouble

· Losing friends after catching them or their kids

· Multi‑year landfill hunter case with warnings, tickets, then arrest

· A later case involving another family connection

· Hunting traditions, beagles, rabbits, and swamp rabbits

· Southern sayings and the “Lost in Translation” team

· The convicted felon firearm case: “Let me guess - the bullet fairy put this in your pocket.”

· Reading body language as a critical warden skill

· “Our mouths can get us into trouble, and they can keep us out of trouble.”

· The 501‑charge poaching investigation

· Conspiracy, false statements, and multi‑year suspensions

· Charging only what can be won in court

· Identifying violators based on decades of local knowledge

· His role with Georgia’s boating reconstruction team

· Early fatal boating cases and long‑lasting emotional impact

· High‑profile boating incident involving police officers

· The Jake and Griffin Prince case and Georgia’s BUI law change

· Challenges unique to boating investigations: sinking, drifting, disappearing evidence

· Teaching reconstruction and impaired‑operation detection nationwide

· The Georgia Outdoor News “Hall of Shame” bait case

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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164 James Mortimore - Nevada

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Wayne sits down with Nevada Game Warden James Mortimore from the floor of the Sheep Show® in Reno, NV - complete with bugling elk echoing in the background! From rescuing kayakers in monsoon swells on Lake Mead to blow-darting mountain lions and tracking illegal alligator sales on Facebook, James has lived the full spectrum of wildlife policing in one of the most diverse law enforcement landscapes in the country. His stories from Las Vegas to Reno show the grit, humor, and sheer unpredictability of being a modern Nevada warden.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

Here’s what we discuss:

· The “Las Vegas warden”

· Crowded urban ponds and busy boat patrols made every day unpredictable

· Watching for the folks who pack up quickly when a warden shows up

· A wild monsoon rescue in six‑foot swells

· For Colorado River wardens, rescue calls are everyday business

· Low water levels reveal old mob‑era secrets - and the jokes that came with it

· “I think that’s why we got our water back.”

· An illegal alligator seller learns the meaning of “take a bite out of crime.”

· Blow-darting mountain lions in neighborhoods and on golf courses

· Dealing with a sedated mountain lion while a homeowner complains through their doorbell cam

· Moving from Vegas to Reno and learning the world of bears and mountain lions

· The importance of biologists and cross-team collaboration

· Nevada’s pay and retention challenges

· Covering massive patrol areas — sometimes thousands of square miles during vacancies

· Poaching investigations built using GPS dog collar data

· Odd urban cases: “dinosaur bones,” sea turtles, and surprisingly realistic bald eagle replicas

· Working with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, and other federal partners

· Learn more about Nevada wardens in the new Animal Planet series, Nevada Wild!

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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163 Larry Hergenroeder – Pennsylvania

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:15:00 -0000

From growing up with a game warden father to leading investigations, Staff Sergeant and canine handler Larry Hergenroeder has seen it all—and loved every minute of it. In this episode, Larry shares why he believes being a game warden is “the coolest job on earth,” how his canine partners have cracked cases in record time, and why networking through NAWEOA matters more than ever.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

Here’s what we discuss:

· Growing up in western Pennsylvania and finding his calling

· “I had game warden blood in my blood.”

· From Montana guide school to the academy

· “My only regret is losing those years I could have been doing this full-time.”

· Why being a game warden is more than a job

· “I live, eat, sleep, breathe this profession… I just want to be a game warden.”

· The power of NAWEOA networking and lifelong friendships

· “I haven’t had a month go by without a call from another state or province.”

· K9 program success stories: Storm and Rio crack tough cases

· “In 33 seconds, Storm found the evidence that solved a fatal shooting.”

· Challenge coins and the stories behind them

· Inspiring the next generation of wardens through conferences and mentorship

· Hunting-related shooting incidents and the emotional side of the job

· “One is one too many.”

· Family, sacrifice, and the brotherhood of game wardens

· “A profession sought by many, held by few, and only made possible by those family members that know the true meaning of sacrifice.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL045 Andy Huynh

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this powerful episode of The Thin Green Line Podcast, we sit down with Andy Huynh, a conservation professional whose career has taken him from global conflict zones to the front lines of wildlife protection.

Andy shares his journey from growing up in Southern California, to military service, to nearly a decade working overseas combating illegal wildlife trade, environmental crime, and transnational criminal organizations. His firsthand experiences reveal how wildlife trafficking fuels terrorism, human trafficking, armed conflict, and genocide—particularly in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

This conversation goes far beyond poaching. It exposes the global criminal networks behind ivory, rhino horn, illegal timber, and conflict minerals—and how modern technology, consumer demand, and corruption all play a role.

Now back in the United States, Andy is beginning a new chapter in wildlife law enforcement, bringing a rare international perspective to protecting natural resources at home.

How Andy’s upbringing and military service shaped his path into conservation
The reality of illegal wildlife trade as a global criminal enterprise
Poaching, poverty, coercion, and organized crime
The humanitarian and environmental crisis in eastern DRC and Virunga National Park
Wildlife trafficking’s connection to terrorism, human trafficking, and conflict minerals
Corruption and failures in international peacekeeping efforts
Why protecting wildlife and protecting people are inseparable
Andy’s transition into wildlife law enforcement in California

Environmental crime is not a niche issue—it is one of the largest drivers of global instability. This episode offers rare, firsthand insight into how deeply connected wildlife conservation is to human rights, national security, and the future of the planet.

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162 Polar Bears & Patrols – With Jack Skillings

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

From patrolling on sea ice and responding to polar bear calls to managing wildlife in remote communities, Conservation Officer Jack Skillings takes us deep into the Canadian Arctic. Offering a rare glimpse into wildlife enforcement in the far north, Jack shares the rewards and realities of protecting the environment in some of the most isolated places on Earth.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Yukon’s Conservation Officer Services Branch and its role

· Nunavut: Canada’s newest territory

· Nunavut’s unique conservation structure

· “There’s at least one conservation officer in every community.”

· Patrolling without roads: snowmobiles, ATVs, boats, and planes

· Polar bear management and why it’s handled by territories, not federal agencies

· Community policing: “education over enforcement.”

· Modern polar bear research using DNA instead of tags

· Differences between Nunavut and Yukon: isolation vs. road access and teamwork

· “The biggest difference in Yukon? Roads. Having a truck changes everything.”

· Wildlife species and hunting traditions: caribou, muskox, seals, moose, sheep, and Arctic char

· A polar bear deterrence gone wrong

· Life in remote communities

· “My favorite thing was just getting out on the land - patrolling, hunting, fishing.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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161 Alone in the Wild – with Isaiah Tuck

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:49:00 -0000

What happens when a game warden takes on one of the toughest survival challenges on TV? West Virginia's Isaiah Tuck joins Wayne to share his incredible journey from enforcing wildlife laws to braving complete isolation on the hit series Alone. Discover the mental grit, survival skills, and life lessons that come from living off the land - and why solitude can be the ultimate teacher.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Isaiah’s path to becoming a West Virginia game warden

· “Every day as a game warden is about adapting to the unexpected.”

· How wildlife law enforcement prepared him for survival challenges

· Behind the scenes of Alone

· Preparation, mindset, and reality

· “The woods teach you patience - and patience is survival.”

· The hardest part of isolation: mental battles and self-reflection

· “Being alone strips you down to who you really are.”

· Hunger, weather, and wildlife encounters

· The gear he trusted most—and one item he wishes he'd brought

· Lessons learned from solitude and self-reliance

· Advice for anyone dreaming of testing their survival skills

· “Survival isn’t about strength—it’s about adaptability.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator:Stacey DesRoches

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160 Warden-Hunter Interactions

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 16:26:00 -0000

In this episode of Warden’s Watch, Wayne sits down with Ben Martin, founder of the Hunt Regs app, and Hayden Cook, a Tennessee Wildlife Officer, for a deep dive into warden-hunter interactions, safety in the field, and the story behind one of Tennessee’s most infamous poaching cases - the Maserati Buck. From practical advice for hunters to insights on wildlife law enforcement, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons and strategies to stay compliant in the field.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Ben’s journey as a first-generation hunter and why he created Hunt Regs

· “How do I make a game warden comfortable?” - the question every hunter should ask

· Hayden Cook on professionalism: “We serve the hunters and fishermen of Tennessee.”

· Hunter safety tips during license checks and why nervousness can lead to mistakes

· Hunt Regs app: anonymous poaching reports and real-time regulations

· The Maserati Buck case: a 229-inch deer poached under a streetlight near a luxury car dealership

· “Antlers make people do crazy things.” - Hayden on poaching motives

· Honest mistakes vs. intentional violations: why self-reporting matters

· Digital licensing pitfalls and why preparation is key

· Building trust and positive relationships between hunters and wardens

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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159 Justice for Dave: A Poacher’s Reckoning

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this powerful episode of Warden’s Watch, Pennsylvania Game Wardens Phil Bietsch & TJ Knash share the story of a career-defining poaching case tied to the tragic death of fellow officer David Grove on Veteran’s Day 2010. From building trust to securing confessions, this case is a masterclass in investigative work and emotional resilience. Listen now to hear how justice was served, and a legacy honored.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Phil and TJ were classmates at the Ross Leffler School of Conservation

· Working as neighboring officers for four years, they’ve developed a strong investigative partnership

· Emphasis on teamwork, rhythm in interviews, and rapport-building

· Ryan Laumann is a known habitual game law offender

· The case ties back to the tragic death of Game Warden Dave Grove in 2010, who was murdered by Chris Johnson during a poaching incident

· Laumann was a passenger in the vehicle

· Laumann “just went home.”

· Johnson is now on death row

· Equipment and training were improved

· Laumann received a five-year license revocation

· A tip from a former violator turned informant via Operation Game Thief

· “I got away with it once, I can do it again.”

· TJ took the lead

· Keeping emotions in check

· “Take your time.”

· Officers conducted surveillance near Laumann’s residence

· Multiple deer carcasses, gut piles, and antlers

· Officers used rapport and strategic interviewing to gain Laumann’s trust

· Jeff Baile’s interview and interrogation techniques were critical

· Allowing the suspect to tell their version of the story

· Laumann eventually confesses to killing multiple deer

· From a good case to a great case

· “Rapport is the foundation of everything.”

· Laumann was charged with:

3 counts of illegal deer
3 tagging violations
3 counts of scattering high-risk parts
1 over-the-bag-limit charge

· Final penalties: 5-year hunting license revocation and $2,800 in fines

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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158 Ricardo Grisolini – New York

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:13:00 -0000

Ricardo Grisolini, a New York State Environmental Conservation Officer with roots in northern Italy, brings a sharp eye and a sharp wit to wildlife law enforcement. From chasing down poachers to setting up decoy deer that even landowners can’t resist, his stories are packed with twists, laughs, and lessons. In this episode, Ricardo shares some of his most unforgettable and entertaining cases from two decades on the job.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Growing up in Northern Italy’s “laces”

· Raised and hunted birds from an early age

· Slow cooked pulled turkey

· “This job is not a job; it's a career.”

· Working in Madison County is “a game warden’s dream.”

· The charter captain’s Christmas fish and the Salvation Army police

· Donating confiscated fish and meat

· A VERY convincing decoy setup nets multiple charges

· A substantial illegal baiting operation on private property

· Poacher insists he used a crossbow

· Trail cams tell a different story

· “The point was out of respect for the animal.”

· Social media can be a warden’s best friend

· New York ECOs don’t wear a traditional badge

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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156 Bonus - The Killing Krew Klan: Consequences

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 16:26:00 -0000

After the chilling revelations of Episode 156’s “Killing Krew Klan,” the question remained: how would the justice system respond? What consequences did these young trophy hunters face, and did the punishment fit the crime? In this episode, Investigator Patrick Kiely returns to walk us through the penalty phase of the case. Join us as we uncover the final chapter in one of Connecticut’s most disturbing wildlife crimes.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Convictions for wildlife crime aren’t always a slam dunk

· The prosecutor in the case was an outdoorsman

· Original roadside stop netted only a suspended sentence

· Paring down up to 30 charges: what will stick?

· Group pled guilty to jacklighting

· $500 fines and three years’ probation

· Banned from hunting for ten years

· Conspiracy to sell wildlife and a probation violation

· Getting support from judges and prosecutors

· “Any time you serve a warrant … you’re opening a Pandora’s Box.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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WiseEye Camera Technology

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:34:00 -0000

On this podcast, we sat down. Two dynamic individuals, Chase Hardage and Jason Ray from the Wise Eye technology company, talk about WiseEye's beginnings. What they're doing and how they're doing things differently and better.

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156 The Killing Krew Klan – With Patrick Kiely

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 16:24:00 -0000

In late 2018, the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police uncovered a chilling case involving a group of young trophy hunters. Over just a few months, they had illegally taken at least 19 deer - often during nighttime hunts near residential neighborhoods. What started as a routine investigation quickly unraveled into something far more disturbing: secret planning sessions, a manifesto detailing their exploits, and a twisted tribute to the grandfather who taught them to night hunt. Join Investigator Patrick Kiely as he recounts the unbelievable story of the “Killing Krew Klan.”

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Here’s what we discuss:

· An area known for night hunting

· Spotting night hunters requires patience and timing

· The state’s healthy deer population is tempting for poachers

· A patrol officer spots suspicious signs

· The initial arrest leads to more questions

· Cell phones: everyone documents everything

· “I wouldn’t even call them hunters; they were trophy poachers.”

· It definitely wasn’t squirrels

· The group is released but phones are seized

· A stunning discovery

· “It was an every-night occurrence.”

· The group frequently hunted near houses

· None of 19 deer were registered

· The puzzle pieces: pictures, locations and times

· The serial poaching had gone on for years, and had grown

· Group relied on thinly stretched law enforcement

· A specific 16-point buck and an unlikely story

· US Fish and Wildlife joins the investigation

· Cell phone metadata pinpoints locations and times

· “Not a care in the world.”

· A handwritten manifesto is found

· The ‘zombie’ deer

· Timing was perfect – and lucky

· Even illegal roadkill wasn’t off limits to the ‘Klan’

· $100 does for sale, and banquet hall venison

· Multiple deer were taken nightly

· Managing investigations and public perception

· Hunters had noticed a decline

· “It was a joke to them.”

· Many state charges were misdemeanors

· Local hunters weigh in

· Technology has changed investigation strategies

· Limitation statutes prevented even more charges

· Getting buy-in from other agencies

· Balancing criminal and wildlife investigations can be a challenge

· The cell phones were crucial

· Rising bear population has led to conflicts

· Educating the public

· Staffing numbers are on the rise

· “It was a learning experience for all of us.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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154 North American Game Warden Museum – with Stephanie Lee

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:40:00 -0000

Tucked into a scenic corner of the International Peace Garden, and straddling the border between North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, the North American Game Warden Museum stands as the world’s only institution fully dedicated to both educating the public and honoring fallen wildlife officers. This one-of-a-kind museum features a memorial garden, exhibits showcasing uniforms and tools of the trade from decades past, along with a library, audio/visual area, and a fascinating collection of items seized by game wardens from across North America. In this episode, we sit down with museum manager Stephanie Lee for an insightful conversation ahead of the museum’s 2025 Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Background in outdoor education

· Began a summer job at the Peace Garden gate

· Approached by the local game warden

· “Never looked back.”

· The International Peace Garden

· Memorial stones from every state and province

· Board members from both countries

· The museum is the only one of its kind

· Educating the public

· Many of the exhibits include seized items

· Constantly changing and reimagining the space

· Campground on site

· Other activities include biking and kayaking

· Open from May – September

· “Part-time photographers”

· The popular Visiting Officer program

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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155 Blake Patterson – North American Game Warden Museum

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 01:03:00 -0000

In this episode, we talk with Sgt. Blake Patterson, a Conservation Officer from Swan River, Manitoba, and President of the North American Game Warden Museum. Blake shares insights from his 17 years in the field and discusses the museum’s role in honoring game wardens and conservation officers across North America. Located at the International Peace Garden, the museum highlights the challenges of the profession and commemorates those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· The museum is a place every game warden should visit

· Joined board in 2010

· It’s elk hunting season in Manitoba!

· A unique moose lottery fundraiser

· Manitoba moose population decline

· “I’ve seen those game warden shows. I know I’m done.”

· Fun regional expressions

· The Fallen Officer Memorial Service

· Many museum exhibits feature seized items

· Antique snow machines and hand-powered rail cars

· Always looking for older tools of the trade, uniforms and paraphernalia

· Potential interactive exhibit featuring fallen officer biographies

· A night hunting helicopter chase

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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153 Murder in Morgan County – with Kirk Kiefer

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:05:00 -0000

In July 2021, a peaceful family camping trip in Ohio’s vast Appalachian Hills Wilderness Area turned into a chilling crime scene. Two lives were lost, and a community was shaken. In this gripping episode, we sit down with ODNR Investigator Kirk Kiefer to uncover the layers of a complex and haunting double homicide.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Investigator Keifer appeared in a previous episode

· International Game Warden Association Officer of the Year

· ODNR’s nomination submission

· The ‘ginseng detective’

· Nomination was kept secret!

· A missing persons / suspicious activity report on State land

· The couple’s phones - and daughter - were left behind

· Suspect claimed the couple had gone to CA and were expected back

· A concerned camper contacted ODNR

· The couple’s license plate had recently been checked on the Interstate

· Suspect had a ‘tell.’

· “He was convinced I was a human lie detector.”

· The sudden confession: “I killed ‘em.”

· Killings had happened 13 days prior

· Suspect led investigators to the bodies

· Defense attorney admitted there was no defense to be mounted

· Claimed he was ‘rescuing’ the child

· Body cameras were used in case the suspect did not testify

· Appeared to feel badly about killing the female.

· “Sometimes there is no ‘why’.”

· Never expected to be investigating homicide

· Attended the couple’s memorial services

· Inter-agency cooperation was key to this case

· Killer received two automatic life terms with no parole

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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152 - 2025 International Game Warden Conference

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:55:00 -0000

For the third time, we were able to sit down at the International Game Warden Conference held this year in Erie, Pennsylvania, with Game Warden Chris Gilkey of Ohio, Game Warden Kris McCabe of the Maine Warden Service, myself, Wayne Saunders, host of the Warden's Watch podcast, and Game Warden Andy Hueser of the Pennsylvania Game Commission who was also instrumental in the organization and implementation of this year's game warden conference.

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151 - The Game Warden Channel

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Introducing The Game Warden Channel! From the creators of smash hits North Woods Law and Lone Star Law, TGWC is now streaming exclusively on YouTube - bringing you even more real-life stories from game wardens across the US. In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Steve Engel and Ben Shank of Engel Entertainment, Director of Photography Jamie Azar, and New Hampshire’s own Col. Kevin Jordan and Conservation Officers Jon Demler, Austin Valladares, Kevin Bronson, and Josiah Towne. Subscribe now for an even closer look into the world of conservation law enforcement.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

· “We’re back!”

· The first call was to New Hampshire

· YouTube allows more flexibility

· Episodes will feature NH, then move to Texas, Nevada, and other states

· NH Fish & Game staff voted unanimously to participate

· Carrying the torch for conservation and conservation officers

· “I’d rather be doing this than probably anything else in television.”

· Officers and camera crew become good friends

· A turkey poacher in the wrong neighborhood

· New show features a smaller crew than network television

· "It's on the interwebs!"

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL044 Greg Traynor Mike Hudson - Accessible Hunter

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Greg Traynor and Mike Hudson are the co-hosts of the Accessible Hunter Podcast, a show dedicated to promoting adaptive hunting and outdoor access for individuals with disabilities.

Greg Traynor, a passionate outdoorsman from Pennsylvania, turned his personal experience with a spinal cord injury into a mission to help others overcome physical barriers in the outdoors. Through advocacy, education, and storytelling, Greg inspires hunters to stay connected with the hunting community regardless of ability.

Mike Hudson, based in South Carolina, brings his own adaptive hunting experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by disabled hunters. Together, Mike and Greg use the Accessible Hunter Podcast to share powerful stories of resilience, adaptive equipment innovation, and the tight-knit community of accessible hunting enthusiasts.

Their platform highlights not only the triumphs of adaptive hunters but also the importance of making the outdoors inclusive for everyone.

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150 Tony Rigoli – New York

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0000

Lt. Anthony Rigoli is an Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) who works for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). In this episode, he takes us through his time as an ECO based in the last place anyone would expect to run into a game warden - New York City!

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

· The Great American Outdoor Show

· Many new officers begin in New York City

· “It’s a unique experience.”

· Assigned to Marine Enforcement Unit

· Specialized training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)

· Encountering high-end watercraft

· “Being a cop is dangerous. Being out on the ocean is dangerous.”

· Many people are unaware there are game wardens in NYC

· Checking fish markets for prohibited goods

· The not-so-secret signal for illegal turtles

· City-dwelling coyotes

· Piloting a brand new 44-foot jet boat

· The challenges of living and working in the city

· “You’ll come away with experiences that no other game warden is going to get.”

· Working with highly experienced and talented officers

· Shoreline fishing in Manhattan and crafty hiding spots

· Tips from the public matter

· 17 conservation officers policing 8 million people

· An outrageous illegal chemical dumping case

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL043 Seth Martin

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 23:11:00 -0000

Seth Allen Martin is an American cinematographer and camera operator best known for his work on the hit Animal Planet series North Woods Law: New Hampshire. Born in Sumner, Washington, Martin has built a career behind the lens, capturing the rugged beauty and raw intensity of wildlife law enforcement across New England.

With a strong background in independent film and documentary-style production, Martin joined the North Woods Law crew during the show's transition from Maine to New Hampshire. His camera work helped bring viewers closer to the action—documenting everything from high-stakes poaching investigations to remote search-and-rescue missions in the backcountry.

Outside of television, Martin has also served as director of photography for several indie film projects, including Die-ner (Get It?) (2009). Known for his steady eye, adaptability in extreme conditions, and dedication to authentic storytelling, Martin continues to contribute to conservation-themed media and outdoor adventure filmmaking.

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149 Deming Lindsley (Ret.) – New York

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:49:00 -0000

In this episode, we delve into the long and distinguished career of Deming Lindsley, a retired Lieutenant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Law Enforcement. Known for his expertise in Fish and Wildlife Law, Lindsley served as a primary instructor at both the State College and the Division’s Training Academy for decades. His engaging personality and sense of humor made him popular among both colleagues and students, and he continues to guest lecture today, leaving a lasting impact on countless officers – including our host!

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Taught Fish & Wildlife Law at state university and Law Enforcement training Academy.

· Authored a charging reference guide for judges

· No bail in New York

· Patrolling with Dad

· Growing up the game warden’s kid

· Assigned first patrol in 1972

· Promoted to Lieutenant in just four years

· Teaching at Academy vs. College

· The unintentional getaway driver

· A news crew ride-along catches a poacher red-handed

· “You don’t need a license to jack deer.”

· Attempted bribe doesn’t go as planned

· Little green lies

· Even municipal employees can be tempted

· “Don’t go down to the cellar.”

· Keeping up with changing Fish & Wildlife laws

· People want to talk about animals and laws

· More lightning strikes than black bear attacks.

· “I never had to go to work.”

· Spearheaded one of the first Critical Incident Response teams

· Sent to NYC on 9/11

· Awards and plaques of thanks from all over

· Tried to enforce the spirit of the law, rather than the letter of the law

· Not all violators are criminals

· Teaching generations of conservation law officers

· A namesake K9

· “Do the job. You’ll never regret it.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL042 Jorge Ventura

Thu, 29 May 2025 10:33:00 -0000

Jorge Ventura is a national correspondent known for his bold, on-the-ground reporting across America’s most pressing issues, including the southern border crisis, cartel activity, and civil unrest. Now with NewsNation, Ventura previously made headlines as a lead field reporter for The Daily Caller, where his immersive storytelling took him deep into the heart of stories often ignored by mainstream media.

Ventura is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker, with investigative features like Cartelville USA, Narcofornia, and Indoctrination Nation—projects that exposed illegal marijuana operations, cartel influence, and ideological shifts in public education. His work has been featured on Fox News, BBC, Sky News, and Yahoo News.

Follow Jorge Ventura on X: @VenturaReport and Instagram: @jorgeventuratv

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148 For the Fallen: Daryl Gordon – Maine Warden Service

Thu, 15 May 2025 10:15:00 -0000

Maine Warden Service Pilot Daryl Gordon was known for his faith, his love of family, fishing and flying, and his steadfast dedication to the people and natural resources of his home state. While flying over the North Maine Woods after a busy day of service, Pilot Gordon’s Cessna went down in a snow squall, prompting a massive search. Warden Preston Pomerleau, whose K9 service partner is named in Gordon’s honor, shares his memories of that day, and reflects on how the entire Maine Warden Service continues to honor and remember their friend.

“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes; it is how they lived.” ~ National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington, DC

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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147 Josiah Towne - New Hampshire

Sat, 03 May 2025 13:39:00 -0000

Fans of the hit Animal Planet show North Woods Law will instantly recognize CO Josiah Towne. In this episode, Josiah takes us behind the scenes into the dynamic world of a New Hampshire conservation officer, from daring mountain rescues to wild chases, along with some truly unforgettable moments. Join us for a look into the world of a real-life wildlife hero!

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Here’s what we discuss:

· New Hampshire is hiring!

· Appearing on North Woods Law

· Every day is different; every season is different

· Making a dent in the illegal elver trade

· A riverside arrest gone awry

· Improving handcuff techniques

· Patrolling your hometown

· Recognizing fresh perspectives

· The Hawk Unit

· A remarkable rescue operation

· Any trail with the word ‘slide’ in the name…

· The arduous rescue “was all worth it.”

· Many visitors create increased requests for service

· The local Scoutmaster

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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Support Suicide Prevention With Conservation Officer Rob McDermott

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TGL041 Gary Lewis

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:15:00 -0000

Gary Lewis is an award-winning outdoor writer, television host, podcaster, and speaker based in Central Oregon. Since launching his career in 1995, he has become a respected voice in the hunting and fishing world, with over 16 books to his name and countless articles published in major outdoor magazines. He hosts the TV series Frontier Unlimited and the Gary Lewis Outdoorsman podcast, sharing real-world adventures from Oregon to Africa. Known for his deep knowledge of firearms, big game tactics, and conservation ethics, Gary continues to inspire sportsmen and women with his storytelling and passion for the outdoors.

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146 Run for Levi – With Rob McDermott

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 08:45:00 -0000

On Monday, April 21st, New Hampshire CO Rob McDermott will run the Boston Marathon® in honor of his friend and colleague, Levi Frye. Partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Rob is raising funds to support AFSP's prevention programs, advocacy, education, and survivor support. Next, we will hear from AFSP spokesman David O’Leary, who shares important information about suicide risk and offers suggestions on how to help a friend or loved one who may be struggling. Finally, Sgt. Matt Holmes reads the beautiful eulogy he wrote to honor Levi at his funeral service.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

· Turkey hunting and a fiddlehead harvest

· Joined Fish & Game shortly after Levi

· Roommates in the game warden house

· Eric Fluette and the anonymous ring sizing kit

· Levi was set to receive his second congressional medal

· Partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

· Fundraising and training for the Boston Marathon®

· Running with Levi: “we’d get lapped multiple times.”

· Funds raised will help provide resources to others who have lost a loved one

· Ways to offer support:

Support Rob’s run directly through Give and Gain
The New Hampshire Conservation Officers Relief Association

· Up to 200 first responders die by suicide each year in the US

· Follow the impulse to reach out

· It’s okay to use the word ‘suicide.’

· The most important thing you can do is listen

· Changing our language: “You don’t ‘commit cancer’ or ‘commit high blood pressure’.”

· Boston Marathon® and others allow charities to apply for bibs as fundraisers

· Team AFSP at the marathon

· 1 in 5 Americans has a connection to a mental health issue

· Find information and support here: AFSP

· Sgt. Matt Holmes reads Levi’s eulogy: A man of commitment, and a man in green.

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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145 In Memory of Officer Levi Frye

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 21:10:00 -0000

This episode is dedicated to the life and legacy of New Hampshire Conservation Officer Levi Frye. Today, we honor Levi's commitment to protecting our natural world through a lighthearted but insightful interview he gave before his passing, where he shares his passion for his work, the outdoors, and his lifelong dedication to physical fitness. As we reflect on his life, we will also hear a heartfelt poem written and read by Lt. Mark Ober at Levi's funeral service.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide Crisis Hotline.

Support the Frye family: https://nh-cora.org/donations/givewp-donation-fryefamily/

Our Sponsors:

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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144 Mindy Rugg - Maine Warden Service

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In our final episode celebrating Women's History Month 2025, we’re excited to welcome Maine

game warden Mindy Rugg. Inspired by our very own podcast, Mindy transitioned from a successful career as a vet tech to become a game warden in 2021. Join us as she shares her journey, the challenges she faces, and the unique perspective women bring to the job.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Gained many skills in her previous career as a vet tech

· Needed to be outside

· Listened to the Warden’s Watch podcast

· Not everyone loves the game warden

· Hired in 2021, full-time in 2022

· Checking hundreds of boats a day

· On the job experience can be the best communication training

· People react well if you treat them fairly

· Strategies to manage dyslexia

· Spell check, Grammarly, and text-to-speech

· Working in Western Maine – close to home, but not too close

· “Every single day I learn something new.”

· Mindy’s favorite Warden’s Watch episode

· Maine Warden Service now has seven female officers

· Many companies don’t make clothing for women in law enforcement

· Don’t talk yourself out of it - make it happen

· It’s no longer a shock to meet a female game warden

· Women can bring a different perspective to the job

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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143 Rachel Thurner-Diaz – PA Fish & Boat

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:35:00 -0000

In this episode, we’re delighted to reconnect with Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Officer

Rachel Thurner-Diaz, who joined us way back in Episode 81. A lot has changed in the three years since we visited last; her husband has joined the local police department, and she is now balancing the demanding roles of a dedicated officer and a busy mom. Join us as we continue to explore the unique experiences and perspectives of women in conservation law enforcement.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Officer Thurner-Diaz was a previous guest in Episode 81

· Two law enforcement officers at home

· PA is recruiting wardens

· Protecting wildlife is a passion

· More women are joining conservation law

· The Fab Five

· Game wardens of both genders need to be motivated and independent

· Taught by Jeff Baile – another previous Warden’s Watch guest

· Be compassionate but call out deception

· A heated hunter and mistaken identity

· PA has two wildlife agencies

· The volunteer fish stocking program

· Using the ‘mom voice’

· Work-life balance can be challenging

· Looking forward to summer

· Trout stockers still don’t eat much trout

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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142 Wonder Wardens - With Melissa Gauthier & Therese Bogatko

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Back in 2018, a small group of female officers from Alberta Fish and Wildlife saw the need to

engage with each other more actively and support community causes at the same time. This dedicated team has since participated in charity fundraisers, launched an outdoor education camp for young women, and is now working to establish a scholarship to help even more women join conservation law enforcement. Let’s meet Alberta’s Wonder Wardens!

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Here’s what we discuss:

· The beginnings of the Wonder Wardens

· Camaraderie and promoting women in conservation law

· Polar dipping in uniform for charity

· Summer camp for future female game wardens

· Wildlife identification, hunting & fishing checks, drills and a mock investigation

· The break-in period

· “We complement each other.”

· Self-confidence matters

· People often make assumptions

· Plans to expand Wonder Wardens

· Proceeds from merch sales will fund a scholarship

· “We’re small but we’re mighty.”

· The importance of agency support

· NAWEOA offers an opportunity to connect and share

· Uniforms and equipment are changing

· Shooting competitions – an all-female team

· Close encounters during grizzly relocations

· Hunters are sometimes surprised to encounter a female warden team

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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American Game Warden Museum

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141 CJ Alexander – The Podcasters

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Wrapping up the CJ Alexander series, we sit down with Christian Babcock and Jake Gaylord, the dynamic duo behind the popular Hunters Advantage podcast. In early 2024, Alexander made a memorable appearance on their podcast, spinning his well-worn underdog tale of an unbelievably lucky trophy buck - a tale that took a dramatic turn when it was later revealed he had already confessed to poaching it.

Our Sponsors:

Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:

· Christian posts, then removes, a video questioning the Alexander buck

· Hunters Advantage podcast invites Alexander to tell his story

· All large deer taken can be controversial

· Alexander tells the hosts a convincing enough tale

· “I came out of it with kind of an uneasy feeling.”

· Alexander had appeared on the podcast after confessing to game wardens

· The court-ordered apology letter

· Public opinion was split

· Misdemeanor charges moved to felony levels

· Podcast appearances could have been used in sentencing

· Technology makes poaching hard to hide

· Antlers are like fingerprints

· Podcast generated both positive and negative feedback

· “We’re just common men with a nice microphone.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design:

Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator:

Stacey DesRoches

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140 CJ Alexander – The Wardens

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Picking up from our last episode, we sit down with two of the Ohio game wardens responsible for bringing this case before the court. Wildlife Officers Isaiah Gifford and Matt Roberts outline the meticulous effort and tiny details that led to the indictment and ultimate guilty plea of the now-infamous poacher, CJ Alexander.

See this episode on YouTube here: EP140 CJ Alexander Buck The Officer's interview

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Investigation began as a typical follow up when a trophy animal is taken

· Alexander spins his tale

· Wildlife officers visit the alleged kill site

· The staged site seems unusual, but mostly believable

· A video arrives showing the animal 10 miles away

· Wardens take a closer look

· A bait pile and other evidence is found

· Trail camera photos show the deer in the area

· A grid search locates more evidence

· Tiny details in a photo confirm officers’ suspicions

· “There’s a knife – and there’s another knife!”

· Alexander admits lying about the site

· Antlers had already been sold, and are confiscated

· Foliage at the supposed kill site does not match photos

· Search warrants solidify the evidence

· The poacher continues to make false claims publicly

· Charges include tampering with evidence and theft by deception

· Investigators meticulously pore through the evidence

· “At the end of the day, we knew what we had.”

· An Ohio record for restitution

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design:

Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator:

Stacey DesRoches

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139 CJ Alexander – The Facts

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 11:30:00 -0000

For a time, Christopher “CJ” Alexander seemed to be everywhere; on the news in his native Ohio, in magazine articles, and featured on various hunting-related podcasts, telling the tale again and again of how he took a massive 18-point buck – a trophy in the running to be among the top three typical whitetails of all time. In the end, fame turned into felony charges, and the windfall he expected became instead a whopping $43,000 in fines. Hear the facts as read by an investigator involved in the case.

See this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/w_rulXxzkKE

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Wayne reads a note from Alexander

· Deer becomes an internet sensation

· Everyone loved the underdog story

· Ohio DNR follows up

· Information casts doubt on Alexander’s story

· A photo and legwork begin to unravel the lies

· Animal was poached on private property

· Cell phone records reveal a plan

· They name the buck Megatron

· “Buying a house type money.”

· Alexander shoots the buck… poorly

· The deer is found and removed under cover of darkness

· An elaborate cover up is put into motion

· High expectations for big profits

· “Can cell phone location data be used as evidence against me?”

· Alexander pleads guilty to 14 charges

· Deer was targeted solely for money and fame

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design:

Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator:

Stacey DesRoches

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138 Wardens: Case Files on the Outdoor Channel

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Get ready – a new series featuring real game warden stories is coming to the Outdoor Channel! Premiering in the US on Friday, February 14th at 9:30pm EST, Wardens: Case Files will feature game wardens recounting some of their most unforgettable cases, complete with gripping reenactments. I am honored to be the first guest. We sit down with host Randy Nelson and producer Kayla Schoen for a look at this exciting new show. You won’t want to miss it!

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Here’s what we discuss:

· A new game warden show on the Outdoor Channel

· Based on Randy Nelson’s book, The Wildest Hunt

· “Every warden probably has a book of stories.”

· Game wardens are great storytellers

· Tales from the serious to the silly

· Show format is “similar to a fireside chat.”

· A picnic gone wrong…

· Show will promote poaching awareness

· Many cases have been made by tips from the public

· “If you see something, say something.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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137 KP Boatright – Georgia DNR

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Despite having been on the job since just 2020, Georgia Game Warden KP Boatright has received multiple accolades, including the Public Safety Act of Heroism award for rescuing a drowning hunter at great personal risk. We caught up with KP as he accepted the prestigious NAWEOA Torch Award, presented to new officers who demonstrate exceptional ability and initiative. Join us for a chat with another rising star from Georgia DNR!

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

· NAWEOA Torch Award winner

· Using social media for investigations

· A suspicious alligator trapper leads to multiple charges

· “The Swiss Army knife of law enforcement.”

· Assisting fellow law enforcement officers

· An online aptitude test suggests a career path

· “Boneheaded” teenage behavior causes a slight delay

· A supportive chain of command

· The importance of different perspectives

· People generally want to talk if you make them comfortable

· An upcoming wedding!

· The ‘dead’ alligator that blinked

· “You never know what you’re gonna come across.”

· Lake Seminole: Georgia’s best kept secret

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL040 Guidefitter

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Guidefitter is a platform tailored for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals, providing a vibrant community, exclusive gear discounts, and expert resources for activities like hunting and fishing. It connects members with professional guides and outfitters, enabling access to expert advice and guided trips. Verified users, such as guides, military personnel, and first responders, benefit from discounted gear from top outdoor brands. Additionally, the platform offers a rich database of outfitters, gear reviews, and educational content, making it a one-stop resource for planning and enhancing outdoor adventures. Guidefitter fosters a shared passion for the outdoors while supporting professionals in the field.

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Convicted - C.J Alexander

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:56:00 -0000

In late 2023, an 18-point trophy whitetail buck was taken illegally in Ohio. After an intense, high-profile investigation, several men pleaded guilty and were sentenced. The ringleader of the group also pled guilty and was sentenced this week to 90 days in jail and ordered to pay a combined $43,000 in penalties.

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Hunt Regs App: Stay Legal. Strike Smart – With Ben Martin

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 14:16:00 -0000

Hunt Regs App: Stay Legal. Strike Smart – With Ben Martin

Hunt Regs is a powerful mobile app that allows sportsmen to quickly determine hunting regulations for

their specific location and target species. This free-to-try app also allows hunters to journal target

sightings while automatically recording detailed conditions, enabling users to easily track movement

patterns and create a comprehensive “Smart Strike” plan - all designed to produce a successful and legal

hunt. Co-creator Ben Martin joins us for a deep dive into this one-of-a-kind tool, available now on the

AppStore.

Our Sponsors:

Thin Green Line Podcast

Don Noyes Chevrolet

North American Game Warden Museum

Sovereign Sportsman Solutions

“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

Hunt of a Lifetime

Maine's Operation Game Thief

Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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136 Operation Night Cat with Ron Arsenault & Kevin Bronson – New Hampshire

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:32:00 -0000

136 Operation Night Cat with Ron Arsenault & Kevin Bronson – New Hampshire

It started with a single game camera trained on an illegal bait site. Evidence recovered from that camera would ultimately lead to a lengthy multi-agency investigation, and the arrest of a ring of poachers who would trade hundreds of photos and videos of their multiple illegal harvests. In this episode, New Hampshire COs Ron Arsenault and Sgt. Kevin Bronson break down the story of “Operation Night Cat.”

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

· Upcoming YouTube channel featuring NH game wardens

· Investigation began as an illegal deer baiting case

· Cell phone pictures reveal a protected bobcat shot at night

· US Fish & Wildlife is brought in

· Multiple search warrants are executed

· A mountain of digital evidence reveals several suspects

· Poaching activities were incredibly well-documented

· “It was like they had a camera crew.”

· One suspect attempts to hide a cell phone… but is foiled by K9 Winni

· Bobcat, deer, crows, fisher, coyotes, and foxes were all targeted

· Speed and coordination are key when executing warrants

· The importance of preservation letters to prevent destruction of evidence

· Poaching also occurred in other states, more charges could be pending

· Five people were arrested, charged with over 50 night hunting violations alone

· Felony charges were also laid

· County attorneys were integral to these cases

· Local sportsmen were “appalled, and wanted to help.”

· Poaching is still prevalent and ongoing

· “One guy may start, but it takes a team to get a win.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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135 Whooping Crane Shootings with Emily Long – Oklahoma

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:22:45 -0000

135 Whooping Crane Shootings with Emily Long – Oklahoma

In late 2021, members of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation responded to a report that would lead to a nearly two-year, multi-departmental investigation into the shooting deaths of four whooping cranes, one of the rarest and most endangered birds in North America. In this episode, Wildlife Investigations Specialist Emily Long, whose dedication and meticulous work on this case earned her the title of 2024 IWC Game Warden of the Year, details the story.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Sole full-time investigator in Oklahoma
New positions created to investigate both state and federal wildlife crimes
Jointly funded by both state and federal departments
Fewer than 600 whooping cranes left worldwide
OK closes hunting when advised by USGS that cranes are migrating
Local wardens respond to a call about an injured whooping crane
The wounded bird is rescued, but does not survive
Days later, a stationary tracking device is detected nearby
Game wardens discover the crime scene
Investigation reveals three more deceased cranes
Painstakingly searching thousands of cell tower records
Suspects are slowly eliminated
Geolocation data finally offers a break
The first confession exposes four suspects
Potentially accidental shootings lead to intentional coverup
Charges are brought under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
All four men plead guilty
A collective total of $71,000 in fines
Multiple agencies at all levels collaborated to bring the case to a successful conclusion

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL039 Tom Kubiniec

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Tom Kubiniec is the President and CEO of SecureIt Tactical, a company known for revolutionizing the way firearms are stored. With over 20 years of experience, Kubiniec played a key role in modernizing military armory systems by working with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop SecureIt’s patented CradleGrid™ technology, which is widely used in military weapon storage. This technology offers a flexible, modular way to store weapons securely and efficiently, both for the military and consumers.

In addition to leading SecureIt, Kubiniec hosts a TV show called Agents of Change on the Sportsman Channel, where he highlights innovation in the firearms and outdoor industries.

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134 Tyler & Chris Johnson – Alaska Bear Attack

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 16:30:00 -0000

134 Tyler & Chris Johnson – Alaska Bear Attack

While hunting in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula in August, Tyler Johnson and his father were suddenly charged by a large brown bear. Despite being seriously injured and accidently shot through the leg, the seasoned outdoorsman calmly filmed a video documenting the attack while waiting for rescue. Tyler and his dad join us to share their harrowing story.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Tyler’s dad Chris is a previous Warden’s Watch guest
A father and son trip ahead of a planned move to Texas
Working through dense brush, the pair emerge into tall grass
Chris hears a guttural growl
At the last moment, the bear pivots toward Tyler
Tyler races to unholster his sidearm
In seconds, the bear is on him
At some point, he accidentally shoots his left leg
“Oh… it has a collar.”
Both men fire at the animal
Immediate triage
Tyler’s boot is filling with blood
Chris applies a tourniquet to stop the bleeding
Tyler calmly documents the aftermath
Fifteen seconds
Preparing the helicopter landing zone
Rescue is almost two hours away
Airlifted to Anchorage
“Wow, this is beautiful. My leg hurts.”
A gunshot wound on one leg, a large gash on the other
Chris’ training had kicked in immediately
Tyler had saved his father in a previous medical emergency
“Now we’re even.”
Remained in Alaska for treatment
Takeaways: Always bring a trauma kit
Twenty-four rounds were fired
A small cub is found at the scene the next day
The Garmin InReach was integral to rescue
“Gunshot victim, bear mauling... and then the hospital staff just got me.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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133 Tony Latham – Fire, Fish & Game and Fiction

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 18:12:00 -0000

133 Tony Latham – Fire, Fish & Game and Fiction

Tony Latham is an author known for his engaging stories drawn from his extensive experience as an Idaho game warden and years spent fighting wildfires in Alaska. His career has been as adventurous as the characters in his books - including a lengthy undercover operation documented in his 2012 debut novel, Trafficking: A Memoir of an Undercover Game Warden. Now, several books later, he sits down to discuss his rich background, current projects, and more.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Grew up dreaming of becoming a game warden, just like his great uncle

· From fighting wildfires in Alaska to 22 years as an Idaho game warden

· Helped a local warden with a poaching case in high school

· “I was in awe of that truck.”

· Early warden experiences laid the foundation for undercover work

· A deadly poisoning case

· A lawyer’s gamble that paid off – for law enforcement

· Began writing after retirement

· First book was a short guide to examining and matching firearms evidence

· Fight or flight mode in undercover officers

· The challenge of writing fiction after years of factual case reports

· Game wardens never quite retire

· Writing can bring unexpected rewards

· A sneak peek at the latest work in progress: The Charley Cove series

· Wildlife crime is often tied to more serious crimes

· If you see something, say something – always

· Returning home to 26 “hot tips”

· Sharing skills learned

· Chasing wildfire in Alaska

· “I wanted to be a game warden.”

· Getting into undercover work

· Uniformed one week, undercover the next

· The prolific poacher who would not say ‘elk’

· Most cases can be handled by uniformed officers

· Visit Tony online

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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132 Drew Milne – British Columbia, Canada

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 15:22:00 -0000

132 Drew Milne – British Columbia, Canada

While deployed with the Canadian Armed Forces, Drew Milne picked up a book that inspired him to pursue his true calling and a new career as a conservation officer. Now, after almost two decades and multiple honors, he oversees the beautiful South Coast region of British Columbia, Canada, and teaches at the Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy. We sit down with Drew at NAWEOA as he shares his passion for helping both recruits and field officers hone their skills through use of force training and de-escalation methods.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Changing careers after six years with the CAF

· Joined as a seasonal officer in 2008

· Three years assisting another agency in establishing a new enforcement wing

· Learned about a park warden’s job while in a tank in Bosnia

· An encounter with a CO back in Canada

· Horseback in the Rocky Mountains: hang onto your hat!

· A life-changing confrontation

· Learning to lower the temperature

· Body language matters as much as dialog

· British Columbia’s CO uniform

· The path to becoming a BC Conservation Officer

· Worked at the 2010 Winter Olympics

· The Yukon: helicopters, float planes, snowmobiles and wildlife

· A sheep poaching case solved by lichen in a photo

· BC’s Use of Force lead trainer – sharing lessons learned

· Remaining calm and respectful, even in tense moments

· “Who cares what happened before? Now is now.”

· Personal connections are critical

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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131 Live from NAWEOA – with Drew Milne (BC), Kris MacCabe (ME) & Chris Gilkey (OH)

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

131 Live from NAWEOA – with Drew Milne (BC), Kris MacCabe (ME) & Chris Gilkey (OH)

This episode finds us live at NAWEOA 2024 in in beautiful Penticton, BC with Maine’s Kris MacCabe, Chris Gilkey from Ohio, and Drew Milne of our host province, British Columbia, Canada. The guys sit down for a lively roundtable talk about their respective states and provinces, the beauty surrounding them, and of course, the incredible experience that is NAWEOA.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

Grizzlies, rams… and musk ox?
A forest fire to the southwest
Bears across the continent
British Columbia’s strict bear hunting laws
Much of BC is public land, filled with wildlife
Ohio has far fewer bears
Some people love BC bears, others very much do not
Connecting and learning at NAWEOA
Sharing commonalities and differences
NAWEOA 2025: Erie, Pennsylvania
The many microclimates of British Columbia
“The Napa Valley of Canada.”
Canadians really are that friendly
Tim Hortons, maple syrup, Cheezies, and poutine
“You guys don’t have Smarties?”
Chris’ poutine plan: The Gilkey
NAWEOA in one word
Camaraderie, connection, and family
Snakes!

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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130 Lukas Madsen – Alberta, Canada

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 11:50:00 -0000

130 Lukas Madsen – Alberta, Canada

Ahead of NAWEOA 2024 in British Columbia, Canada, Wayne discusses warden life across the border with special guest Sgt. Lukas Madsen, a Fish & Wildlife officer in the neighboring province of Alberta. Sgt. Madsen discusses his path from growing up in the rugged beauty of the Northwest Territories to becoming a game warden, Alberta’s many outdoor opportunities, and shares a few adventures he’s had along the way.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

· What Canadian accent?

· Originally set out to become a biologist

· Growing up in Yellowknife; one road north, one road south

· Great Slave Lake is one of the deepest in Canada

· Outdoor experience creates an advantage

· Education never stops

· Had to build experience to be hired full-time

· Working as a park ranger - aka the Party Police

· Adventures in bear trapping

· Sometimes euthanasia is the only option

· The Western Conservation Law Academy

· “The best job in the world.”

· Alberta has an abundance of wildlife

· A couple of unethical outfitters

· Wildlife crimes in another country can result in big problems

· NAWEOA: “We all have the same stories.”

· Always move forward, always try to do better

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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129 Jason Blaylock – Mississippi – Officer-Involved Shooting

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

When an officer-involved shooting occurs, we often hear a lot about the victim, but what happens to the person who pulled the trigger?

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Officer-involved shooting: no one knew how to handle it

· Systemic problems

· You’re never the same person

· One trauma can be a huge setback

· Fit for duty

· Stigma created by the word “homicide” in media

· Called to investigate a suspected night hunter

· Suspect fired at a citizen

· The chase

· Suspect stops, then rams Blaylock’s truck and flees

· Vehicle does not stop at a roadblock

· Suspect again rams officers’ vehicles

· “I’m not making it home tonight.”

· Less a decision than a reaction

· Driver was a 15-year-old male

· Praying for the driver

· A helpless, solitary feeling

· Driver recovered, and was later convicted only of night hunting

· Officer Blaylock is immediately cleared of wrongdoing

· Months of interviews and uncertainty

· A single counselling session

· “You have to talk about it. You cannot hold it in.”

· Nearly eleven months off work

· Stress and its impacts on the body

· The entire family is affected

· Friends - and even fellow officers - don’t know what to say

· Law enforcement, PTSD and alcoholism

· It’s okay to not be tough

· Subjects went on to commit more felonies

· “We don’t know how to handle needing a helping hand.”

· The importance of being proactive

· Learning what to expect, how to heal, and how to help

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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128 Father & Sons - with Bill, Wayne, and Aaron Saunders

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Bill Saunders' legacy is a testament to the enduring bond between family and nature. His love for the wilderness, deeply instilled in his sons, has blossomed into a tradition that transcends generations. This Father's Day, we explore their story; it's a legacy of living off the land, teaching the next generation to hunt ethically, and nurturing a passion that would one day set a young man on a familiar career path. A family's tradition, flourishing under the canopy of the great outdoors.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Dad grew up fishing and hunting
Snakes!
The story of the cowboy in the woods
Growing up on roadkill
“I’d arrest Mom if I had to.”
Adventures with Uncle Warren
Learning never to waste a resource
The deer that kept standing up
Aaron’s first deer
Bonding with your kids in the outdoors
Hunting hazards: hand injuries and dented tailgates
The duck that crash landed
Walking through the woods with your kids; it’s about the experience
Wildlife populations have changed over the years
“If you’re gonna shoot it, you’re gonna eat it.”
Porcupines and perch eggs
Being related to a game warden can sometimes change your point of view
The outdoor legacy continues in Wayne and Aaron’s children

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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127 Jason Blaylock - Mississippi

Thu, 23 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

With record-high wildlife populations, Mississippi’s generous bag limits make it an attractive destination for hunters of all kinds, and game wardens are busy almost year-round. After 23 years with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), Lt. Jason Blaylock has made substantial contributions to wildlife conservation and law enforcement in the Magnolia State, and was recently named the National Wild Turkey Federation Conservation Officer of the Year by the MDWFP. Lt. Blaylock joined us at NAWEOA.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

· Mississippi wardens are busy with game issues for much of the year

· Working the famous river

· Close to 200 officers in MS

· Passing knowledge to the next generation of officers

· Teaching methods have changed with technology advancements

· Started school in a pre-med program

· “I can’t see myself not being outside.”

· A coincidence that led to a career

· Many rural game wardens are ‘the’ local law enforcement

· Opening day is like Christmas

· Snakes!

· MS game wardens used to sell licenses from their trucks and homes

· Bag limits in Mississippi

· No deer tags required

· 250+ spotlighting cases

· 13-year-old night hunters

· Thanksgiving 2017: an unforgettable night hunting case

· The repeat, repeat, repeat young offender

· Suppressors are becoming more common in MS

· Technology advancements are changing the way game wardens do business

· The diversity of Mississippi provides a multitude of opportunities

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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126 For the Fallen: Julian Keen – Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission

Thu, 16 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

126 For the Fallen: Julian Keen – Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission

Florida FWC Officer Julian “Batman” Keen was known for his bright smile, relentless enthusiasm, and deep commitment to the people and wildlife of his home state. On a quiet Sunday morning in 2020, he heard a crash outside his home and looked out to see a truck driving recklessly. He gave chase without hesitation, eventually intercepting the hit and run suspect - who escaped - but inexplicably returned to the scene, opened fire and sped away. Officer Keen was 30 years old. His friend and mentor, FWC Lt. Pam Steelman shares the legacy of a remarkable young man, determined to fulfil a lifelong dream, and give back to the community he loved - and who loved him so dearly in return.

“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes; it is how they lived.” ~ National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington, DC

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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A Game Warden's commentary on Christopher Alexander post World Class Ohio Buck

Mon, 13 May 2024 03:17:00 -0000

I did this game warden commentary regarding Christopher Alexander, who allegedly poached a world-class buck in Ohio. I have heard so much speculation regarding this buck through social media that I had to engage on the side of the game wardens.

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125 Maple Syrup – With Chris Simmons & Ken St. Pierre

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Late winter and early spring can find a New England game warden with a little more free time than they’re used to, and many have found a sweet way to tap into one of the nature’s greatest springtime gifts. As maple syrup season draws to a close, we catch up with Maine’s Chris Simmons, of Simmons and Daughters Sugar House, and Ken St. Pierre, of Big Lake Maple in New Hampshire, to learn just what it takes to run a successful sugar house.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Chris got started making syrup with his brothers on the family farm

· Tapping and processing with whatever they could find

· Ken was inspired by a colleague who tapped

· “That’s an awful idea.”

· Rebuilding a 100-year-old evaporator

· The expense of expansion

· Buckets vs. tap lines

· Weather has made this season’s sap run unpredictable

· Syruping can be an activity for the whole family

· Can be as basic or as complex as you want it to be

· “A heat source, a thermometer, a vessel, and sap.”

· Make room for friends and neighbors!

· Chris’ recipe for maple hot dogs

· Natural syrup is an antioxidant

· More than a topping: cooking with maple

· Travel-sized containers can come in handy

· Where to find Chris and Ken’s websites

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL038 Annie Teall

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 02:46:00 -0000

Annie Teall is a seasoned emergency services dispatcher renowned for her calm and effective handling of crisis situations. With over 27 years of experience in dispatch, Annie has become a pivotal figure in emergency response within the San Bernardino community. She gained national recognition during the tragic terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center on December 2, 2015, where she was the primary police dispatcher. During this critical event, Annie managed the intense flow of emergency communications, demonstrating exemplary professionalism and composure under pressure. Her efforts not only facilitated the rapid response of law enforcement and emergency services but also underscored the vital role dispatchers play in managing public safety crises. Annie's career reflects a profound commitment to public service and safety.

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TGL037 Kevin Estela

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Kevin Estela's lifelong passion for the outdoors was kindled in childhood by his fascination with his father's WWII survival stories in the Philippines. This interest deepened through activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing, and hunting in New England, alongside reading extensively on survival and wilderness skills. Over time, his passion evolved into a profession focused on sharing his knowledge through Estela Wilderness Education, where he serves as the Owner and Head Instructor.

Kevin is a prolific author with over 100 print articles in notable magazines like RECOIL, OFF-GRID Magazine, and American Survival Guide, and he has penned numerous online articles and a book titled "101 Skills You Need to Survive in the Woods." His expertise is recognized by various product companies that sponsor him as a Professional Outdoorsman, and he maintains a reputation for providing honest product feedback based on extensive field experience. He is a sought-after speaker and instructor across the United States and in the United Kingdom, teaching a broad range of survival skills. In 2015, he founded the Estela Wilderness Education Fund to support educational programs for underprivileged youth.

Kevin has appeared on the History Channel and brings a comprehensive background in martial arts, including training in Sayoc Kali and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to his survival and wilderness instruction. His previous experience as a lead instructor at the Wilderness Learning Center, under the mentorship of survival authority Marty Simon, along with his retail and guiding experience in outdoor recreational products, has deeply informed his teaching philosophy and approach.

Additionally, Kevin has a solid foundation in education and athletics, being a full-time high school history teacher and a former track and field coach, with degrees in American Studies and Secondary Education. His multifaceted expertise in survival skills, martial arts, and education makes him a uniquely capable and enriching instructor to his students.

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Warden News March 2024

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:22:00 -0000

Topics:

Trailblazing Conservation: Hulda Neal - America's First Female Game Warden

90 Year Old Cold Case in Idaho Finally Solved

Drones in the Crosshairs: Pennsylvania Case Sparks Debate Over Technology in Wildlife Recovery

Community Vigilance Leads to Sturgeon Poaching Convictions

Montana Rancher's Hybrid Sheep Creation Leads to Legal Trouble

Crackdown on Illegal Elver Fishing Leads to Multiple Arrests in Nova Scotia

Game Warden Rescues Black Bear Trapped Inside Car in the Poconos

Sponsors

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124 Kandy Klosterman – Ohio Division of Wildlife Chief of Law Enforcement

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

From humble beginnings fishing the tranquil lakes of Ohio to her current position as Chief of Law Enforcement for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division, Kandy Klosterman is no stranger to blazing trails. As the state's pioneering female wildlife investigator, she spearheaded numerous high-profile cases, earning multiple accolades along the way – including the prestigious Guy Bradley Award for lifetime contributions to wildlife law enforcement. With a career spanning nearly three decades, her commitment to safeguarding Ohio's natural resources, mentoring the next generation of officers, and championing the inclusion of women in wildlife conservation sets the standard for excellence. We can’t wait to see what she does next!

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Here’s what we discuss:

Accepted Chief of Law Enforcement position in June 2023
Grew up fishing and hunting with her grandfather in Ohio
Mentors are essential
“You’re not born with a shotgun or fishing rod in your hand.”
Worked mowing grass on ODNR property
“I want to be a wildlife officer!”
Volunteering led to a part-time position
Only woman in the Academy in 1998
Mentoring the next generation of officers
All staff take part in educating new cadets
1920s saw the first female wildlife officer in Ohio
15 female officers in 120 years, but more all the time
Early career involved several areas of the state
Wildlife investigator for 21 years
Adventures in undercover work
Ohio’s Women Officers of Wildlife group
Female Wildlife Officers in OH wore men’s uniforms until the mid-90s
Ohio DNR organization and command structure
Nearly three-decade career
Statewide working groups: “I don’t have to know everything.”
Leveraging drone capabilities
Plans to expand Search & Rescue
Accreditation program for outfitters and guides
A fraudulent interstate outfitter case
Encouraging the next generation of female WOs
“Someone taught you, now you need to teach them.”
Working with cadets brings you back to your roots

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL036 Karen Hunter

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Karen Hunter is a prominent figure in the firearms and defense community, contributing significantly through her writings, instruction, and advocacy. Her extensive work includes contributions to major print publications like Personal Defense World Magazine, Ballistic Magazine, Gun Primer Magazine, Concealed Carry Handguns Magazine, and Skillset Magazine. Beyond print, Hunter is active in digital spaces, contributing to platforms such as NRA’s America’s 1st Freedom and Getzone. This blend of print and digital outreach underscores her influence and commitment to Second Amendment and personal protection issues.

Beyond her writing, Karen Hunter is deeply involved in firearms education and safety. As the Senior Range Officer for Force Options USA, she plays a pivotal role in firearms training and safety instruction. Her certifications in defensive handgun and carbine instruction further demonstrate her expertise and dedication to responsible firearms use and self-defense training.

Her advocacy extends to public speaking and digital appearances, where she has been a guest on various podcasts, sharing her knowledge and views on gun rights, self-defense, and firearms education. Her active involvement in the community, both as an educator and a communicator, highlights her commitment to advancing the conversation around the Second Amendment and personal defense in a responsible and informed manner.

Hunter's work embodies a blend of advocacy, education, and communication, positioning her as a significant voice in the firearms and personal defense community.

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123 Sheila Paquette – Rhode Island

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Sgt. Sheila Paquette can only be described as a trailblazer for women in conservation law enforcement. During her nearly 29-year career with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, she has excelled in accident reconstruction and forensic investigation, is a multi-disciplinary trainer, boat handling instructor and Master Captain, was the agency’s first Detective – and did we mention she’s also active with both NAWEOA and the North American Game Warden Museum, an avid photographer, passionately community-minded, and a mom? On this International Women’s Day, join us for a conversation with an officer who not only challenges stereotypes, but leaves no boundary untouched.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Born and raised in Rhode Island

· Hired in 1995

· Beginning her 29th year with RI Dept of Environmental Management

· Exposed to the outdoors from a young age

· Interned with the state to build volunteer hours

· Encouraged to apply by a coworker

· “I didn’t know what I was getting into.”

· Working in fish identification

· A fish that had never been documented in RI

· Joined at a time when few women were game wardens

· Misconceptions around women in law enforcement

· Camaraderie and networking opportunities at field days

· “Almost like a mini family.”

· Joining the North American Game Warden Museum

· The Memorial Paving Stone project and scholarship program

· Tune into the Warden’s Watch podcast episode about the museum

· An autopsy led to an interest in accident investigation and reconstruction

· Every boat accident has a critical moment

· First Detective in the agency

· The challenge of attracting more women to law enforcement

· Finding your niche and learning from everyone you can

· Obtained a 50-ton boat Master Captain’s license in 2006

· Teaches boat handling and captains’ courses

· Gaining confidence through experience

· “You can do anything you put your mind to.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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Warden News February 2024

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Game warden News for February 2024

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122 Texas K9 Teams – With Royce Ilse, Kevin Winters & Joni Owen

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 22:01:00 -0000

Since the early 20th century, the term “K9” has stood as both a clever play on words and a symbol of unity and partnership between law enforcement officers and their four-legged companions. Recognizing their increasingly valuable contributions to public service, the Conservation Canine Officers Association (CCOA) was founded in 2020 to promote professional development and support for conservation canine teams in North America and beyond. From the CCOA’s annual conference in Newry, Maine, we sit down with Texas wardens and K9 handlers Royce Ilse, Kevin Winters, and Joni Owen to explore the world of conservation K9 handling, the roots and growth of the CCOA, and more!

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

Texas K9 officers are currently Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds
Different K9s are trained in different specialties
Dogs will provide both obvious and subtle cues when alerting
Received training in Utah
Currently seven trained conservation K9s in the state
Membership in CCOA has helped build connections
Training a cadaver dog
K9s can distinguish between human and animal remains
Giving up a K9 partner
Building partnerships at the state and federal level
The first shark fin case in San Antonio
Training to differentiate between different species and cuts of fish
How boat inspections are conducted
Combatting the illegal sea turtle trade
CCOA is on Facebook
Hopes for the future of the organization
K9s can be used in multiple complex situations
Kevin’s hat!
Support the CCOA

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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Great American Outdoor Show with Cole LeTourneau – NH Fish & Game

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

From the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA, we catch up with New Hampshire Fish & Game CO Cole LeTourneau, at the show promoting careers in wildlife and resource protection, and recruiting for his home agency.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

· New Hampshire is hiring!

· Working on the coast

· Coastal wardens are deputized for Federal enforcement

· New Hampshire’s many fishing and hunting options

· More open access land than many states

· Contentious trail cameras

· New regulations for tree stands

· Many landowners will post permission and guidelines on their property

· An unforgettable poaching case

· “I killed seven deer.”

· A dumped deer leg… with a registration seal

· Persistence paid off

· Cole’s background

· No one’s path to becoming a game warden is the same

· “If this is your dream, you can get here.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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121 CJ Box – “Three-Inch Teeth”

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Fans of Joe Pickett rejoiced at the news that the 24th offering in the bestselling series would be available in early 2024. Now on the eve of the book’s release, celebrated author CJ Box returns to Warden’s Watch to discuss “Three-Inch Teeth”, a pulse-pounding tale that sees Joe join Wyoming Game & Fish’s Predator Attack Team on the hunt for a rampaging killer grizzly - but in true Box style, the bear may not be the biggest threat in the high country.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Inspiration for the latest book

· Unprovoked bear attacks seem to be on the rise

· A tragic ambush that killed an experienced guide

· Same bear attacked the investigators’ helicopter

· Investigators could not determine any reason for the animal's aggression

· Public safety vs. wildlife conservation

· Wyoming Game & Fish’s Predator Attack Team

· Bear attacks can happen quickly

· Book raises thought-provoking ethical questions

· A landmark corner crossing case in Wyoming

· The mythology of bears

· An update on the Joe Pickett television series

· Incorporating technical accuracy into the story

· “Three-Inch Teeth” will be available in hardcopy and digital formats

· Preorder and find book tour dates at cjbox.net

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/pa-man-first-cited-recovering-deer-drone-lawmaker-proposes-change/521-001ae710-0f20-488e-88b2-baca39e45f36

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Warden News - January 2024

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:07:00 -0000

Warden News - January 2024

Pennsylvania: Drone case

Alaska: Hunters Pay 'Deerly' for Violations

Alaska Wildlife Troopers, along with assistance from US Forest Service Law Enforcement, increased their enforcement presence during the Southern Southeast Sitka Blacktail deer “rut” in early November of 2023. This operation included the use of increased manpower, 12 patrol vehicles, 4 patrol vessels, 5 artificial wildlife, and a lot of rain gear. The program targeted two main areas of concern that the public has made complaints about over the last couple of years: Spotlighting and shooting from the roadway, and resulted in multiple charges.

Southeast hunters pay deerly for violations in large-scale joint state-federal operation | Juneau Empire

New Hampshire: Hiker Recovered from Mount Guyot

Hiker Recovered from Mount Guyot – NH Fish and Game Department (nhfishgame.com)

Montana: Eagle investigation

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/12/14/montana-bald-eagles-killed-simon-paul-travis-branson/

Wyoming: Retired US Forest Service officer convicted of six felonies.

https://oilcity.news/crime/2023/12/12/powell-man-convicted-for-defrauding-the-u-s-forest-service/

Virginia: Duck Poachers Caught After Posting to Social Media

Poachers Who Shot 100-Plus Ducks Over Bait Posted Pile Pics, Got Caught (outdoorlife.com)

Georgia: Officials searching for people wanted for questioning after fish hatchery damaged

https://www.wsbtv.com/news/officials-searching-people-wanted-questioning-after-georgia-fish-hatchery-damaged/75OAKR3XPNC53J6Q7MI3SIYNTY/

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120 Marshall Nych – International Game Warden Magazine

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 02:49:00 -0000

Since its inception in 1984, International Game Warden Magazine has become known as the industry standard trade publication for wildlife professionals worldwide. Published in association with the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association (NAWEOA), each quarterly issue is jam packed with features ranging from emerging technologies and detailed case investigations to book reviews and recipes. In this episode, editor Marshall Nych highlights some of the first-rate content you’ll receive when you subscribe.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

· Submitted first story to the magazine in 2010

· Joined IGW staff in 2015, became editor in 2021

· Full-time teacher, part-time Deputy Game Warden (Ret.)

· Game wardens have the best stories, they just need to be told

· Each issue has a theme

· Regular features include:

o Front Lines

o Behind the Badge

o Timber-Tech

o Technology Toolbox

o Voices From Abroad

o Marshall Law

o International Digest

o book reviews, agency profiles, wild game recipes, and more!

· Available in both hard copy and digital subscriptions

· Anyone can subscribe on the IGWM website

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL035 Bill Bodner

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Our first return guest on the Thin Green Line Podcast, Bill Bodner!

Bill Bodner is a recently retired law enforcement official known for his work with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the United States. He served as the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA's Los Angeles Field Division. In this role, Bodner was responsible for leading DEA operations in seven counties of Southern California, focusing on combating drug trafficking and related crimes.

His career with the DEA spans several years and includes various positions, where he has been involved in drug enforcement operations, investigations, and policy development. Bodner's expertise and leadership in drug law enforcement have made him a notable figure in the field, especially in the context of addressing drug-related issues in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. His work often involves collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and community organizations to combat drug trafficking and abuse.

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119 Martin Thabault – Environment & Climate Change Canada

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 13:45:00 -0000

The Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is the Canadian equivalent to both the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and like the US agencies, ECCC is responsible for the protection and conservation of both the environment and wildlife for future generations. As a Law Enforcement Specialist and Operations Manager for ECCC, Martin Thabault’s responsibilities can extend from the Artic, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans to the longest undefended border in the world.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

What is the Wildlife Enforcement branch of Environment & Climate Change Canada?
Martin’s background and path to Ottawa
ECCC Wildlife Enforcement branch currently has nearly 100 officers
Main mandate is illegal wildlife trade and protection of migratory birds
ECCC also acts as a safety net for the protection of endangered species
Officers in remote areas can deal with both environmental and wildlife enforcement
Where’s Nunavut?
A duck baiting case in Quebec
Business was charged multiple times
Illegal logging and the import business
Identifying and sampling European eels; “a bit of a grey and slimy area.”
The value of sharing knowledge and experience
Working in coordination with US officers is beneficial to both agencies
Adapting to new and emerging technologies can be challenging

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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https://www.wibw.com/2023/11/27/headless-buck-found-over-thanksgiving-weekend-spurs-hunt-poacher/

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Warden News

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 19:33:24 -0000

Warden News 12-23

Headless Poached Deer

Bobcat- Mountain Lion hunting ban

https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/colorado-mountain-lion-bobcat-hunting-ban/

Duck Hunter Saved

https://jcpost.com/posts/9072b71d-6939-473d-b6f8-96e2c793df91

DEC Deer Poaching

https://www.news10.com/news/greene-county/deer-poaching-incident-under-investigation-in-greene-county/

Moose

https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3247622147170/soldotna-man-pleads-guilty-to-improper-harvest-of-bull-moose?_f=app_share&s=i4&pd=0GcVPKOx&lang=en_US&send_time=1701349449&trans_data=%7B%22platform%22%3A0%2C%22cv%22%3A%2223.48.2.3%22%2C%22languages%22%3A%22en%22%7D

Interpol

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/eggs-primates-ivory-seized-wildlife-trafficking/

PA-Drone

https://www.lancasterfarming.com/country-life/outdoors/drone-operator-charged-by-pennsylvania-game-commission-in-sting-operation/article_4324f05a-a0ee-11ee-9ab7-3bdf5d9c7aaa.html

Hollywood Buck

https://richmond.com/news/local/crime/charges-pending-against-virginia-hunter-in-killing-of-beloved-hollywood-cemetery-buck/article_a864dd9e-9e79-11ee-8643-e3dee794676f.html

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TGL034 Mustafa Speaks

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Mustafa Speaks is an American actor, writer, and producer, known for his roles in the Netflix series "Seven Seconds," the USA Network series "Unsolved," and the Spectrum original series "Joe Pickett." He played Nate Romanowski in "Joe Pickett," a master falconer and special forces officer. In addition to his acting career, Speaks is also known for his work as a producer and writer. He has a background in marine and environmental science, having earned a B.S. in the field from Hampton University, and was recognized for his groundbreaking work with shark behavior before transitioning to show business. Speaks also had a brief stint in football before moving on to pursue acting, where he found success and a passion for the arts. He has been in the entertainment industry for over fifteen years and sees himself as a creator, hustler, and entrepreneur, with plans to expand his career into directing.

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118 Roy Brown – US Fish & Wildlife Service Special Agent (Ret.)

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 14:39:00 -0000

Roy Brown was a Federal Conservation Law Enforcement officer for over 30 years, most of which he spent as a Special Agent Criminal Investigator with postings in Montana, Tennessee, Alabama, Utah and finally Wyoming. Working with a variety of state, local, and federal agencies to fight wildlife crime, he has been a certified firearms instructor and armorer, criminal investigator, and taught crime scene investigation techniques both at home and in Southern Africa.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Launched career on a Montana wildlife refuge

· Preserving the white bison

· “Cowboy stuff” and a shrewd horse

· Waterfowl enforcement in Tennessee

· The dirty dozen

· Not all marijuana growers are clever…

· Sticks should never slither

· 5000 applications for ten positions

· Rooting out illegal snake dealers in Southern Utah

· A dream job in Wyoming

· Reintroducing the gray wolf to Yellowstone created conflict with ranchers

· Mysterious wildlife deaths: things are often not what they seem

· Some uncomfortably close grizzly encounters

· Grizzlies hear well, but their eyesight is not great

· Non-residents must have a guide to hunt in Wyoming

· Teaching crime scene investigation in Africa

· Some experiences stay with you

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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Upstate NY hunters charged with illegally spotlighting deer - newyorkupstate.com

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Warden’s News November 2023

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Warden’s News November 2023

A hunter in Hanson legally killed Pumpkin the bear, MassWildlife sayshttps://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/pumpkin-bear-hanson-killed-hunter-police/

A $20K reward was offered for information regarding poaching of bull elk in Shannon County, MO

https://www.kfvs12.com/2023/11/16/20k-reward-offered-information-regarding-poacher-bull-elk-shannon-county-mo/

The Exotic Wildlife Trade Is Thriving in Texas https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/exotic-wildlife-trade-smugglers-texas/

Are Animal-Rights Activists Hijacking Our Wildlife Commissions? https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/animal-rights-wildlife-commission-takeover-podcast/

WILDLIFE OFFICERS MAKE DISTURBING AUTOPSY DISCOVERY AFTER EUTHANIZING SICK BEAR: ‘IT’S A CALL WE WISH WE NEVER HAD TO MAKE’https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/telluride-colorado-trash-bear-plastic/

Upstate NY hunters charged with illegally spotlighting deer

Wyoming's annual warden report details unusual violations

https://billingsgazette.com/outdoors/wyoming-warden-report-violations-wyoming-game-and-fish-hunting-fishing/article_b114e0c8-737d-11ee-815b-37f3b98cf263.html

WALLEYE TOURNAMENT CHEATER IS ALSO A DEER POACHER

https://www.themeateater.com/conservation/wildlife-management/walleye-tournament-cheater-is-also-a-deer-poacher

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TGL033 BEN SHANK

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Ben Shank is a trailblazer in the world of television production and the Chief Content Officer at Engel Entertainment. With a career highlighted by co-founding York and Wilder Studios and his innovative work on "Casey Anthony’s Parents Speak" for the A&E Network, Ben has been a driving force in the industry. His career spans over 200 hours of content for networks like Discovery and Animal Planet, with standout work on series such as "Lone Star Law" and "North Woods Law."

At Engel Entertainment, Ben is leading the charge on a range of new projects. These include a design challenge show, a docu-soap about expats living in Lisbon, Portugal, and a factual series on US government agencies. Additionally, he's overseeing the development of "Women on Death Row," a sober reality series set to premiere on A&E. This project reflects his commitment to creating content that is not only engaging but also socially relevant.

Join us in this episode as we explore Ben Shank's journey, his vision for the future of television production, and the innovative projects that are shaping the industry.

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117 Let’s Go For a Ride – with Bill Livezey

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

For twenty years, Bill Livezey led a double life rubbing shoulders with some of Maine’s worst wildlife offenders; the kinds of people who not only live by the poacher’s mantra “if it’s brown, it’s down,” but many who were dangerously unstable felons, alcoholics, and drug abusers - his success at putting bad guys out of business stemming largely from his early years as one of them. Since retiring in 2020 as the Maine Warden Service’s longest-tenured covert operative, he has co-written Let’s Go For a Ride, a captivating chronicle of both a life undercover, and a life transformed.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

· “Let’s go for a ride” - the universal bad guy code

· Desire for wealth sent his father down a dark road

· From successful businessman to meth dealer

· Hired a hit man to kill his own brother

· Ultimately died in a confrontation with police

· Young Bill loved sports and the outdoors, but was using drugs regularly by 15

· Spiraling out of control: “I was broken.”

· Positive influences and an invitation from a teammate changed everything

· Unity college and riding with the game warden

· An extra-long warden service polygraph

· Applying as many times as it takes

· The young game warden who knew all the tricks

· Experience as a juvenile lent itself to undercover work

· Befriending, then arresting poachers was a psychological struggle

· “Pull over! I’m an undercover game warden!”

· Relationships have to feel real; some were easy, some not so much

· Undercover work was difficult to step away from

· Some cases were especially taxing

· The fear of being discovered

· The book brings the reader into each case

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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Warden News October 2023

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Warden News is a collection of current game warden-related news stories gathered from news sources worldwide. These stories are compiled and read by Warden's Watch podcast producer Jay Scott.

October 2023

Kansas: Game Wardens attempt to identify individuals caught on Kansas City trail camera
Vermont: Poacher’s car, crossbow seized from 2020 deer jacking case
Texas: GAME WARDEN REPORTS
Somerset, England: Illegal poachers cause 'extensive damage' to farmland
Missouri: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office issues warning about keeping deer as pets

"In addition to being illegal to take in Missouri wildlife by the Wildlife Code of Missouri without the proper permits, it’s not good for the animal either."

Pennsylvania: Game Commission Sting Operation Results in Charges for Market Owners
Iowa: DNR officer fired for using state database to check background of potential dates
Kansas: Group of hunters found over the limit after stashed birds recovered by K9

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116 Deadly Harvest – With Kevin Behr

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:49:00 -0000

In Appalachian Ohio and beyond, ginseng hunting is a centuries-old tradition. Prized for its medicinal value and prestige, American ginseng was one of America’s first exports to the Far East. Today, highly regulated but harvested to near extinction, its value has only increased, setting the stage for a black market that often results in arrests, prison time, and tragedy.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

Kevin’s ongoing recovery and recent activities
Investigation began in Ohio in 2012, when a family reported an overdue hiker
Bobby Joe Grubbs had been dropped off for a walk, but did not return
Grubbs was known to police
Sherrif’s office pinged cell phone
Phone was located on 87-year-old Joseph Kutter’s property
Property owner gave police permission to search, but nothing was found
Cell phone had dialed 911 but disconnected
Kutter’s property featured a meticulously tended ginseng patch
A second search was launched using cadaver dogs
Dogs alerted on a loader bucket
Kutter immediately confessed to shooting Grubbs
Claimed Grubbs was stealing ginseng
A confrontation ensued and Kutter fired his weapon
Kutter then moved the body twice in the following days
Autopsy revealed ginseng in Grubbs’ pockets - and a business card
Grubbs had called family to report finding “the mother lode” of ginseng
Kutter pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter
Case highlights the mindsets of both ginseng growers and poachers
Easy money from ginseng often funds drug habits
Ginseng hunting (and poaching) can be a way of life passed down through generations
Black market is unnervingly similar to the drug trade

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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115 North American Game Warden Museum with Tom Caifa and Sheila Paquette

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 11:21:00 -0000

The North American Game Warden Museum could not be in a more perfect spot. Nestled amid the pristine forest, prairie, and floral gardens of the US/Canada International Peace Garden, it is the only space in the world dedicated to educating the public, celebrating natural resource protection, and honoring the fallen heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty. In this episode, we speak with board members Tom Caifa and Sheila Paquette about this incredible one-of-a-kind facility.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

The term “game warden”
NAWEOA rebranding to International Game Warden Association
NAGW Museum was first conceived in the 80s
US states and Canadian provinces contributed
Museum was completed in 2005
The International Peace Garden
Passports are required
Past board members laid the foundations
Fundraising is key to the museum’s continued success
The NAWEOA 5K Torch Run
Torch Run began in 2000
The Run/Walk today is a family event
NAWEOA now has over 9000 members
Moose permit and other raffles
Annual golf tournament in Manitoba
Museum highlights
Cabins are available to rent year-round
RV parking and camping
Museum is open May – September
Donate to the NAGW Museum

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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114 Operation “Root of All Evil” with Kirk Kiefer – Ohio

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 09:14:00 -0000

Kirk Kiefer has been a wildlife investigator with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the past 15 years. In this episode, he walks us through Operation “Root of All Evil,” a lengthy and complex investigation into the illegal ginseng trade that spanned multiple states, included unmarked vehicles, extended surveillance, buys and sales by undercover officers, and even a fake business.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

· Wild ginseng root is highly valued for its perceived medicinal properties

· Grows very slowly, taking up to five years to reach maturity

· One pound can be worth up to $1000

· Seeds take over a year to germinate

· Information campaign helped educate stakeholders on the damage caused by poaching

· Many poachers are involved in other illegal activities

· Legal ginseng plants must have three leaf sets, or ‘prongs’

· Case also had multiple prongs

· Prong 1: Undercover officers sold ginseng to licensed dealers

· Compared the amount sold to the amount reported

· Officers then sold ginseng outside the buying season to confirm illegal intent

· Prong 2: Coordinated with US Fish & Wildlife Service to create a fake business

· Business would receive inquiries from those looking to buy and sell illegal product

· Prong 3: Obtain offenders’ assistance in exchange for a reduced penalty

· Task force worked in multiple states

· One offender had been featured on a popular reality show

· The television show actually helped educate the public about ginseng poaching

· Many countries overseas have decimated indigenous flora and fauna, creating a black market

· 110 defendants received multiple charges

· Nearly six years of jail time served, $77,000 in fines

· Kirk’s background; jack of all trades

· Trapping academy

· State officers were made aware of the ginseng operation

· “Giving a little bit, we received a lot.”

· Not all states have Wildlife Investigators

· State of Ohio has done some major operations

· Ginseng awareness for stakeholders training began in 2015

· Operation takedown day finally arrived in 2022

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL032 National Wildlife Federation - Aaron Kindle and Bill Cooksey

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 11:55:26 -0000

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), founded in 1936, stands as a prominent nonprofit conservation organization in the U.S. With a membership exceeding six million, its mission revolves around the conservation of wildlife and their habitats. The NWF actively addresses critical environmental challenges, notably climate change and sustainable wildlife management, and offers educational resources like the "National Wildlife" magazine.

In this context, we're privileged to have Aaron Kindle and Bill Cooksey from the NWF join us. They co-host the "National Wildlife Federation Outdoors" podcast, a platform that bridges sportsmen and women, advocating for fish, wildlife habitat, and ensuring access to fishing and hunting in the wild expanses of public lands and waters.

Aaron Kindle, the Director of Sporting Advocacy at the NWF, hails from Wyoming. His previous tenure at Trout Unlimited saw him deeply involved in public lands issues. A graduate from Gunnison, Colorado, with an M.S. from the University of Montana, Aaron, now based in Salida, CO, is an ardent outdoor lover. His role at the Federation zeroes in on hunter/angler conservation efforts, emphasizing the preservation of public lands, endorsing responsible energy practices, and fostering pro hunting and angling directives.

Bill Cooksey, the Sportsmen Outreach Coordinator for the NWF, has his roots in the river bottoms of West Tennessee. His early years were marked by a fervor for hunting and fishing, having explored duck hunting across all flyways and fishing from East Tennessee to the Pacific. His hunting escapades as an adult spanned from prairie Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Chesapeake to the California Delta, with the Mississippi Flyway holding a special place in his heart. Bill's professional journey in the outdoor sector saw him evolve from selling duck calls to being the Marketing Director at Avery Outdoors, and subsequently, the Managing Editor of the Mid-South Hunting & Fishing News. His knack for communicating effectively with sportsmen has been a cornerstone of his professional trajectory.

Enjoy!

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113 Ian Obenshain & Brad Bailey – Big Boy: The Stolen Hunt

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 18:06:00 -0000

In the summer of 2009, Ian Obenshain and Brad Bailey began observing a colossal white-tailed buck feeding in an Ohio field. The friends had permission to hunt the area and immediately started documenting the huge animal’s growth, with the ultimate goal of Brad filming Ian harvesting ‘Big Boy’ during the fall archery season. Anticipation, however, soon turned to disappointment when the trophy buck suddenly disappeared – and then the story turned even stranger.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· Origin of the name ‘Big Boy’

· Ian first spotted the buck in a soybean field near a highway

· “Have you shown this to anybody?”

· Big Boy was a world class buck

· The pursuit and subsequent events brought the two friends closer

· Brad had guiding experience

· Placing trail cameras and trying to predict the animal’s behavior

· Many days were spent planning and scouting

· The pair planned to film the hunt

· Big Boy disappeared, but the hunters hoped to see him again

· “I think it’s in the booth behind you.”

· A plaque claimed the buck was a Kentucky state record

· There was no doubt the buck had been poached

· Hundreds of photos and videos provided evidence of the buck’s origins

· The loss was a tough pill to swallow

· Hunting a trophy animal is a huge commitment

· It was gratifying to see how seriously law enforcement approached the case

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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112 Chris Gilkey – Ohio Division of Wildlife

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:34:00 -0000

From a cozy front porch in Utah, Wayne talks with Ohio Wildlife Officer and K9 handler Chris Gilkey. Born, raised - and now based - in the Ohio foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Officer Gilkey shares the remarkable story of Big Boy, the largest typical white-tailed buck taken in North America in 2009 – and for one poacher, more ‘bucks’ than he counted on.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Missed connections and an epic fishing trip
Fifteen minutes from West Virginia
Ohio is a destination for white-tailed deer hunters – but also for poachers
Ethical hunters spotted a huge buck in the summer of 2009 and planned to hunt it in the fall
Wanted Officer Gilkey to be involved
“Big Boy” disappeared from trail cams shortly before the season
Months later, Big Boy is on display at an expo
Poacher claimed the trophy buck was taken in Kentucky
Stuck to his story but eventually confessed, hoping to avoid prison
Thirteen prior hunting convictions
Poacher forfeited his bow, received fines, a lifetime hunting ban and…
A $23,572.05 fine under Ohio’s Trophy Restitution Law
Received Ohio Bow Hunter Officer of the Year award for this case
Hunters who provided the information deserved an award
Report wildlife crime in all 50 states and Canada through wildlifecrimestoppers.org

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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111 Ethan Justinger – Utah

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 20:49:00 -0000

Originally from Western New York, Ethan Justinger packed up and moved to Utah at just 22 to pursue

his dream of being a game warden in the West. Now on the job with the Utah Division of Wildlife

Resources for 5 years, Ethan sits down with Wayne to share his passion for elk hunting, conservation

law, and the spectacular beauty surrounding them.

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Sovereign Sportsman Solutions

“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

Hunt of a Lifetime

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Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:

 The elk hunt that changed everything

 Elevation sickness and bull elk bugling

 Hunters are conservationists

 A fitness test at altitude – during a forest fire

 “One of the greatest jobs on earth.”

 Driving from New York to Utah

 Adventuring every day

 A late-night tip after a long day

 Elk poacher was on private property

 Carcass covered in sticks and logs

 Evidence on a GoPro™

 More evidence on a cell phone

 A false blood trail

 Case resulted in a felony conviction and a 14-year suspension

 Mistakes happen, but it’s important to learn and share to help others

 Mountain snow in July

 Tough winters result in healthier populations in the long term

 Utah scenery stuns visitors and locals alike

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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110 – Ethan Justinger (Utah) and Chris Gilkey (Ohio) talk NAWEOA

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 12:29:00 -0000

After a short summer break, Warden’s Watch picks things up with a look back at NAWEOA 2023 with

Ohio Wildlife Officer Chris Gilkey, and Utah’s Ethan Justinger. Now called the International Game

Warden Association, this year’s conference was held in beautiful Provo, Utah in early July, with a jam-

packed schedule of activities that included a wide variety of training, speakers, and fun for the whole

family.

Our Sponsors:

Thin Green Line Podcast

Don Noyes Chevrolet

Sovereign Sportsman Solutions

“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

Hunt of a Lifetime

Maine's Operation Game Thief

Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:

 Game wardens watch – but it’s rough on binoculars

 The value of conferences

 “Everybody is on the same page.”

 Utah conference provided activities for the entire family

 What is VirTra training?

 “All it takes is one” visit to NAWEOA

 Awards are a humbling experience

 Youth Room kept kids safe and entertained

 Speakers were both interesting and inspirational

 Keynote speaker Brody Young

 Mindfulness training with Jeff Jones

 “You are not alone.”

 Scenarios can be recreated, but there’s no substitute for sharing lived experience

 Bill Livezey, author of Let’s Go For A Ride

 Tracking migration patterns through collaring

 * Apache touch and go interlude *

 K9 training demonstration

 The annual Torch Run supporting the North American Game Warden Museum

 Mickey Mouse pancakes

 Game Warden skills competition; antler toss, fish drop, trivia, and fun

 The ‘Warden Spawn’ youth team

 NAWEOA 2023 in one word

 Train hard, play hard, work hard

 See you next year in British Columbia, Canada!

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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Google

Waypoint

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TuneIn

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Website

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Facebook

Facebook Fan Page

Instagram

Twitter

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RSS

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North Woods Throwdown – with Eric Fluette & Kris MacCabe

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 19:07:00 -0000

It’s that time of year again and game wardens from Maine and New Hampshire are ready to hit the field in Portland, Maine on July 28th for the fourth annual North Woods Throwdown softball game! We’re joined by New Hampshire’s Eric Fluette and Kris MacCabe of Maine, taking a look back at previous games, and unveiling an exciting new streaming option so fans can tune in from anywhere and support Operation Game Thief. Come join the fun in person if you can, or grab your streaming ticket here!

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Here’s what we discuss:

Idea for a fundraising softball game started in Maine
Every game so far has been a squeaker
Fans shook the stadium!
Game bats are made in Maine
A ‘friendly’ rivalry
Extra, extra, extra innings
Stadium wanted to turn the lights off!
Streaming option will allow fans to tune in from anywhere
Dugout interviews and multiple cameras
Every kid’s dream to play in a stadium
Did wardens get paid for North Woods Law? (Hint: No.)
New Hampshire fans and giant head cutouts
Maine looking to tie the series
“We’re gonna need a bigger plaque.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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109 Michigan DNR History with Sgt. Mark Papineau

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 12:44:00 -0000

In this episode, we meet Michigan DNR Sgt. Mark Papineau. His official role as Technology Sergeant sees him researching new technology options, implementing software and equipment, and training Law Enforcement Division personnel – but he is also MiDNR’s foremost in-house historian, teaching recruits more than 100 years of the DNR’s storied history. Take a walk through time with Warden’s Watch and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources!

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Here’s what we discuss:

Michigan DNR began as a commission to protect and maintain fish stocks
First Michigan game warden appointed in 1887: attorney William Alden Smith
Reportedly the first salaried game warden in the nation
Smith went on to enter US Senate and chaired hearings into the Titanic disaster
His report resulted in major changes to maritime safety laws still in effect today
Early game wardens were paid by counties – some refused to pay
1893 amendment to Game Warden Act allowed officers to seize equipment
Game warden history can read like a Hollywood action movie script!
Stetsons and bloused boots
Citizens often submitted poaching and wildlife complaints by mail
The evolution of the uniform
Early laws weren’t consistent between states
Some early officers’ names are still recognized and respected today
Chase Osborn’s vision to preserve MI forests
The Great Depression saw the division reduced to 95 officers
Field Administration Division combined many divisions and increased numbers
Poof - you’re a CO!
Illegal market venison in the late 1800s
3000 miles of nets
DNR state seal
COs issued pistols in 1939 after officer deaths
Records have been lost through the years

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL031 Shane Bedard

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 16:00:00 -0000

Shane Bedard is a tactical medical instructor with the Air Force National Guard. Medics are priceless in critical incidents when life is on the line. Shane started out as parachute support and then crossed trained with the medic group. The training consisted of 250 hours in a Huey helicopter and set the stage for additional training as an EMT and firefighter.

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108 Katie Gervasi with Cpt. Jen Wolf – Michigan DNR Part I

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Katie Gervasi is the Communications Representative for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, and has the significant task of telling the stories COs are often too humble to tell themselves. Whether it’s crafting press releases and news items, maintaining the Department’s web presence, or shooting photos on ride-alongs, she shines a light on the important work of COs across the state. We are also pleased to welcome back one of our very first guests, Captain Jen Wolf.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Katie’s role at DNR
Communication is one of a CO’s most important skills
The diversity of Michigan’s resources
Supporting Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger
Patrolling the Great Lakes
Extensive water safety training
Other jurisdictions have reached out to receive training
Always something to do in Michigan
Clear water – how far down can you see?
Every season brings a whole new world
Shining a positive light on wildlife law enforcement

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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Randy Nelson - Wild Hunt

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

short bonus story

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107 Randy Nelson– British Columbia

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Randy Nelson is a retired 35-year veteran of Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), where he became the most decorated fisheries officer in the history of British Columbia. Two years after leaving his post as director of the DFO’s Conservation and Protection Branch in BC, he was ready to write about his extraordinary and sometimes life-threatening experiences, resulting in Poachers, Polluters and Politics: A Fishery Officer’s Career. Now he joins us to discuss his second release, The Wildest Hunt – a collection of tales ranging from horrifying to hilarious from hundreds of wildlife officers across North America.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Writing the book was like doing several investigations
Growing up in Saskatchewan
Started running to help train
Foot chases became common – poachers run!
Book features at least one story from every state, province and territory
Spoke to hundreds of officers to learn as much detail as possible
Oklahoma: Busted on Bumble
Alberta: When your hunting dog is a little too good
First book was more biographical
The Wildest Hunt was written to shine a light on domestic poaching and encourage involvement
People often think of poaching in terms of large African animals
“If you see something, say something”
What is cactus poaching?
75x more police officers than game wardens in North America
Ethical hunters are the best conservationists
A poacher is not a hunter
Poachers are often involved in other crimes
Operation Thunderstorm
Game wardens have a far higher chance of dying on the job than other law enforcement
Biologists, game wardens, and management need to work together
The economic impact and long-term effects of poaching
A portion of the profits from The Wildest Hunt will be donated to the Game Warden Museum
First book was never intended to be published
Every officer has stories
A picnic gone wrong…
Always ready to address stakeholder groups: contact Randy
One voice can make a difference

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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106 For The Fallen: WCO David Grove - Pennsylvania

Mon, 15 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Pennsylvania Wildlife Conservation Officer David Grove was known for his infectious smile, his deep faith, and his professionalism and commitment to the people and wildlife of his home state. On a quiet Veterans Day evening in 2010, Officer Grove was arresting a poacher when the suspect - a convicted felon - pulled a gun from his waistband and began firing. Despite having been shot, Officer Grove continued to return fire until he was fatally struck. He was 31 years old. Retired PGC Deputy Executive Director Thomas Grohol shares his memories of the incident, the aftermath, and the continuing legacy of an exemplary officer.

“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes; it is how they lived.” ~ National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington, DC

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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105 David Brady – Florida FWC

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:44:00 -0000

While patrolling the Florida Panhandle in August 2015, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer David Brady suddenly found himself in the fight of his life; what had seemed a routine stop quickly became an open-water gun battle. Shot twice, weighed down by equipment and treading water with a deflated life jacket, he continued to return fire until the would-be murderer – himself shot – finally sped away. Officer Brady joined us at NAWEOA to share his riveting story of survival, resolve, and preparedness.

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Here’s what we discuss:

17-year FWC veteran; Dive Team, Special Operations Group
Nothing is ever routine
Every encounter is different
Call was originally a disturbance complaint
Two ‘kids’ on a sailboat
Officer noticed alcohol and expired registration
Shooter went into the cabin to retrieve paperwork
Emerged from the cabin with a gun
Leapt off the boat as gunshots rang out
First shot passed through Brady’s shoulder – and life jacket
“He was hunting me.”
Returned fire from behind the patrol boat’s engines
Shooter jumped onto patrol boat, still shooting
Swimming, shooting, and reloading in full gear
Shooter then tried repeatedly to run over Brady
Brady continued firing, hitting shooter in the hand
Left for dead
A nearby Coast Guard vessel approaches
“I’ve been shot, and they stole my boat.”
The importance of dispatchers
Shooter and partner were arrested less than two hours later
News spread quickly on social media
Reunited with family at the hospital
Kevlar vest and training made the difference
Train to win
Kevlar vests are now mandatory to wear
“I’m still here.”
It only takes one time

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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104 Chris Johnson – Alaska – Part II

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Picking up from our last episode, Wayne continues his conversation with Alaska Wildlife Trooper Chris Johnson. Come along as Chris shares more stories from his years patrolling the vast and sometimes unforgiving Kenai Peninsula as a US Fish and Wildlife officer, and looks forward to many more years of service to the people and wildlife of America’s true “Last Frontier.”

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Here’s what we discuss:

Chasing illegal baiters
Truck through the ice!
Recovering vehicles from water
A lifetime of physical fitness
Teaching HIIT classes as co-owner of Tides Yoga Studio
Small injuries can cause big problems
Exceed expectations when training
Consistency is paramount
An uneasy encounter in a remote village
The balance between enforcing wildlife laws and respecting indigenous lifestyles
Treaties have since changed subsistence living rules
A significant bear snaring case
Evidence showed it had been going on for years
Multiple scenes were discovered
Poachers were taking only the gall bladders
The illegal gall bladder trade
Alaska State Troopers are currently recruiting
Survivor Island
Your most important survival tool is your brain

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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103 Chris Johnson – Alaska

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0000

When US Fish and Wildlife Captain Chris Johnson reached the mandatory retirement age, he wasn’t quite ready to hang up his hat, so he did what most never would; after 33 years of federal service, he went right back to the Academy and became an Alaska State Wildlife Trooper! Join us as Chris shares stories of the outdoors from “Alaska’s Playground” - the rugged and stunningly beautiful Kenai Peninsula.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Mandatory retirement from Federal law enforcement service
Torn between becoming a professional football player or game warden
Began career with the National Park Service and local PD in Minnesota
Joined USFWS in 1989
First full-time Federal wildlife law enforcement officer in the Alaska refuge system
Part-time positions now being phased out
Arriving at the 2-million acre Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
“The playground of Alaska.”
A one-day orientation
The first of many bear mauling cases
Charged by three juvenile brown bears in a row
A sow had been shot
Cubs became dangerously habituated to humans
The best bear defense
Bear incidents increased through the years
Black and brown bears tend not to mingle
Joined first USFWS Honor Guard team
Only federal member of state Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT)
Back to the Academy!
Previous experience was a huge advantage
Hoping to rejoin SIRT
The moose that shot back
Teasers for a follow-up: a truck through the ice and a ‘warm’ welcome to the Kenai

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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102 David Holt – Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0000

With almost 27 million acres across the state, the officers of Tennessee’s Wildlife Resources Agency have a lot of ground to cover. Any given day could include fish and wildlife law enforcement, safety checks, search and rescue on land or water, conducting outreach programs, and more. Join us as we sit down at NAWEOA with Boating Enforcement Officer David Holt, who’s been patrolling the waterways of eastern Tennessee since 2017, and has some stories to tell!

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Here’s what we discuss:

Live from NAWEOA
Delayed honeymoon for hunting season
A mysterious message from the water company
Unplanned home renovations
The path to becoming a game warden
The rookie
A wild stolen yacht chase
The thief tried to create swells to sink the patrol boat
Apprehended when the yacht ran aground
Chase was filmed by a drone pilot
Patrol boat looked like a dot next to the giant yacht
“Designated Skipper”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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101 Audrey Hunter – Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Audrey Hunter grew up in a home where hunting is a family affair. Through her father, grandfather, and uncles, she and her and four brothers were taught to respect the resources, the impact of conservation, and the importance of sharing the outdoors. This led to a natural career with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, where after only five short years she’s proven herself an outstanding officer – and now she has the hardware to back it up! Join us as Wayne sits down with the first female to win the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Officer of the Year award, AGFC Wildlife Officer 1st Class Audrey Hunter!

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Here’s what we discuss:

Winning NWTF Officer of the Year at the national conference – surprise!
Drove home with trophy in the front seat
Focused on illegal bait sites
A memorable baiting case; educating the next generation
Violator had multiple bait sites
Hunting and wildlife is a family tradition
Experience has taught patience
Tough cases can be the most rewarding
The pros and cons of patrolling in your hometown
Getting involved in the local chapter of NWTF
What’s a Jakes Day?
The diversity of Arkansas wildlife
Surprising a field full of baiters

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL030 John Guarnieri

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:00:00 -0000

John and Wayne talk with John Guarnieri, a former Secret Service agent and host of the Spear Talk Podcast - a podcast that caters to anyone with an interest in the security and covers topics including martial arts, entertainment, wildlife conservation, human trafficking, domestic violence, and life on the road as a security professional.

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100B – Celebrating 100 Episodes!

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this special bonus episode, our hosts and producer get together with fan favorites Kris MacCabe of Maine, Benny Richards of Texas, and New Hampshire’s own Col. Kevin Jordan. Join us for a fun and wide-ranging chat looking back on 100 episodes, and looking forward to 100 more!

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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100 CJ Box – Joe Pickett Series

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

CJ Box is the New York Times bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the enormously popular Joe Pickett series, now a small-screen sensation streaming on Paramount Plus. An avid outdoorsman, the Wyoming native’s hit novels capture the vast, unspoiled beauty of the American West, the conflict between new and old ideas, and feature authentically believable (and sometimes heinous) characters, lightning-quick plots, and truly gruesome crimes. We are thrilled to welcome CJ to the show for a chat about the inspiration for Joe Pickett’s character, two successful TV shows, and much more!

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Here’s what we discuss:

· 100th episode introduction – thank you!

· Game wardens are all collectively Joe Pickett

· Making Joe as authentic as possible

· The inspiration for the first Pickett novel - the Endangered Species Act

· Never intended to be a series

· Wanted to introduce the element of family

· Game wardens can be called on for any number of situations

· Local wardens are integral to a rural community

· Joe Pickett show runners are fans of the book series

· Second season incorporates parts of three books

· Wasn’t the first offer for a Pickett-inspired television series

· A peek at Season Two

· The show was an immediate success on Paramount Plus

· Filming in Alberta, Canada

· Capturing the family dynamic has helped broaden the audience

· Making sure Joe wasn’t perfect; “he screws up.”

· Joe’s character has grown and changed, but he still can’t shoot

· Finding experts on every topic to seek different points of view

· Joe arrests the governor – based on a true story!

· Tackling socially relevant and contemporary issues

· Consulting with game wardens to ensure accuracy

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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99 Susan Swem – Missouri K9 Unit

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:38:00 -0000

After more than 30 years on the job, Corporal Susan Swem was contemplating retirement from the Missouri Department of Conservation – and then came the chance to join the state’s newly formed Canine Protection Unit. Since then, she and K9 Astro have assisted on multiple investigations, done significant public outreach, and saved countless staff-hours tracking, recovering evidence, and protecting the wildlife of Southwest Missouri.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Joined the newly formed Canine Protection Unit two years ago
Missouri program is adding four more handlers
K9 program has been beneficial in multiple ways
Job changes with the seasons
Changing areas or specialties can create a completely new challenge
Considered retirement before joining the K9 unit
Being a K9 handler requires constant training
Pros and cons of being a female Conservation Agent
More women are becoming game wardens
Crappie fishing techniques
What is a paddlefish?
Eggs are similar to caviar
An illegal egg sales case
Training involves a lot of running!
Tracking with a K9 saves considerable time
Different breeds have different advantages
Technology is making fishing and hunting easier. Is it sustainable?
Missouri geography and weather
The job is like chocolate cake; a K9 is the frosting

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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98 Bob Vashaw (Ret.) – New Hampshire

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 13:14:00 -0000

Before dive teams, rescues using locator beacons, and OHRV and snowmobile enforcement, the job of a New Hampshire game warden was very different than it is today. Often left very much to their own devices, officers were primarily responsible for observing and reporting local conditions and activities, protecting and managing wildlife, and of course, stopping poachers. Join us for a walk through history with retired New Hampshire CO Bob Vashaw!

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Here’s what we discuss:

Stories of game wardens past
Began working in 1965
Grinding mussels on the seacoast
Search & Rescue before cell phones
A game warden is shot
Teaching hunter safety courses
A shot through the window
Backpacking into the wilderness to stock ponds
The snow revolution
Fish & Game duties have evolved
“We were one big family”
Loose dogs were a huge problem
Cutting cedar trees for deer feed
A daily diary
No overtime pay
Joining the first state dive team
Looking through a memory book
“I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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97 Brock Hoyt – Georgia

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Despite having been a member of the Georgia DNR for just five years, Game Warden First Class Brock Hoyt is already a standout officer. The recipient of both the 2022 NAWEOA Torch Award and the 2022 Georgia Game Warden of the Year, he’s also been recognized as Game Warden of the Year by International Wildlife Crimestoppers. We caught up for a quick chat with this rising star back in July at NAWEOA – join us!

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Here’s what we discuss:

NAWEOA Torch Award
Combining passion for both law enforcement and the outdoors
A law enforcement family
Influenced by North Woods Law
Covering the Atlanta area
Always something different
Forming relationships within the court system makes a difference
Diversion program helps offenders not become repeat offenders
Raising the profile of Georgia game wardens
Promoting the brand
Game wardens do it all

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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96 Jason Keller – Ohio DNR: Lessons From A Shooting

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 12:42:00 -0000

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Officer Jason Keller was on the scene when fellow officer Kevn Behr was shot at close range by a poacher. In this episode, he recalls the incident and the aftermath, and shares some important lessons learned on that day.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Decoy operation began normally
Saw pickup truck drop a passenger with a long gun
Heard a shot ring out, and then screaming
The emergency button: technology can be a blessing
‘Stop the Bleed’ course
Packed the wound with gauze
Couldn’t find an exit wound
Perception of time changed
Shooter was identified right away
WIN philosophy: What’s Important Now?
Focus shifted to investigation
K-9 Scout located the shell casing
State trooper picked up the suspect
Shooter’s position identified by K-9 Scout at 48 feet (14.6m)
Public health protocols prevented visiting the hospital
Returned to the scene to search for additional evidence
Writing the Critical Incident report was challenging
Testified in court while suspect smiled
Officer Behr’s wife provided progress updates
Lessons learned: train as though scenarios are real
Be as mentally prepared as possible for critical incidents
Know where your First Aid kit is, and how to use it
When time allows, make sure to contact your own family
Dispatchers are a lifeline

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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95 Kevin Behr - Ohio: Shot by a Poacher

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Five days before Christmas 2020, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Officer Kevin Behr was shot from behind while investigating a poaching operation. Nearly two years and 15 surgeries later, he shares his remarkable story of survival, courage, and determination.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Incident occurred on the final day of deer gun season
Information about a chronic poacher operating in the area
Poacher had previously served prison time
Setting up a decoy in a rural area
Shooter was less than fifty feet away
Shot from behind with a 20-gauge slug
You feel being shot before you hear it
Reverted to training: communicate, move, shoot
Hit the emergency button on portable radio
Legs wouldn’t work
Goal was to stay alive until someone arrived
Felt like molten steel
Shattered pelvis, multiple organs damaged
Shock wave travelled through the skull
“Bring more combat gauze.”
Concerns about potential ambush
New goal: stay alive until EMTs arrived
In and out of consciousness
New goal: stay alive until landing at the hospital
Accept the fact that you have been shot
Use those few seconds to focus on training - and act
Requested the level one trauma centre
Milliseconds count
Shooter had a thermal scope – what did he see?
Offered no aid. Threw gun and ran.
Potentially more homicides in this felon’s future
Some light moments on a dark day
28 days in ICU
Fifteen surgeries to date
The long road back
Your mindset matters
Most internal organs were damaged
Nobody gets a free pass from PTSD
Learning new limits
Making gains all the time
Spinning a positive from a negative
Training, tactics, and experience will get you through
Shooter sentenced to a total of nearly 15 years

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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94 Wild Tech - with Steve Beltran and Eric Richey

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Steve Beltran is an award-winning Conservation Police Officer with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources who combines his passion for both technology and the outdoors through his Timber-Tech column, a regular feature in International Game Warden Magazine. Eric Richey is the founder and CEO of Sovereign Sportsman Solutions (S3), an industry leader in customized electronic license and permitting innovations throughout North America. Join us as they discuss recent outdoor technology developments, and some exciting possibilities for the future.

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Here’s what we discuss:

“Probably the largest, most unknown tech company in the industry”
Systems are built and branded to the specific state’s requirements
Mobile platforms allow officers access to real-time information
S3 developed the first mobile solution for conservation officers
Technology has typically been marketed to large law enforcement agencies
Access to data in the field increases efficiency – no need to go to the office for info
QR codes allow access even when offline
RFID advancements could allow coastal officers to gather all license info from a nearby vessel without having to board
Tech and the outdoors don’t need to be mutually exclusive
Electronic data can allow officers to quickly get a complete picture
Potential for faster access to license revocations under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
Each state currently uses its own format
A standardized system could identify violators on the spot
Violations in one state can result in different restrictions in different states
Timber-Tech column helps bridge the technical gap
Taking the tech into the field to determine exact needs
Why not use every tool that we have?

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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93 Col. Joel Wilkinson (Ret.) – Maine – Part II

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Joel Wilkinson spent 28 years serving the state of Maine, including twelve years as Colonel of the Maine Warden Service. Now retired, Col. Wilkinson sits down with Wayne to reflect on an extraordinary career that began when he was just a teen. In this episode, we discuss his swift rise through the ranks, a television show that almost wasn’t, the challenges and rewards the outdoors can provide, and some valuable lessons learned along the way.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Captain to Colonel
Remembering Maj. Gregg Sanborn
Choosing quality leaders
Every day was an education
We all started in the same place
Empowering people through Operation Game Thief (OGT)
The wall of shame
Fundraising to offer larger rewards
International Wildlife Crimestoppers provided fresh ideas
The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
OGT trailers manned at all times; “we have to tell the stories.”
Blazing the North Woods Law trail
Turned down the original request
What are our fears? What are our goals?
It had to be authentic without being disrespectful
A gentlemen’s agreement
Popularity brought some unexpected situations
Ending the Maine story in the best way possible
Didn’t want to be seen as making money
The diversity educated the public
Inspiring kids to become game wardens
Passing the torch to New Hampshire
The North Woods Throwdown
Back Woods Law?!?
Bluefin tuna fishing takes more than skill
You have to do a lot of little things right
It’s all about respect for the animal
Confidence comes with experience
Plan to be successful
The abundance mentality
Life after retirement

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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92 Col. Joel Wilkinson (Ret.) – Maine – Part I

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Joel Wilkinson spent 28 years serving the state of Maine, including twelve years as Colonel of the Maine Warden Service. Now retired, Col. Wilkinson sits down with Wayne to reflect on an extraordinary career that began when he was just a teen. In this episode, we discuss his early years as a game warden, including an intense turn in covert operations that resulted in some of the agency’s most significant prosecutions of the time.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Maine has used the term ‘game warden’ since 1880
No time to hunt or fish.
Learned about the outdoors from a girlfriend’s father
Started riding with game wardens at 16
Became a deputy warden at 19
Tried to sneak in a little early
“This is all I wanted to do.”
2000 applicants, few positions
Tried appealing to the Colonel
Joined a local police department to gain experience
Trained with many Maine wardens at the academy
Finally hired by Maine Warden Service at 22
No warden in his area for 11 years
Caught first night hunter eight days after graduating
Moving to a new area, population: 4
Chris Simmons becomes the boss… and moves in across the road
A memorable Thanksgiving night
Shifting into covert investigations
A big case, but some unnerving moments
Targets often under the influence of alcohol and drugs
Seeing the other side
“It changed how we did business.”
Making Captain at 32
Learned many administrative skills
The Maine whitewater rafting industry
Many companies offer rafting, hiking, and rock climbing

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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91 Sean Spencer - Utah

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Sean Spencer is a Sergeant with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. After 14 years patrolling in some of the most remote and most populous areas of the Beehive State, he’s dealt with a wide variety of people, wildlife, and problems. In this episode from the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association conference (NAWEOA) in Tennessee, he and our hosts discuss planning for next year’s conference, some of his memorable experiences, and much more!

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Here’s what we discuss:

Busy organizing NAWEOA 2023
Plan extra time to see the state
The “Mighty Five” national parks
First encounter with a game warden
Discovered the outdoors as a teen in Texas
Importance of balancing home and work life
Moving from a remote district to an urban one
Prime hunting only 30 minutes from home
Public safety vs. preservation
A memorable baiting case
Not every case results in a conviction
Growing population numbers create new challenges

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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W08 MooseMan Nature Photography

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0000

When Rick Libbey saw his first moose in 1981, he was hooked for life. An entirely self-taught photographer, Rick and his wife Libby travel between New England and Alaska to capture stunningly beautiful and rare photos and videos of loons, bear, lynx, raccoons, wolves - and of course, moose – all of which they showcase on their YouTube channel and website, MooseMan Nature Photos. Often rising at 3am, they launch their kayaks before sunrise and wait silently for that perfect moment when a mighty bull moose emerges into a marsh, or a pair of loons appears in the morning fog. Taking great care never to intrude, they have spent years gaining the trust of some of these animals, frequently naming and photographing the same individuals year after year. The end result is not only spectacular, but conveys a profound sense of respect for wildlife, and the majesty and wonder of the great outdoors.

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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90 Josh Landrum – Tennessee

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Josh Landrum is a Nashville-based Boating Officer with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Besides receiving multiple honors for his tireless efforts to combat impaired boating, he has also served on the board of the Tennessee Wildlife Officers Association for the past decade, and most recently as president. This year, Josh and his fellow officers hosted the annual North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association (NAWEOA) conference, where Wayne and John caught up with him for a chat.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Hosting NAWEOA 2022
Learning, training, and networking at NAWEOA
Encouraging the younger generation of game wardens to attend
A love of fishing led to a career in wildlife management
An urban game warden
Some of the largest deer in the state
Working to eliminate impaired boating
You never know who you’ll meet
Enjoying all that Nashville has to offer
NAWEOA 2023: Utah

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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89 Ty Runyan – Oklahoma

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Ty Runyan is a state game warden with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Besides being a rancher, driving instructor, former K9 handler and sometimes-snake wrangler, he may be best known for his TikTok presence. Ty’s lighthearted, interesting, and educational short videos have attracted more than 175,000 followers. In this episode, he and Wayne discuss the value of social media as an outreach and recruitment tool, and share some exciting stories from the field.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Ty gives a passerby some advice
Everyone knows where the game warden lives
A bit about Ty’s background
Social media as an outreach tool
An accidental TikTokker
Getting Departmental approval
Taking the bad with the good
Recruitment and legal questions from everywhere
Using the platform to change perceptions
Comedy helps to defuse situations
Ty’s rodeo adventures
Few game wardens employing TikTok – so far
“It’s amazing what people will put on social media”
Helping other states make cases
Conservation efforts have helped restore declining populations
Snakes!
A family of teachers
Spotlighting poachers: right place, right time
Larger platform has helped engage future game wardens

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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W07 Winter Ticks with Alexej Sirén

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0000

The winter tick is a small, external parasite that, like all ticks, survives on the blood of its host. Although winter ticks are not dangerous to human health, they can pose a significant threat to wildlife - moose calves in particular. In this episode of Warden's Watch WILD, wildlife biologist Dr. Alexej Sirén describes the relationship between winter ticks and the eastern moose, how ticks spread, and efforts underway to help mitigate damage to the moose population.

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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88 Terry Hodges – Warden Force

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Award winning author Terry Hodges is the creator of the popular Warden Force series of short stories, the true adventures of game wardens and the wildlife-destroying outlaws they pursue. Having been a California Fish & Game warden himself for over three decades, Terry writes with the special authority found only among those who have worn a badge on behalf of wildlife. In this episode, he shares some compelling - and often comical - stories of the legendary game warden who would become not only a mentor, but also the inspiration for the book that would launch a surprising new career.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Documenting history
The many tales of Ol’ Sabertooth
The first book
Learning to self-publish
Inventing an alter ego
Staying in the field after promotion
Frenchy’s last ride
Goose poaching in rice country
Snake gets sapped
Surprising a poacher deep in the woods
Sometimes moonshiners made good allies
Poacher escapes, but leaves Mercer a gift
Nine collections of short stories
From the latest collection: Death on Snake Mountain
Where to find the Warden Force series
In the works: two new books of Sabertooth stories

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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W06 Moose with Lee Kantar

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Lee Kantar is man with moose on his mind. Whether he’s conducting aerial population surveys by helicopter, attaching specially adapted tracking collars, or racing to the scene of a mortality to conduct a field necropsy, Maine’s official state moose biologist is dedicated to the health and survival of the largest herbivore in the North Woods. Throughout the last decade, he has been integral to building a moose management program that’s been described as one of the most modern and comprehensive in the US.

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL029 Tom Rowland

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 16:00:00 -0000

Capt Tom Rowland is a fishing guide in both fresh and saltwater turned entrepreneur. Becoming a flyfishing guide in Jackson Hole, WY was a dream come true but finding great success in Key West, FL was even more of an unlikely success story. No one could have predicted what came next as Tom and his partner started a production company, created, starred in, sold and distributed a television show on ESPN and OLN Networks Most recently, he has become a podcaster and creates inspiring and educational content for his loyal audience that includes interviews with entrepreneurs from all industries, fishing and hunting icons as well as, "how-to" advice. Tom credits much of his success to his dedication to his physical condition and keeps physical education as a foundational part of his message. Tom believes that one way to accomplish your goals is to help other people reach theirs.

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87 Eric & Ash Hannett – GypSeaLegs

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Eric and Ashley Hannett are embarking on an adventure like no other - sailing the world while promoting conservation and sustainable living on their new YouTube channel, GypSeaLegs. In this episode, they share some triumphs - and some trials - they’ve faced while preparing for the first leg of their journey; sailing to the beautiful Bahamas, where they will begin repairs on a hurricane-damaged catamaran that will soon become their home.

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Here’s what we discuss:

We got married!
New YouTube channel: GypSeaLegs
Filming yourself doesn’t come naturally
Eric’s questionable podcast promotion techniques
The challenges of creating content
Google to the rescue
Sailing down the coast in October
Rescuing the dinghy – an unplanned swim
Gorgeous weather, rough seas
Trailering back to Jersey
Second try: everything is closed!
Buying a bigger boat
Preparing to head to the Bahamas
“You’ll never win against Mother Nature.”
The importance of being resourceful and self-reliant
Hopes for the YouTube channel
Learning about other regions and cultures

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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W05 Moose with Alexej Sirén

Thu, 26 May 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Historically native to the Northeast, the mighty eastern moose declined throughout the last century due to over hunting and land clearing. With the establishment of hunting laws and forest restoration efforts, the population slowly expanded, but is again under threat from climate change. Warden’s Watch WILD is joined by wildlife biologist and postdoctoral researcher Alexej Sirén discussing he and his colleagues’ efforts to build a regional monitoring system to track moose populations and health in the Northeastern US, as well as their work to develop and improve tools to analyze the data they collect.

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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86 For The Fallen

Sun, 15 May 2022 09:00:00 -0000

In 1962, US President John Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established that same year by a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week pays tribute to law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Please join us for this very special episode as we honor the service and sacrifice of fallen heroes Captain Stan Elrod of Danielsville, Georgia, and Staff Sergeant Jesse Sherrill of Barrington, New Hampshire.

“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes; it is how they lived.” ~ National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington, DC

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL028 Hometown Hero Outdoors

Thu, 12 May 2022 16:00:00 -0000

Hometown Hero Outdoors is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to facilitating outdoor adventures for actively serving military, military veterans, and licensed law enforcement officers. These adventures include hunting, fishing, backpacking, foraging, camping, snowmobiling, and so much more. Our primary goal is to assist these individuals as they begin healing and building healthy relationships within the community by: 1- Encouraging them to get up and get moving 2-Connecting them with likeminded individuals 3- Allowing them to explore and be adventurous in a safe setting 4- Reminding them that they are appreciated and cared for.

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W04 Fisher with Jill Kilborn

Sat, 07 May 2022 09:00:00 -0000

As far as names go, no animal has it quite like the fisher. Often called a “fisher cat”, it is not a feline, and doesn’t really care much for fish. One of nature’s few porcupine predators, this feisty, forest-dwelling expert climber is actually a member of the weasel family. Join us for this episode of Warden’s Watch WILD, as we meet once again with wildlife biologist Jill Kilborn to learn more about the small but mighty fisher.

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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85 Hunt of a Lifetime

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0000

From the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA, we meet two representatives for Hunt of a Lifetime, a non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling hunting and fishing dreams for people 21 and under facing life-threatening illnesses or disabilities. Grant Fritz is a lifelong hunter who has been volunteering with the organization for over twenty years. Gabe Kerchner is a cancer survivor who shares the story of his Arizona mountain lion hunt. Together, they are part of a team of dedicated volunteers that reaches across the US and Canada to help make dreams come true when it matters most.

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Here’s what we discuss:

GRANT

Over 20 years with Hunt of a Lifetime
Joining the organization; the first hunt
Close to 2000 hunts
Moose hunting in a broccoli patch
They didn’t choose this
Being part of the solution
My world is in a tree stand
Many tears have been shed
You can help
Bringing joy to a sick child
Reach out if you know a child who would like a dream fulfilled

GABE

Diagnosed at 12
Making contact with Hunt of a Lifetime
Receiving and training with a new rifle
Hunting with hound dogs
Others joined the hunt
Why mountain lion?
Gearing up at Bass Pro Shops
Hunted on a ranch
Post-surgical challenges on the hunt
2015 relapse
Fishing trips are also an option
Lifelong friends
Importance of supporting the organization
An amazing experience, even without a mountain lion
The grizzly bear hunt was too risky

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL027 Rose Anna Moore

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 16:00:00 -0000

Rose Anna Moore grew up in Tioga County, PA, where she hunted and fished the trout streams of the Pine Creek Gorge. Learning outdoor skills and having an interest in sustainable living helped Rose develop an adaptable and agile nature. While most of her childhood was spent moving from one environment to another or from one home to another, Rose has always found a way to make the changes and curveballs work for her as she navigates through life’s journey. Because of her lifestyle, travels, core beliefs, daily practices, and lessons learned, Rose believes that her drive and determination to never quit will put her at an advantage. Season 8 of Alone was one of the most challenging adventures of Rose’s journey, and now she is looking forward to putting all of her skills together to create a sustainable life for herself in the wilderness.

See the Video Here: https://www.patreon.com/wardenswatch

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84 Bob Farrell – Hawai’i

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Bob Farrell is a former fish and wildlife enforcement officer with more than 30 years of maritime experience in multiple environments from Alaska to Hawai’i. After a successful career with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife – culminating in serving as Assistant Chief – Bob figured he’d return to his home state of Hawai’i to wind down his career as an active game warden in the field, but fate soon intervened, and he once again found himself in a leadership position. Today, he continues his mission to strengthen conservation law enforcement through consultation and training all over the world.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Involved in wildlife conservation post-retirement
Enforcement is sometimes an afterthought
Earliest memories are on the water
“I wanted to be Jacques Cousteau when I grew up.”
NOAA fisheries observer aboard a Korean trawler in Alaska
Six years fishing the Bering Sea
Operating boats for the California Department of Fish & Wildlife
Joined CDFW as a dive instructor
Accepted as a reserve warden
Warden-centric TV programs helped recruitment
Promotions are nice, but being an active warden is more fun
Bob delayed promotion to join a major task force operation
Moved to Hawai’i to get back into the field, but then…
“At the end of the day, I was obligated.”
Helping enact progressive change
Building skills from the ground up
Secured funding for the first DOCARE academy
Developing a Field Training Officer program
Established the state’s first DLNR Officer of the Year award
Sending officers to NACLEC
“Now we’re the tip of the spear.”
Working nights wasn’t typical
Caught spotlighters the first night
Protect cultural as well as natural resources
Retirement allows freedom to advocate for policy and legislation
The importance of listening to different perspectives
We can effect change
Bob’s advice for potential game wardens

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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W03 Snowshoe Hare with Alexej Sirén

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Warden’s Watch WILD, we meet Alexej Sirén, a Maine-based biologist and postdoctoral researcher, and arguably an authority on many large and small mammals in the northeastern US. In this episode, Alexej discusses his work studying the snowshoe hare, including how their range and numbers affect a surprising variety of plants and animals, and the specific challenges climate change has created for the population.

Read more about Alexej’s work with snowshoe hares here: NH Wildlife Journal - Mad as a March Hare

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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83 Jonathan Demler - New Hampshire

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 10:05:12 -0000

In this episode, Wayne sits down with New Hampshire Conservation Officer Jonathan Demler. A highly decorated US Army veteran, Demler and his family moved to New Hampshire eight years ago when he joined Fish & Game after a distinguished military career which included three tours in Afghanistan. Listen as Jon describes what led him to a career in the outdoors, how his experience in the armed forces has contributed to his success at Fish & Game, and in a Warden’s Watch first, answers questions from our Patreon members.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Appearing on North Woods Law: quality over quantity
Balancing work and family
Transition from military life
“A little bit of luck, but a lot of perseverance.”
Coming to New Hampshire
The problem solvers
Changes in US military focus
Experience in Afghanistan helped prepare for mountains of NH
Do COs need to periodically requalify with firearms?
Dealing with sick and injured animals
Tough days
Not all wildlife rescues are successful
Every day can hold a surprise
The most gratifying part of the job
Working hours can be flexible
The importance of community

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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W02 Canada Lynx with Jill Kilborn

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Warden’s Watch WILD is back with wildlife biologist Jill Kilborn discussing her work studying the elusive Canada lynx. At about three feet long and anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds, Canada lynx are at least twice the size of the average house cat. Often recognized by their pointed ears and large, furry paws, which help them travel over deep snow and leave a distinctive “ice cream cone” print, Canada lynx are considered an endangered species in New Hampshire, but biologists have been taking steps to ensure a healthy and successful population, and it looks like their efforts are paying off.

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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82 Col. Clyde Warner - PA Fish & Boat Commission

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0000

With more than 86,000 miles of streams and rivers, 4,000 inland lakes and ponds, and 120 miles of coastal waters, there is no shortage of opportunities for a career on the waters of Pennsylvania. In this episode, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Law Enforcement Col. Clyde Warner describes the commonwealth’s recruiting initiative, the many advantages of joining his agency, and much more.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Can Waterway Conservation Officers deal with Game Commission issues?
All officers are cross-trained
Officers from both agencies help each other
Stocking 3.2 million trout
The importance of fish hatcheries
NASBLA accreditation and cadet training
The importance of boating skills
Taking action against black market reptile & amphibian sales
Dual agencies allow each to focus on their respective mandates
Implementing recruitment program to increase candidate pool
“It doesn’t get any better than this”
Unexpected perks and advantages

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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81 Rachel Thurner-Diaz - PA Fish & Boat Commission

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Rachel Thurner-Diaz is just the seventh woman to serve as a Pennsylvania Waterways Conservation Officer. Although she grew up fishing, hunting, and boating, she didn’t opt for a career in the outdoors until she’d started down a different path. Today, after seven years, two kids, and being honored as PFBC’s Officer of the year in 2020, Thurner-Diaz knows she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Growing up in the outdoors
The path to becoming a Waterways Conservation Officer
First week of work is the busiest of the year
Field training on the water
Four female officers statewide
Family life and flexible scheduling
Fish stocking is a public event
What is float stocking?
Golden rainbow trout
FishBoatPA app displays where fish are being stocked
Non-residents can take boat safety courses
Community outreach
Environmental law enforcement
Snakes!
No current illegal exotic animal regulations
Working patrol until just before giving birth
Flexibility to find your niche
PFBC command structure
Trout stockers don’t eat much trout

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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80 Tim Schaeffer - Executive Director, PA Fish & Boat Commission

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 11:16:00 -0000

Pennsylvania may have been named for its woodlands, but the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission believes the waters are the real attraction. Tim Schaeffer is the Executive Director of the PFBC, the agency dedicated to protecting, conserving and enhancing the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources, and providing fishing and boating opportunities for everyone. Join us as Tim describes the agency’s mission and its many public outreach initiatives - including a popular volunteer fish stocking program - and a mobile app that provides users a one-stop portal to the many activities the Keystone State’s waters have to offer.

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Here’s what we discuss:

What is the Fish & Boat Commission?
Agencies complement each other
Founding Fish
Volunteer fish stocking program
“You can’t beat Spring in PA”
FishBoatPA mobile app
“Spend more time fishing, less time worrying about where to get a license”
Always looking to do things better
Online/web-based coupled with in-person courses
Trout in the Classroom
Cold weather life jacket law
Life jackets are more comfortable than ever
How to fit a life jacket
The importance of clean waterways
Fishing with the family

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL026 John Hayes - Taxidermist

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 17:00:00 -0000

Hayes Taxidermy Studio is an established wildlife taxidermy studio located in Northwest Montana; owned and operated by John Hayes. Hayes has more than 20 years of experience in his profession. All of our taxidermy work is done in his studio in Libby, Montana. Hayes Taxidermy Studio has been John Nores's exclusive wildlife artist since 2005 having captured over 40 of his most rewarding conservation memories from around the world. John Hayes's entire team share an ethos of top quality work, attention to detail, excellent customer service and a passion for artistic additions like unique habitat and authentic wildlife behavior traits in their projects. As part of our nation’s Thin Green Line, Hayes and his team are staunch promoters of wildlife conservation and natural resource protection worldwide.

Sorry, they don't do pets.

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W01 Jillian Kilborn - Wildlife Biologist

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 15:27:00 -0000

Welcome to Warden’s Watch WILD, where we feature short conversations with wildlife professionals from all over North America and beyond. In our first episode, Wayne introduces us to Jillian Kilborn, a Wildlife Biologist for New Hampshire Fish & Game who has researched and tracked the American marten for nearly twenty years.

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Here’s what we discuss:

The inspiration for podcasting
The pine marten project
Working with trappers
Marten habitat and population
What is a marten?
Removed from state list of threatened species
Resource competition with fisher
Where to find American marten

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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W00 Our Sponsor: Josh Dagnese, Village Gun Store

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 15:26:00 -0000

Podcasts like ours couldn’t exist without the generous support of sponsors. Warden’s Watch couldn’t be more proud to introduce Josh Dagnese, owner of The Village Gun Store in Whitefield, New Hampshire, and the primary sponsor of our new WILD series. The Village Gun Store has been a northern New Hampshire staple for nearly 50 years, and when Josh – the son of a gun dealer himself - left the Army and found out it was for sale, he jumped at the chance to become part of American history.

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Cover Art: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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079 Chad Eyler - PA Game Commission: Command Staff

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 19:00:00 -0000

In our final installment from the PA Game Commission, Wayne sits down with PGC Special Permits Division Chief Chad Eyler. Besides being an administrator for Pennsylvania’s Operation Game Thief program and the architect of one of the most successful wildlife crime reporting lines in the US, he also has the unique perspective of having worked for all three state conservation agencies. In this episode, Chad explains the formation, structure, and funding of the agency, the Deputy Game Warden program, and much more.

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Here’s what we discuss:

· A good game warden story

· Leader in wildlife forensics

· Forensics skills can apply to all aspects of the job

· Formation of the Game Commission

· Refuges and ranges

· Game lands help fund the agency

· Low-cost hunting and trapping licenses

· Explaining the Deputy Warden program

· Almost a hobby

· Hundreds of thousands of hunters

· Keeping the agency moving forward

· Issued a typewriter and a revolver

· Refocusing priorities and adapting with the times

· “It literally takes my breath away”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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078 Brandon Pfister - PA Game Commission: The Veteran

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 15:00:00 -0000

Continuing our visit to Pennsylvania, Wayne sits down with State Game Warden Brandon Pfister, a former restaurateur who joined the Game Commission as a Deputy Warden in 2008. In this wide-ranging conversation, Brandon talks about some memorable cases, going viral on TikTok, and even shares some tips for a prize winning pie crust!

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Here’s what we discuss:

Snakes!
If at first you don’t succeed…
Deputy game warden program
The elk whistle and the viral TikTok
The importance of outreach
Everyone makes mistakes
Cooking wild game
Talking with kids
Humanizing the badge
Snakes!
Connecting with the next generation
Working together toward a common goal

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Cover Art: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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077 Zach Salsgiver - PA Game Commission: The Rookie

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0000

On the eve of graduation, Wayne sits down at the Pennsylvania Game Commission with Zach Salsgiver, one of 24 members of the latest class of the Ross Leffler School of Conservation in Brockway, PA. Established in 1932, the school - part college, part police academy, and part museum - was the first of its kind in the US. Listen as Zach explains what drew him to a career in wildlife, and shares some of his experiences from his ten-month journey toward becoming a Pennsylvania game warden.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Academy attached to HQ building
Day one can be a culture shock
Switching careers
Expanding recruitment into other states
Academy history
Training for anything
The most eastern elk herd
Seeing wildlife in a different light
Job carries many risks
Verbal judo and understanding body language
Fostering the next generation of hunters
The class that gets tased together…
Wildlife forensics training
Building a 44-week family
Wayne’s advice for new wardens
Never finish learning

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL025 Jay Crafter

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 17:00:00 -0000

Born in Zimbabwe, Jay Crafter has both US and British military experience. He has trained K9 teams for various Special Operations Programs, as well as multiple US Law Enforcement Agencies working in a variety of roles. Jay qualified as a Class 1 trainer with the British Army’s Royal Army Veterinary Corps. He has extensive experience training working dogs for conservation efforts in Africa.

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076X Brad Dannefaerd - Hunt New Zealand EXTRA

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 16:01:00 -0000

In this bonus addition to Episode 76, New Zealand’s Brad Dannefaerd describes hunting in his home country, along with some practices and regulations many of our listeners may find surprising!

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Here’s what we discuss:

Generous daily duck limits
Year-round hunting
Seven different types of deer
No season, no license, no limit
Hunting in national parks
Spotlighting and night hunting
No natural predators
Guided vs. Independent hunts
Post-WWII population explosion
Overpopulation damage to natural environment
Professional hunters employed by Dept. of Conservation

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Cover Art: Ashley Hannett

Social Media: Stacey DesRoches

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076 Brad Dannefaerd - New Zealand

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 16:00:00 -0000

The son of a hunting and fishing store owner, and an avid outdoorsman himself, Brad Dannefaerd worked with New Zealand Fisheries for nearly 20 years before retiring to found his own company. During his long and colorful career, he has worked alongside agencies in Australia, Canada and the United States, and literally written the book on defensive tactics and training for the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries. Today, his company trains and equips everyone from law enforcement to librarians, teaching “people who deal with people” how to manage interactions safely and effectively.

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Here’s what we discuss:

One big international family
An introduction to New Zealand
The traditional haka
All NZ agencies under one jurisdiction
Type of offender has changed
We had to get a lot smarter
More authority than police
Working with Customs agencies
Building intelligence to make a larger case
Targeting the high-level offender
Only two licenses required
Still able to enforce Fish & Game laws
NZ police do not carry firearms
Enforcement by consent
Never lost a fisheries officer
Different style of enforcement
Bright blue uniforms
Non-escalation vs. de-escalation
Founding CERT (Compliance, Enforcement & Regulatory Training)
NZ Police purchased CERT technical comms package
Never met a game warden I didn’t like
Game wardens are a tight knit community
Developing contacts worldwide

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media: Stacey DesRoches

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076A Owen Head - New Zealand

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:59:00 -0000

In this special introduction to Episode 76, Wayne and his good friend Owen chat about the Samoan islands, the traditional haka, and everyday life in beautiful New Zealand.

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Here’s what we discuss:

The Polynesian Islands
What is a haka?
Alfram Videography
Life in New Zealand
People are “next-level” friendly
Hunting and fishing

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media: Stacey DesRoches

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075 Heidi Murphy - New Hampshire

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 17:00:00 -0000

Fans of the Animal Planet television series North Woods Law will recognize Sgt. Heidi Murphy, an 18-year veteran Conservation Officer with New Hampshire Fish & Game, and the state’s first and only female CO. She has been an active member of the Advanced Search and Rescue Team, instructs courses for Fish and Game’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, and was awarded the Shikar-Safari International Wildlife Officer of the Year in 2015. In this episode, Heidi and Wayne discuss some of her more memorable cases, what drew her to a career in wildlife management, and her hopes to attract more women to the profession.

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Here’s what we discuss:

18 years on duty
Only female officer on staff
Don’t need to fit a “box” to become a game warden
Attracting more women into the profession
Need to be passionate about job
Moving from Lieutenant to Sergeant
A boat at dawn is a pretty nice office
Work smarter
Busy Search & Rescue area
Bringing loved ones home
Sending rescuers into danger
Twenty-six hour days
Turkey magnet
Sometimes you get lucky
A memorable moose case
Filming North Woods Law
Inspiring the next generations of game wardens
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
Teachers make good game wardens – and vice versa
Following clues to get to the facts
On the spot necropsies
Variety is the greatest part of the job
Networking with game wardens from other states
Keeping conservation relevant

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media: Stacey DesRoches

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TGL024 Jared Ogden

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 17:00:00 -0000

As a dual-warfare qualified Naval Officer, both SWO and SEAL, Jared spent eight years in the Naval Service. During his Active Duty years, he deployed to CENTCOM four times and is combat decorated, having been awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for Valor, the Combat Action Ribbon, and multiple Joint Awards.

A huge component of Jared’s life revolves around giving back to those veterans who have made monumental sacrifices in battle. Five years ago and shortly after his Teammate, SEAL Dan Cnossen, lost both his legs to a victim-initiated IED, Jared founded the Phoenix Patriot Foundation, a 501(c)3, whose mission revolves around creating opportunities for combat wounded veterans post 9-11.

From a young age, Jared has always been an outdoor and wilderness enthusiast. Growing up in Georgia, his enthusiasm lead to his earning the rank of Eagle Scout, then graduating from the United States Naval Academy, and ultimately becoming a Navy SEAL.

Since leaving the Active Duty component of the Naval Service, Jared has remained in the defense industry and is an advocate of the Department of Defense and its members. Jared continues to represent his brothers in arms on National Geographic Channel’s flagship Television program, Ultimate Survival Alaska.

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074 The Ellises – Father & Son Game Wardens

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Lee Ellis knew he wanted to be a South Carolina game warden from the time he was a teenager. His son Hunter considered a few different occupations before realizing his destiny was in his father’s footsteps. Listen as they discuss their respective career paths, the unique benefits and challenges of growing up in a game warden family, and the changes they’ve each seen through the years. They may be Captain and Officer, but at the end of the day, they’re family.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Not the first South Carolina father/son warden team
Hunter always wanted to be a game warden… sort of
Not a lot of dads can say they work with their kids
Perseverance paid off for Lee
The Swiss army knife of law enforcement
Shrimp baiting
It’s all about preserving nature
Education and enforcement go hand in hand
Take One Make One program
Non-traditional law enforcement role; it’s a lifestyle, not a job
Family support is essential
Cat and mouse
Everyone knows the game warden
Adapt using technology, but keep your roots
How to catch an alligator
President of International Wildlife Crimestoppers
Hosting the 2021 IWC conference
Telling wardens’ stories is key
Promoting positive interactions
Encouraging the next generation

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media: Stacey DesRoches

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073 Scott Gray - Reformed Poacher

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Wayne, Lt. Jim Kneeland, and reformed poacher Scott Gray gather to discuss Scott's poaching scheme that started in the 1990s. He took poaching to a new level. He practiced at home to see how how quiet he could make his weapons, buried a freezer in his shed, and believe it or not, once took the warden's entry test. Wayne discusses with Scott and Lt. Kneeland, Scott's tactics, preparation, and to what extent he took his illegal craft, and how it all changed one day.

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Here's What We Discuss:

Reformed poacher
Active in 1990s
Tested to be a game warden
Never did anything growing up
Frustration started poaching
Got into powerlifting
.22 and crossbow
Practiced shooting out of a car
Went to an area with a lot of deer.
Never caught me with a deer
Caught shining a field with a loaded crossbow
Wardens came to the house, found the freezer
Freezer was buried
The farmer with stories
Lost license, kept hunting
Hobby trapper
Something didn’t feel right
Stand behind the oak tree
Fly straight
I don’t wanna screw up again

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

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TGL023 Jamie McCallum - Force for Nature

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Jamie McCallum Ph.D. brings a unique set of experience to the enormous challenges of environmental protection. Combining his doctorate in Biological Sciences and decade in conservation with his early career in high-end corporate sponsorship; Jamie founded Force For Nature.

Backed by leading conservation groups, global media partners and the world’s biggest brands, Jamie focused on a human based solution to many of the world’s environmental problems - wildlife Rangers. Supporting and guiding them to be more effective can ensure that the resources upon which we all depend can theoretically last for ever.Back in 2008, in a bid to pursue his lifelong passion for environmental protection, Jamie left a thriving career in sports sponsorship (Usain Bolt, IMG, Ferrari F1 and Orange) and media (BBC, Discovery) to study for a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences.

His research with the US National Park Service on the US-Mexico border used cutting edge technology to help improve management of protected areas. He then set up and ran the Technology Programme at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), including the management of a Citizen Science App and the development of software and hardware for field staff. These projects were facilitated through partnerships with Google, Iridium and Microsoft Research.

Since 2015 he has been the UK/EU Director for Peace Parks Foundation (PPF). As well as fundraising and partnership management, Jamie operates closely with field teams on resource protection, community development and management training tools. He also works with the Southern African Wildlife College, which trains hundreds of conservation staff each year and he advises the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on protected area effectiveness.

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072 Benny Richards - Texas

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Benny Richards is a former Game Warden for Hunt County, Texas. Richards worked for over 25 years for the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, and is well known for his appearances on “Lone Star Law”. During his time as a warden, he earned accomplishments such as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Officer of the Year (2015) and the Shikar-Safari International Wildlife Officer of the year award. In this episode, Wayne interviews Benny on his role as a Texas warden and the stories of “Lone Star Law”.

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Here's What We Discuss:

“Tales of a Texas Game Warden” by Benny Richards
Virtual book signing: December 2nd at 7:00pm
Recently retired
Everything is real
New season of Lone Star Law is coming
Game warden and peace officer
First interaction with a game warden
Different trails
Cocaine in the taxi cab
Dirty deeds under the cover of dark
Trip to jail makes them pass out
Phones change everything
Moving the bucket
Watch to get evidence
Wardens answer more than just outdoor calls
Housing development
Landowner permission
Diverse environment
Upcoming children’s book
Moose antler

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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071 Jeff Baile - Illinois Part II

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Jeff Baile is a retired conservation police officer and instructor in Illinois. He started out as a patrol officer in 1976, and moved to become a conservation police officer in 1979. Additionally, Jeff has worked as an instructor in his self-developed interview and interrogation course across the country. Jeff is a Certified Forensic Interviewer, and a member of the International Association of Interviewers. It is estimated he extratected over 7000 confessions over the course of his career. In this episode, Jeff speaks on his interviewing techniques, best stories, and more.

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Here's What We Discuss:

There's no end to it, stick new stuff in
Compliance increase after communication skills increases
Catfish case
Killed 24,000 fish, 600 bullfrogs
Boat accident
Published poaching
Hotel deer
25 illegal racoons
The Beagle
Making a case out of an interview
A person can only control their body language for so long
Everyone can learn it
A dead eagle
Columbo style
Baile & Associates courses
Administrative and teacher classes
Different prongs

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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070B Jeff Baile - The Wave - Bonus

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 16:00:00 -0000

A Bonus Episode to Episode 070...

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070 Jeff Baile - Illinois Part One

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 16:00:00 -0000

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Here's What We Discuss:

Conservation police
Getting into a niche
What do you need to do in interrogation
Mobile training unit
Body language and lie detection are two different animals
Interview before interrogation
Gather facts
Retell the story
Truth never changes
Getting good at interviews
Suppressing “we”
Conservation - specific course
Use both police and conservation examples
Interrogating our kids

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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TGL022 Bud Carr

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Bud Carr is a search and rescue expert in the upper northwest of the United States. Carlton “Bud” Carr Jr. was born in 1978 in California’s San Bernardino Valley. He moved to Colorado as a child and now lives in northwest Washington in a small, rented home on the Skagit River with his wife and three children. He’s a journeyman carpenter, although he’s worked a grab bag of blue-collar jobs, but also has an education in wilderness survival. Carr played and explored in the mountains growing up, and his dad would quiz Bud on what to do if he got stranded on that mountain road. Go to the creek. Follow the creek to the river. Follow the river to civilization. Bud learned how to hunt, to build shelters, to insulate himself with leaves and how to travel in the mountains. A self-described mountain man, Carr is an enthusiastic storyteller, one who uses every inch of his 5-foot-11 frame to elucidate and elaborate, his gestures those of a college theater major, albeit a tattooed and felonious one. He’s prone to long rants, but is also a good listener, happy to suspend a story, although he almost always picks it up later.

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069 Jeffrey Milner - Indiana

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Jeffrey Milner is a conservation warden and K9 unit coordinator working for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. He has been working for over 27 years, 23 of those as a K9 handler. Throughout his time as a K9 officer and coordinator, Jeffrey has trained a multitude of dogs and has also had many of his own. He also helped found the Conservation Canine Officers Association. In this episode, Jeffrey tells some of his many stories that he has collected over the years.

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Here's What We Discuss:

K9s are embedded in our organization
Jeffrey’s background
Knocking on the game warden’s door
1 lab turned into 11 labs
Only 9 other agencies that had K9 agencies
Dogs are an introduction
Dogs help to bridge the message of conservation
First partner
Indiana is one of the biggest K9 agencies in the country
Primarily labrador retrievers
I name my dogs with purpose
Journey: running a track on suspects
Different terrain holds scent differently
You have to love it to do it
Voyage’s best track - lifesaving
Fury: ginseng diggers
When you put value on a resource people will exploit it
Koda: in training
Training schools
From no members to 108 members in the CCOA
When I hang up my K9 shoes, the program is in good hands
Facility
Jason Lagore - Ohio
Follow and like Conservation Canine Officers Association on Facebook
Tight budgets
People will know a dog’s name 20 years later

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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TGL021 Alex Baer

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Alex Baer has a passion for the outdoors, wildlife, and his lifelong search for new ways to accomplish meaningful work has led him to a new position as COO with IHEA-USA. Alex is directly contributing to the growth and development of hunter education while continuing to further R3 initiatives for the industry. Before joining the IHEA-USA, Alex consulted on projects for private industry as well as the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports as well as the National Wildlife Turkey Federation. Prior to that, Alex was the Sales Director at onXmaps contributing to their significant growth for 5 years while also acting as R3 Coordinator for onX where he built partner relationships with conservation NGOs, industry associations, and state and wildlife organizations.

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068 The Colebrook Murders Part IV - Featuring Counselor Paula Booth

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Counselor Paula Booth has been working with law enforcement officers and other clients for over 35 years with the state of New Hampshire. Her unique knowledge of critical incidents and trauma response has made her a valuable asset to many agencies. She is also the director for the New Hampshire Employee Assistant Program. Paula has a masters degree in clinical social work from Boston University, is a member of the National Academy of Certified Social Workers, and is nationally certified as an employee assistance professional. Additionally, she has served as the president of the Grant State employee assistant program. Paula works on the governor and attorney general’s commission on domestic violence, and is an advisor to the state government's decision makers.Her lectures at conferences, community events, and state sponsored events are well renowned. To Wayne, Paula Booth was his counselor after the critical incident that took place in Colebook in which he was shot.

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Here's What We Discuss:

Introduction to Paula Booth
Counseling is very different in today’s world
Wayne’s breaking point
Counseling is for everyone
Everyone has a critical incident in their life
Healthy people get help
Education on counseling to law enforcement
We ask for help all the time, why not this?
Affects officers, family members, peers
Academy program: stress management in law enforcement
Traumatic experience from those that were on vacation
Critical incident tools
Simple, briefs directives
Eat something simple
Don’t fill the silence
Look into programs
Supervisors and peers watch you
Don’t use a cookie cutter approach
Connection is important
I’ve got the best job in the world
Make it palatable
If I didn’t have counseling, I wouldn’t have finished my career
Horrible week for New Hampshire
Approach it from a problem solving perspective
Make the appointment, you can always cancel it
Give and take
Uniform represents so much
Partners and supporters take the journey too

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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067 The Colebrook Murders Part III - Featuring Kevin Jordan

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Colonel Kevin Jordan has worked for the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game for over 20 years. After the Colebrook Murders, he became a critical incident specialist. In this episode, Wayne discusses the Colebrook Murders with Colonel Jordan and how each of them experienced the situation.

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Field day in Quebec
Weren’t aware two were murdered
5 crime scenes, many different units
Couldn’t talk on the radio, too much chatter
I could hear Wayne screaming
Went to grab two deer rifles, raced to confront
John had his fingers embedded in my dash as I went 100 mph
I was livid he shot you, I wanted to kill him
The troopers had a look about them
Dispatchers were crying on the radio
He went home to change and shave
Laying across the dash, looked like he committed suicide
Both shoot at the same time; Drega wearing campaign hat
If you engage him, you’ll have to kill him
I know what type of guy I am now
You can train someone, but you don’t know how they’ll react in fight or flight
He was on the bank; changed our plan
98 shots fired
Drega was dead
I decided I needed a cigarette
Both sides of the road were lined with cruisers
I thought I was gonna get fired
His house had bombs in it
Ran to the bathroom and threw up
Some will defend Drega; there will be funerals
Went to visit Wayne in a packed cruiser
Cheers when Wayne came back; brought to tears
Ordered to go to counseling
New equipment after the event

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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066 The Colebrook Murders Part II - My Badge Saved My Life

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0000

In this episode our two hosts become an interviewer and an interviewee. In 1997, a rogue gunman began a violent rampage in the town of Colebrook. One of the responding officers, Warden Wayne Saunders of New Hampshire was injured in an attempt to apprehend the subject. The badge he wore on that day deflected the bullet shot by the suspect and saved his life. In this episode Wayne tells his personal account of that day and how it affected his life.

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Here's What We Discuss:

Episode dedicated to Senior Corporal Jeff Neal of Hope, Arkansas
Dedicated to Scott Phillips and Leslie Lord, New Hampshire State Police
Survived a critical incident in a small town
A regular day with a field day the next day
Report of a stolen cruiser, possibly by a kid
“Turn off your blue lights”
Jurisdictional issues in mind
Dust hanging under a bridge pass
Man with a campaign hat pointing a gun 15 yards away
Cover and concealment
Everything was in slow motion, yelled at people in a restaurant to leave
Backed up slow, then fast into a tree
I didn’t know what was going on
Center of the badge was shot off
Ricochet of the 7 rounds
Don’t my boots; sorry I wrecked the cruiser
Shredded my bicep, scarred to this day
Found out what happened from the news
Staying in the fight even when injured
From the hospital to funerals
Brothers holding me up
Improving communication, switched rifles
New York response team
It takes a horrible incident for improvement
The only woman that made me cry: physical therapist breaking down scar tissue
Negative comments made me transfer
Critical incident fallout; learning experience
Worse for your partner to get shot than to be the victim
Physical and mental pain
I always wanted to be the cowboy in the woods, no one would take that for me
Brought game wardens to state police with shooting pay support
We’re always on duty
More tools available now
Pack of wardens
Usually not next to cruiser
People hide and hide things in the woods
Educate the public on what we go through

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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TGL020 Kip Adams

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0000

As deer season opens across the country for 2021, we open up a conservation conversation with Kip Adams, the director of the Nation Deer Association. Kip is a certified wildlife biologist and QDMA's Director of Conservation. He has a bachelor's degree in wildlife and fisheries science from Penn State University and a master's in wildlife from the University of New Hampshire. He's also a certified taxidermist. Before joining QDMA, Kip was the deer and bear biologist for the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department.

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065 The Colebrook Murders Part I - Ft. Richard Adams Carey

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Richard Adams Carey is the author of the book “In The Evil Day” in which he discusses the events of the violent 1997 shooting in Colebrook, New Hampshire in which Wayne Saunders was shot. Richard grew up in Connecticut and attended Harvard. He moved around the country while writing various books that are acclaimed by The New York Times, Alaska Magazine, and more. In this interview, Adams Carey explains his background, research for the book, the community around Colebrook, and much more.

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Here's What We Discuss:

The Colebrook Murders
Putting the puzzle pieces together
Not enough exposure on the event
Listings in a telephone book
Went about the book stupidly
Battle between burying the incident and opening up
Expected to “suck it up” after incidents
Challenge: freedom of information
Dissecting the documents; generosity of agencies
No sense of competition in law enforcement
Not a typical true crime book
Mindset of those in the community
Flirtations with militia groups
National problem with little reporting
Breakdown of the incident
The good out of the incident
Civilian heroes
Outsider looking in to insider looking in
Book title

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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064 Lonnie Sushil - Florida

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Lonnie Sushil is a game warden with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (SA), and is the Commander of the SA Special Operations Group (SOG). Florida’s SOG group was created after 9/11 and focuses on homeland security as well as public service. Lonnie commands 14 operators in the alpha south region of the state.

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Here's What We Discuss:

Merging of Thin Green Line into Warden’s Watch
Lonnie’s background
Creation of SOG in Florida
Duties of the group
Diversity of warden training
Ecosystem differences within Florida
SOG is a collateral duty
Collaborative training
Picking out the oddities
Academy and training
Female officers
Assess people up front

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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TGL019 Charlie Pitt - Rural Badge

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Located in the rural mountains of the western United States, Charlie Pitt has been part of the blue family for more than 30 years. Charlie's training and background are in writing, marketing, recruiting and teaching. Charlie is a self proclaimed newshound, data junkie, word nerd. I use those things to write about rural law enforcement, the ones who love them, past issues and current events.

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063 Todd Vandivert - Washington Part II

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Todd Vandivert was a game warden for 34 years with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, and now writes books about his experiences. He worked both as a uniformed officer and also as an undercover officer, making multiple cases in each position. Todd’s work as an author is well-known, especially his book Operation Cody in which he breaks down his role in the operation. In this episode, Todd discusses his upbringing, work as a warden, and life as an author.

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Here's What We Discuss:

Started with bighorn sheep
One toe in the water
Wildlife trafficker, cock fighting, and marijuana growth
Being a uniformed officer is more dangerous than undercover
Dangerous individual
Operation shut down early
Breaks to the media
The takedown
Detailing the cockfights
Didn’t write the book to make money
Small circles of people
Bigger busts undercover
Hard to kick a case down the road with a good case in your hands
Sturgeon caviar
Only would talk to Russians
Officer exchanges
6 written books
Examine the crime scene: physical evidence but no suspect
The individual who didn’t lie
Rolled into a larger case
Put yourself in other’s shoes
Bear poop in my mouth

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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062 Todd Vandivert - Washington Part I

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Todd Vandivert was a game warden for 34 years with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, and now writes books about his experiences. He worked both as a uniformed officer and an undercover officer, making multiple cases in each position. Todd’s work as an author is well-known, especially his book Operation Cody in which he breaks down his role in the operation. In this episode, Todd discusses his upbringing, work as a warden, and life as an author.

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Here's What We Discuss:

34 years as a game warden
Born in California
Love of the outdoors while raised in Virginia
Plan was to go into the Navy; failed color vision test
Flying career came to an end, went into oceanography
Rethought decisions and went into forestry
Started working in a habitat area
Cameras everywhere
First posing
Work as an undercover
The issues with informants
The case: hound hunting with lions
The “Kill ‘Em All Boys”
Conference
More exposure = more hazardous
Each state has different laws
Built a fake business: website, posters, business cards, etc
Best of the wild
Lawful stuff close to unlawful
Poacher within two days
Misrepresenting product is still illegal
Taking DNA
Rotted mountain lion and a paycheck
Dried dates as a decoy to Hong Kong
Growing operations and money laundering
Interior decorator setup
Entrapment debate

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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TGL018 Jamie Lee Thurston

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Music is not a hobby for Jamie Lee Thurston. It’s the only thing. The act of performing music is how he enters and relates to the world. And when you watch him live, it’s as if you’re witnessing a red giant of a star form before you, drawing in all of the stardust and matter of the immediate universe to power its very being…even if only for a fraction of time. It stands to reason that all music is good music as long as it finds its way to the one person who enjoys it.

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061 Chris Conroy, Scotland

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 20:32:00 -0000

Chris Conroy is the director of the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board and a water bailiff. He graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a degree in Applied Biology, and has over 25 years of experience working as an aquatic resource manager. Through his duties, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of freshwater, marine and estuarine resource management and the associated stresses, utilisation, and conservation demand. In this episode, we dive in to the lore around Loch Ness, the differences in enforcement, the specs of being a water bailiff, and more

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Here's What We Discuss:

Cover the Loch Ness waters in Scotland
Loch means lake
Fishery bailiff = fishery enforcement officer
Sightings of the Loch Ness monster
20 miles wide, 700 feet deep
Don’t work for the government; statutory powers
Lots of fisheries
Differences in laws
Don’t carry firearms; gear differences
Good cases
Thermal imaging
Enforcement and management
Topography
Fish counts
Intervention of impacts
Issues with stocking fish
Collecting evidence
162 offenses last year
Pulley system case
American vs Scottish bailiffs

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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TGL017 Mark Oliva

Thu, 27 May 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Mark Oliva is director of public affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industries. He is a retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant with 25 years of service, including tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Haiti, Albania, and Zaire.

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060 For the Fallen - Justin Hurst, Texas EOW: March 17, 2007

Thu, 13 May 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Justin Hurst was a game warden who worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. A graduate of Texas A&M, he had a passion for the outdoors and worked to protect it. Even before he was a warden, he worked as a waterfowl guide and educated people on hunting. After 5 years of service as a warden, he was involved in an incident where a man was suspected of hunting illegally. While backing up another game warden on a pursuit, the suspect’s vehicle was spiked. As he got out, the suspect fired at the approaching wardens and deputies. Hurst was struck multiple times while returning fire, and was med-flighted to a nearby hospital. A day later, on his 34th birthday, Justin succumbed to his injuries. Justin is an example of an exemplary game warden with a strong work ethic and a desire to educate his community.

His sacrifice will not be forgotten.

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Here's What We Discuss:

Chaplin Scott Mcintosh leads in prayer
Start of Justin’s love of wildlife
Dad, we need to help these hawks
Love of duck and geese
Read the bands on geese
Went to Texas A&M, never went to a football game
Applied for the academy
First of his class
Back home with people he knew
Make personal contacts with farmers and ranchers
A knocking at the door, a flashlight
Justin did not survive
His eyes were used as an organ donation
25 game wardens at the house to support us
Kept the media away
10 units involved in the incident
Dashcam video recorded
The pursuit
Gets cornered at the cemetery and starts firing
Hits Justin; med-flighted to the hospital
I asked God “why did you take my son?”
Effects of a LEO death on the family
Weeks after, wardens were around 24/7
500 law enforcement at Justin’s funeral
Cremated and released into the bay
Ashes put in Justin’s projects
Offered life without parole; refused
Jury convicted him guilty of 1st degree murder with execution
All appeals denied
We pick the day he’s executed
A long process; very educational
Only could bring a driver’s license the penitentiary
He never said anything
Motorcycle groups revved engines during final statement
Parent groups for parents who lost LEO sons and daughters
Support of organizations
I want to make sure our wardens are supported
Justin wanted to educate and teach

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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059 For The Fallen - Arnold Magoon

Mon, 10 May 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Arnold Magoon was a game warden with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department for 18 years. He worked his way up from a field warden to a supervisor, and was known to be fair but firm in how he enforced laws. As a warden, Arnold was well liked within the community he patrolled and was a role model for those around him. In 1978, a call about a late night shot came in while he was at home. He responded, and a suspected deer poacher assaulted him with his own flashlight, bludgeoning him to death. Arnold is the only warden that has died in the line of duty with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

His sacrifice will not be forgotten.

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Here's What We Discuss:

For the fallen/police week
Wayne’s formal Colonel as a guest
Dangers of being a law enforcement officer
Roll of honor - 51 names
Won’t give this up until I die
Most challenging group I work with
It has to be done right
It was a normal day and he never came back
Take the time to tell people what they mean to you
Moment of silence
Poem
Jeff Whipple
Arnold Magoon is the only warden who has died in Vermont
Moving on from tragedy and remember
Warden to supervisor
Ready to fry by the fourth of July
Heard a gunshot and went out
Goes to confront the poachers
Put an identification on the vehicle
Throwing out evidence
Approaching the vehicle: 2 men and 1 women
Son’s friend and knows him personally
Disappointment and frustration
Lunged for the flashlight
Left to die
Not uncommon to not wear a gun belt
Could happen to anyone
Monument created

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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TGL016 Andriana Fragola

Fri, 07 May 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Andriana Fragola, originally from Miami and has been obsessed with the ocean since childhood. Before working at One Ocean Diving, Andriana worked with the Shark Research and Conservation lab at the University of Miami where she completed her graduate degree. Her focus of study was shark immunology, where Andriana examined the bacteria that colonizes on the skin of blacktip and bull sharks. She says that she's always learning and experiencing new things when you work with sharks! Andriana is also a PADI Divemaster, Freediver, safety diver, was scuba certified at the age of 12 and has a AAUS scientific diver certification.

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058 The Case of Kate Matrosova Part V - The Conclusion

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Kate Matrosova was a highly experienced hiker from Southern Siberia, Russia. She came to America on a student visa and successfully graduated with a masters degree in Financial Engineering. Though she worked for many firms on Wall Street, she also had a passion for the outdoors. She had a passion for climbing big mountains such as Kilimanjaro and McKinley, and was an active marathon runner. At 32 years old, she hiked the Presidential Mountain Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire carrying light gear for a day hike. Unfortunately, she never made it out alive. The weather conditions reached -85F and 141 MPH winds. Rescue teams attempted to reach her after she activated her communications device, but to no avail. Kate Matrosova was discovered a day later.

Ty Gagne is the CEO of Primex, a public entity risk pool based in New Hampshire, and is also a certified wilderness first responder. He wrote the book Where You’ll Find Me about Kate’s experiences and those who were a part of her recovery. In this podcast, he interviewed Wayne and asked him about his experiences as a supervisor over the search and rescue mission for Kate.

Brett Fitzgerald is a member of the search and rescue team that located and recovered Kate Matrosova. He is an experienced climber and outdoorsman who takes clients up the White Mountains.

Our Sponsors:

NH Wildlife Heritage

Here's What We Discuss:

Ty Gagne’s new book
High quality volunteers in NH
Embrace being a hero
Continuation of Wayne’s interview
Hasty team was important; other teams covered beacons
Covered lots of ground
Brett Fitzgerald interview
Out skiing during the day before the rescue
Telling clients “there is a 0% chance of reaching the summit today”
Had the kits ready to go
We weren’t sure if we could find her; she could be anywhere
Wind picked us off the ground
Kate was frozen solid
Can’t think of her as a human; need to get the load down
Felt like you were drowning
Continuation of Wayne’s interview
Hard to communicate above treeline
Work to do after recovery
Inform next of kin
Accomplishments of Kate: calls from reporters from New York
Many rescues can be prevented
Preparation: more research, investigation, and paying attention to the weather
There's a reasons trees don’t grow up there
I got it in my calendar, I’m going to hike
Flexibility and knowledge is key
The finding of Kate’s mountaineering axe
Dedication to all search and rescue volunteers

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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TGL015 Cody Stamann - Part II

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Cody Stamann is a mixed martial artist and UFC champion in the featherweight division. Stamann has been a professional fighter since 2010. He has a love for fighting and the outdoors. Cody is also a staunch 2nd amendment advocate, a passionate conservationist, and dives head first into the shooting sports when he's not training for the cage. This is Part Two of our conversation with Cody.

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057 The Case of Kate Matrosova Part IV Featuring Guest Interviewer Ty Gagne

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 16:30:00 -0000

Kate Matrosova was a highly experienced hiker from Southern Siberia, Russia. She came to

America on a student visa and successfully graduated with a masters degree in Financial

Engineering. Though she worked for many firms on Wall Street, she also had a passion for the

outdoors. She had a passion for climbing big mountains such as Kilimanjaro and McKinley, and

was an active marathon runner. At 32 years old, she hiked the Presidential Mountain Range of

the White Mountains in New Hampshire carrying light gear for a day hike. Unfortunately, she

never made it out alive. The weather conditions reached -85F and 141 MPH winds. Rescue

teams attempted to reach her after she activated her communications device, but to no avail.

Kate Matrosova was discovered a day later.

Ty Gagne is the CEO of Primex, a public entity risk pool based in New Hampshire, and is also a

certified wilderness first responder. He wrote the book Where You’ll Find Me about Kate’s

experiences and those who were a part of her recovery. In this podcast, he interviewed Wayne

and asked him about his experiences as a supervisor over the search and rescue mission for

Kate.

Lieutenant Mark Ober is the Lieutenant for District 1 with the New Hampshire Fish and Game.

He frequently responds to hikers in distress and develops search and rescue missions to find

them. He is also a member of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Dive Team. In this episode,

he discusses the mission to find Kate, the difficulties surrounding it, and his role as a supervisor.

Our Sponsors:

Thin Green Line Podcast

Hunt of a Lifetime

Maine's Operation Game Thief

NH Wildlife Heritage

International Wildlife Crime Stoppers

Here's What We Discuss:

- Guest interviewer: Ty Gagne

- The best learning is from the ground up

- The game warden is in charge of the search and rescue

- Pass on shortcuts

- Own up to your decisions

- Wind is a huge factor

- Dragging my feet based on my instincts

- Don’t call me at night - I don’t sleep

- Continuation of interview with Mark Ober

- Constantly on the phone

- Ordered a command post

- 5am to 8am is peak prepare time

- Many acronyms in search and rescues

- Would have never reached Kate safely

- Intent is key

- Everything was in her pack, not blown away

- Sunny day, whiteout on the mountain peaks

- There's more people like Kate

- I made mistakes that other people made

- Continuation of Wayne’s interview

- No intention of going home

- Command posts were rocking from the wind

- Great relationships with local departments

- It's easy to look at a map and make assignments

- Even highly skilled people can get in trouble

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

Find More Here:

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TGL014 Cody Stamann - Part I

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 16:00:00 -0000

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056 The Case of Kate Matrosova Part III Featuring Mark Ober, Bob Mancini, and Matt Holmes

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 16:30:00 -0000

At 32 years old, Kate Matrosova hiked the Presidential Mountain Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire carrying light gear for a day hike. Unfortunately, she never made it out alive. Rescue teams attempted to reach her after she activated her communications device, but to no avail. Kate Matrosova was discovered a day later.

Lieutenant Mark Ober is the Lieutenant for District 1 with the New Hampshire Fish and Game. He frequently responds to hikers in distress and develops search and rescue missions to find them. He is also a member of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Dive Team. In this episode, he discusses the mission to find Kate, the difficulties surrounding it, and his role as a supervisor.

Bob Mancini is an award-winning Conservation Officer in New Hampshire. He has been a member of the advanced search & rescue team, dive team, honor guard team and K-9 team. He was also a regular on Northwoods Law. He speaks of his role in the rescue for Kate.

Matt Holmes is a New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer. He was also a regular on Northwoods Law, and is part of rescue operations. In this episode, he discusses the attempted resume of Kate Matrosova with the rest of the rescue team.

Our Sponsors:

NH Wildlife Heritage

Here's What We Discuss:

The return of John Nores
Q and A on April 26th via Patreon!
Start of Lt. Mark Ober interview
Matt and Bob: goal to get to coordinates
Half mile off trail to get to coordinates, meet with MRS team
Too cold to function
Matt and Bob stay for backup, MRS team moves in
When she wasn’t found at coordinates, everyone moves back down
Start of Bob Mancini interview
Decided to patrol on snowmobile
Raced back to get essential gear
Disbelief of how someone could be out
My “Oh Shit!” bag
Forgot to change my socks
We were prepared to do what was required
Utilized snowmobiles and then hiked
Fight the inner demons to try and save a life
Propane in stove froze
Hot water would have been like hitting the lottery
Should have slowed down and been a better teammate
Matt’s headlamp
Wayne’s rule: don’t call me the night before
Stay on scene on the trail, MRS goes to beacon
Loud and steady wind
Even if we knew where she was, it might have been a critical incident
Kate was an accomplished hiker
Gear has became better
Start of Matt Holmes interview
Predicted to be bad weather for a while
On snowmobile patrolling all day
Coldest and most dangerous rescue
Eyes are on the mountains
Wind blowing over the summits
Glad to be in my cruiser
At first I was angry: salt in an open wound
Carrying gear for overnight stays
Sun goes down, temperature goes down
Glen’s issues: it wasn’t his night
Matt was the leader of the operation
We had to function as a team to do things we usually did alone
One team to bushwack to point, another on the trail
Barely got stoves lit, water couldn’t boil
All layers were on
If something went wrong, will have to build a shelter
Nobody wanted to stop
MRS team stayed, the rest moved out
I feel good about what we did
Plenty of reasons to not send anyone that night
Feelings softened toward Kate over time
Perfect storm of cold and wind

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Social Media/Marketing: Morgan Day

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TGL013 Cindy Stites

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Cindy Stites is the Director of Education for the Hunt to Eat project, a hunting apparel and education company built on community, real food, and conservation. She is a hunter, angler, and budding conservationist. She cares deeply for the animals she pursues and works hard to ensure that the generations to come will have the same opportunities that Cindy has now.

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055 The Case of Kate Matrosova Part II featuring Lt. Mark Ober and CO Glen Lucas

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 17:00:00 -0000

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TGL012 Barry Kerch - Part II

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Here's Part II with Barry Kerch! Barry may have made a living as the drummer for the band Shinedown, but outside of the world of rock and roll, Barry is a dedicated conservationist and hunter. Growing up in the south he developed a deep love of the outdoors. When Barry isn't smashing beats on a drum kit, you'll deep in the woods exchanging the drumsticks for bow and arrow.

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054 The Case of Kate Matrosova Part I featuring Ty Gagne

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 17:30:00 -0000

Kate Matrosova was a highly experienced hiker from Southern Siberia, Russia. Though she worked for many firms on Wall Street, she also had a passion for the outdoors. She had a passion for climbing big mountains such as Kilimanjaro and McKinley, and was an active marathon runner. At 32 years old, she hiked the Presidential Mountain Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire carrying light gear for a day hike. Unfortunately, she never made it out alive.

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TGL011 Barry Kerch - Part I

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Barry Kerch may have made a living as the drummer for the band Shinedown, but outside of the world of rock and roll, Barry is a dedicated conservationist and hunter. Growing up in the south he developed a deep love of the outdoors. When Barry isn't smashing beats on a drum kit, you'll deep in the woods exchanging the drumsticks for bow and arrow.

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053 Carlos Gomez - Oklahoma Department of Wildlife - Part II

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 17:30:00 -0000

Carlos Gomez, a retired Game Warden for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, sits down with Wayne in the continuation of his interview. Though now retired after a 41 year career, Carlos is still an active outdoorsman and a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. In this episode, they discuss cases Carlos has been involved with and his interactions with other wardens.

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052 Carlos Gomez - Oklahoma Department of Wildlife - Part I

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Carlos Gomez spent 41 years as a game warden in the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation - 34 years serving Tulsa County and 7 years serving in Oklahoma County. He is the only game warden in Oklahoma's history to spend his entire career in urban areas. Despite this, his time was filled with hunting and fishing interactions, as well as education of the public. In his retirement, he actively enjoys the outdoors and regularly attends meetings with conservation clubs.

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TGL010 Christina Bobb

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Christina Bobb is a news reporter for One America News focused on news from Washington DC and the current Administration. Christina was the Executive Secretary for Homeland Security, served as a Judge Advocate in the United States Marine Corps, and was a civil litigation attorney in the San Diego area. In addition, Ms Bobb holds a B.A. from Arizona State University, an M.B.A. from San Diego State University, a J.D. from California Western School of Law, and an L.L.M. in National Security Law from Georgetown University Law Center. Christina reported from Washington as the riots unfolded in recent weeks at the nation's Capitol.

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051 Brian Albert - Maryland DNR

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 17:30:00 -0000

After 28 years, Capt. Brian Albert has retired, but that doesn’t mean he’s done working. Brian spent time in the Air Force and then became a Ranger with Maryland's Eastern Shore. He also worked as a Public Information Officer and was in charge of a criminal investigations division during his career. Despite retirement, Brian is heavily involved with Maryland's International Wildlife Crimestoppers and other conservation organizations.

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050 Sean Cronsberry - Ontario Warden

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 17:30:00 -0000

Wayne and John discuss a warden life across the border in Canada with special guest Sean Cronsberry. Sean is a dog handler and warden with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. He's handled several interesting cases with his K-9 companions Timber and Blaze. Sean covers a large area and has a unique area that involves the commercial fishing industry out of the great lakes.

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049 John Anderson - Nevada Department of Wildlife

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 17:30:00 -0000

John Anderson is a Game Warden with the Nevada Department of Wildlife. John patrols hundreds of acres in some of Nevada's best elk habitat and has seen his fair share of incredible cases over the years. John shares with us 3 of his best poacher cases along with some stories about how he became a game warden under what might be considered an unusual turn of events.

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TGL009 Bill Bodner

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 17:00:00 -0000

William “Bill” Bodner, a 28 year veteran of the Drug Enforcement Administration, assumed the role of Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division in June, 2019. As the Special Agent in Charge, Mr. Bodner is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of 14 offices located in Nevada, Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, and the seven Southern California counties which make up the greater Los Angeles area.

Mr. Bodner previously served as an Associate Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division from June, 2017 to May, 2019 and an Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division from April, 2009 to May, 2017.

From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Bodner served as a Staff Coordinator at the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Operations Division, in Chantilly, Virginia. While assigned to the Special Operations Division, Mr. Bodner coordinated several high-level, multi-jurisdiction investigative operations and worked on high value target capture operations and classified projects. Between 1992 and 2006, Mr. Bodner worked the streets of Los Angeles as a Special Agent and Group Supervisor.

Mr. Bodner has leveraged his extensive career in Los Angeles to develop and improve upon partnerships with state, local and other federal agencies. Mr. Bodner’ s vision is to conduct very impactful investigations on the most significant Drug Trafficking Organizations posing a threat to our region, keeping in mind the goal of improving the quality of life for those in our communities.

Mr. Bodner reminds all, drug trafficking is not a victimless crime. The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to find something in life you are passionate about, don’t let drugs distract you from that passion and don’t ever let drugs become the passion.

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048 Scott Fischer - Arizona Game and Fish

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 17:00:00 -0000

Scott Fischer is an Officer with Arizona Game and Fish and also the director of the department's Operation Game Thief program. Scott and Wayne discuss the qualification for becoming an Arizona warden, Arizona's outdoor opportunities for big game outdoors men and women, and a few operations that Scott has been on trying to stop illegal drug trafficking. They also discuss how important the community is to assisting with illegal poaching through Operation Game Thief.

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047 Chris Wright - Idaho Fish and Game

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 17:30:00 -0000

Chris Wright is the Assistant Chief with Idaho Fish and Game. Chris began his career in Montana and has had a colorful career involving many cases in Idaho. Chris, Wayne, and John discuss many of the details of Chris's biggest investigations including a case that involved 86 poached deer and a prosecution attempt that ended in political influences. We also discuss CWD, Operation Game Thief, citizen involvement to catch poachers, and creating gene diversity in wildlife populations when necessary.

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TGL008 Lt. Col. Oliver North

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Oliver North is a combat decorated U.S. Marine, #1 best-selling author, founder of a small business and holder of three U.S. patents. For seventeen years he was a syndicated columnist and host of “War Stories” on FOX News Channel. In May 2018, he retired from FOX News to serve as the 66th president of the National Rifle Association of America. North was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1943, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968 and served twenty-two years as a U.S. Marine. His awards for service in combat include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for valor, and two Purple Hearts for wounds in action. From 1983-86 he served as Counter-Terrorism Coordinator on the National Security Council staff. He helped plan the rescue of U.S. students on Grenada, the liberation of American hostages, the capture of the Achille Lauro hijackers and the raids on Muammar Gadhafi’s terror bases; after which he was targeted for assassination by Abu Nidal’s Islamic Jihad. President Ronald Reagan described him as “an American hero.” North has authored seventeen best-selling books and is co-founder of Freedom Alliance, an organization serving wounded U.S. military personnel and their families. He is widely acclaimed for award-winning FOX News coverage of more than sixty U.S. units in combat and his Freedom Alliance “Hero College Scholarships” for children of service members killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. Yet, he says his greatest achievement is being, “the God-fearing husband of one, father of four, and grandfather of eighteen.” LtCol North and his wife Betsy live in Virginia. In November 2018, they celebrated their 50th anniversary.

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046 Matt Holmes Part II - The OHRV Crash

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 16:30:00 -0000

Matt Holmes, a NH Fish and Game Conservation Officer and regular on North Woods Law, jumps in the pick up truck with Wayne to talk more about Matt's career as a Game Warden. They discuss in detail Matt's OHRV crash that occurred in June 2020 while on radar patrol. Special narration and commentary from Bob Mancini.

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045 Matt Holmes - Part I

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:50:14 -0000

Matt Holmes, a NH Fish and Game Conservation Officer and regular on North Woods Law, jumps in the pick up truck with Wayne this week to talk about Matt's career as a Game Warden. Wayne and Matt go way back and have lots of stories to tell on this episode.

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TGL007 Jana Waller

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Along with being an ardent conservationist, Jana Waller is dedicated to supporting veteran organizations. She is committed to getting veterans back into the woods and the mountains, featuring many veteranʼs stories of courage and strength on her shows Skull Bound TV and Skull Bound Chronicles. To date, she has personally raised over $71,000 for conservation and veteran causes. Wayne and John discuss the details of her efforts in this episode.

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044 John Nores and the California Bear Poaching Case

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 16:00:00 -0000

From the Nancy Foley podcast stemmed a conversation with John about a bear poaching case that needed exploration. John and Wayne discuss a case in California that started as a small time investigation of bear poaching that lead to convictions on numerous game and firearm violations. The case expanded into a large scale illegal guiding service and John went undercover to crack the case wide open.

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043 Dennis Amsden - Vermont Fish and Wildlife Game Warden

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 17:14:20 -0000

Dennis Amsden was a Lieutenant and Game Warden with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Service. Dennis served with the Vermont F and G for 20 years and was involved in many cases over the years, from the high profile media cases to the everyday poaching incident. He shares with us his journey over his career, shares details about several memorable investigations, and hints on where he'd like to go in retirement.

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TGL006 Dr Jason Piccolo

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Jason Piccolo is a former special agent and supervisor with the Department of Homeland Security. Jason patrolled trafficking corridors as a U.S. Border Patrol agent near the San Diego and Mexico Border and went on the disrupt major narco-smuggling organizations and landing an assignment to the prestigious White House Security Council's Human Smuggling Cell.

Jason also served in the United States Army, including a tour in Iraq in 2006 to support the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian Peninsula as their Anti-Terrorism Officer. Piccolo left military service in 2006 as an Infantry Captain after serving in the active and reserve components since 1993. Piccolo remains active as a mentor to veterans and spouses.

Jason hosts the popular podcast, The Protectors w/Jason Piccolo. The Protectors brings true life stories from Law Enforcement, Military and First Responders; our Nation's "Protectors" AND those that support them. Protectors are those that run toward danger, the ones that put their lives on the line to keep us safe; here and abroad.

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042 Nancy Foley - Former Division Chief California Department of Fish and Game

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 16:06:54 -0000

Chief Nancy Foley spent 25 years in various capacities within the Law Enforcement Division. She was instrumental in raising the profile of California game wardens by securing better and more clearly marked patrol vehicles, developing the K-9 program and helping get National Geographic Channel’s Wild Justice, a show featuring California game wardens, to the airwaves. Foley was selected as the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ (WAFWA) Professional of the Year in 2011.

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041 Senator Jack Bailey - Striped Bass Regulation Starts in Maryland

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 16:30:00 -0000

Jack Bailey joined the Maryland DNR in 1987, assumed responsibilities on a state wide level later in his career, and proposed changes to laws and regulations to protect Maryland’s natural resources. Jack worked closely with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Justice on several cases to prosecute violators. In retirement, Jack serves as the President of the Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers, Inc., and is a State Senator for the State of Maryland.

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TGL005 Gabriella Hoffman

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Gabriella Hoffman is a media strategist, consultant, and award-winning outdoor writer based in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. Gabriella specializes in social media management, strategic communications, branding, public relations, marketing, digital strategies, speaking/training, basic photography and videography. Gabriella hosts the weekly “District of Conservation” podcast and has been published in Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Sporting Classics Daily, Sporting Classics Magazine.

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040 Greg Bartles - Maryland DNR - Historian

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 16:30:00 -0000

Today’s Maryland Department of Natural Resources has its roots in the Maryland Oyster Police, which began in 1868 to regulate oyster harvesting on the Chesapeake Bay. Greg Bartles spent most of his career protecting Maryland’s parks and open lands as a natural resources police officer. Now retired, he’s using part of his land to share the story of the state’s conservation efforts.

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039 Fish and Game K-9 Units Part II

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Conservation Canines or "K-9s" are a unique tool to assist Fish and Game Law Enforcement in their investigations. This is Part 2 of a 2-part Series. We share stories in this episode with Eric Fluette K-9 Moxie, Ken St. Pierre as a future handler, Bob Mancini and K-9 Ruger, and Col Kevin Jordan about the origins of the program in New Hampshire.

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TGL004 Ed Calderon

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 16:00:00 -0000

For over a decade Ed Calderon worked in the fields of counter narcotics, organized crime investigation, and public safety in the northern-border region of Mexico. During this period he also coordinated and worked executive protection details for high-level government officials and visiting dignitaries — often in some of the most dangerous parts of the country.

Ed Calderon's study in to the indigenous Méxican criminal culture, from occult practices to endemic modus operandi have lead him to be recognized as one of the worlds preeminent researchers and trainers in the field of personal security that have come out of Mexico. Ed has had the privilege of sharing his expertise with members of federal law enforcement agencies including the FBI and BORTAC, Navy SEALS, Indonesian Kopaska , Mexican and United States intelligence service agents, and members of special forces groups from all over the world.

Currently, Ed travels North America doing security consulting and conducting seminars and private training courses in anti-abduction, escapology, unarmed combat, region specific executive protection work and unconventional edged weapons work.

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038 Fish and Game K-9 Units - Part One - Dedicated to Ruby

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Conservation Canines or "K-9s" are a unique tool to assist Fish and Game Law Enforcement in their investigations, apprehension of violators, and conducting search and rescue missions. Conservation Officers work with their canine partners conducting tracks, area searches, evidence detection, fish and wildlife detection, and search and rescue activities. We discuss K-9 training and work in this episode including training with 4-H. This is Part 1 of a 2 part series and is dedicated to K-9 Ruby.

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037 Tyler Turnipseed - Nevada Dept of Wildlife

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Tyler Turnipseed, former Chief Game Warden, served the Nevada Division of Wildlife for more than 20 years. We take a look back at his career with NDOW, the legacy he's leaving behind, and what's in store for his future. He also gives some great advice to those looking to become a game warden.

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TGL003 Jack Carr - The Terminal List

Wed, 27 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Jack Carr is a New York Times bestselling author, former Navy SEAL sniper, and avid outdoorsman. He is the author of The Terminal List, True Believer, and Savage Son. Jack led special operations teams and sniper teams in Iraq and Afghanistan and was a platoon commander practicing counterinsurgency in the southern Philippines. He also commanded Special Operations Task Unit in the most Iranian influenced section of southern Iraq.

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036 Dedicated to the Fallen - Badge 36 Retired

Thu, 21 May 2020 16:30:00 -0000

In a memorial podcast dedicated to the fallen, and in honor of police week, we explore some cases where Wardens were lost in the line of duty. We dedicate this show to our brothers and sisters of special outdoor law enforcement that have been lost unexpectedly. This is an episode is dedicated to Retired Badge #36 and the Wardens who sacrificed it all. End of Watch.

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035 Rick Wilcox - Mountain Rescue Service

Thu, 07 May 2020 16:30:00 -0000

Rick Wilcox, has served as the president of the North Conway-based volunteer Mountain Rescue Service for over 40 years. The organization provides manpower and expertise in environments and terrain beyond the scope of most rescue agencies — from the cliffs of Cathedral, Whitehorse and Cannon ledge to the summits of the Presidential Range in wintertime. MRS has been involved in over 500 rescues, bolstering state Fish and Game and U.S. Forest Service personnel in the most extreme of circumstances.

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TGL002 Paul Rella - Prepper

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Paul Rella joins us to talk about his prepper systems and survival in a world where normal functions don't function.

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034 Rick Estes - Warden New Hampshire Fish and Game

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:43:00 -0000

Rick Estes spent 28 years with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department as a game warden, a career that took him to every nook and cranny of the Lakes Region and the White Mountains. He fine-tuned his wilderness skill in wilderness navigation and survival during his tenure. Rick was named N.H. Fish and Game team leader for the state’s specialized search and rescue team and he was instrumental in implementing GPS technology into search and rescue operations.

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033 Presby Steel - Bear Safe

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 17:07:00 -0000

In a world with wandering bears that love to feed on garbage, some all year round, bear calls for Game Warden's can be problematic. Presby Steel has come up with a solution for those that live in high risk nuisance bear areas to reduce calls to your local Game Warden.

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032 Eric Blanchard - Maine Warden Service

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 16:30:00 -0000

You might recognize Eric Blanchard from North Woods Law. Eric recently took top honors as Maine's Warden of the Year, and it comes at no shock. Eric is smart and well educated and holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Wayne talks with Eric about his career, North Woods Law, and various intriguing and unforgettable cases on this episode of Warden's Watch.

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TGL001 The Pandemic Virus Protocol

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Welcome to Episode 001 of the Thin Green Line Podcast! This Episode discusses the global virus pandemic and what you can do to get through it. This podcast is hosted by John Nores and Wayne Saunders. They take you on a journey that focuses on discussions with experts on current worldwide public safety trends related to wildlife, waterway and wild land conservation threats around the globe.

Featuring dynamic and relevant guests from traditional and wildlife law enforcement, survival, military, outdoor adventurer, environmental science, political, and civilian backgrounds, the Thin Green Line podcast brings you unfiltered and honest assessments of hot button Thin Green Line issues.

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