Explore every episode of the podcast Warden's Watch

181 Lt. Jason McHenry - Alabama Lt. Jason McHenry joins Wayne from Alabama for the first-ever Warden's Watch interview from the Yellowhammer State. Jason looks back on a career path that took him from Alabama State Trooper to youth minister and back into law enforcement as a Conservation Enforcement Officer. The conversation covers Alabama's unique hunting opportunities, year-round wildlife enforcement challenges, innovative hunter education programs, and one of the most distinctive conservation K-9 programs in North America. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here’s what we discuss:  Alabama becomes the latest state added to the Warden's Watch map  Jason's recent promotion to Lieutenant  Balancing administration with field work and mentoring officers  Alabama's law enforcement structure and conservation districts  Hunter education returning under law enforcement oversight  Public shooting ranges and firearms education programs  Archery in Schools programs and state tournaments  Mentor hunts for new deer and turkey hunters  Fishing outreach and recruitment of new outdoorsmen  The importance of teaching firearm safety to youth  "I'd much rather them be familiar with a firearm so that they can be safe with it."  Jason's family connection to law enforcement  Six years as an Alabama State Trooper  Leaving law enforcement for youth and urban ministry  Returning to public service and joining Conservation Enforcement  Similarities between highway patrol and game warden work  The investigative nature of conservation law enforcement  Long-term wildlife investigations that can take years to develop  Alabama's lengthy hunting seasons  Three-buck annual limit for hunters  A doe-a-day harvest opportunity throughout much of the season  Alabama's successful whitetail deer restoration history  Year-round enforcement responsibilities  Feral hog and coyote hunting permits  Turkey, dove, waterfowl, fishing, and alligator seasons  "We stay busy year round."  Search and rescue support operations  Assisting with tornado recovery and disaster response  Rural operations and trauma medicine training  Cottonmouths, alligators, and other southern wildlife challenges  Alabama's record-setting alligator harvest  Alligator tag lotteries and hunting opportunities  Resident-only alligator permits  The challenge of constantly changing wildlife regulations  Trail camera restrictions and fair chase discussions  Modern hunting technology and hunter "hit lists"  Growing use of thermal optics and night vision devices  Investigating illegal thermal hunting cases  The impact of technology on wildlife law enforcement  Drones and the future of wildlife enforcement challenges  The importance of public tips and cooperation  Alabama's unique conservation K-9 program  Beagles used to track wildlife violators  Partnership with the Alabama Department of Corrections  Finding non-barking beagles ideal for conservation work  Meet Jason's tracking dog, Poundcake  A turkey poaching case solved with K-9 tracking  Tracking a suspect from the scene back to his hunting camp  A turkey hunter accidentally shot while using a decoy  Another successful beagle-assisted investigation  Tracking and apprehending night hunters  Recovering firearms and locating fleeing suspects  The public relations benefits of using beagles  "It's hard to have a bad day."  The rewards of a career as a game warden  The bond shared between conservation officers across North America Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

180 Will Seegers - Vermont Vermont Game Warden Will Seegers joins Wayne to discuss life as a conservation officer in the Green Mountain State. From water survival training and cold-water emergencies to boating safety, ice rescue, and working Vermont's lakes and waterways, Will shares stories from the field and lessons learned throughout his career. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here’s what we discuss:  Will's path to becoming a Vermont Game Warden  Seven years on the job and finding his stride  Training and mentoring the next generation of wardens  Becoming involved in instructor and field training roles  NASBLA officer water survival training  Why game wardens work in high-risk water environments  How duty gear affects swimming and survival  Experiencing full-uniform water immersion training  Learning to function in realistic emergency scenarios  Creating flotation devices from duty pants  Surprising lessons about ballistic vests in the water  "The biggest surprise for me was just how quickly you fatigue wearing duty gear in the water."  Which pieces of equipment become the biggest burden  Firearm retention and survival considerations  When equipment can be replaced and when it can't  Psychological challenges of abandoning gear  Cold water immersion and ice rescue realities  Why panic is often the greatest danger after falling through the ice  The importance of spreading body weight and self-rescue techniques  The story behind a game warden earning the nickname "Otter"  Life jackets and why experienced wardens wear them more often as their careers progress  Inflatable PFDs versus inherently buoyant life jackets  Potential failure points with inflatable life jackets  Why checking CO₂ cartridges matters  Officer safety considerations around waterways  Real-world case studies involving law enforcement encounters in the water  How quickly a routine contact can become a life-threatening situation  "All you need is to be near water and it could become a relevant variable in what unfolds."  Running Vermont's first officer water survival courses  Teaching wardens how to protect themselves during falls from boats and docks  Extrication techniques and getting back aboard safely  Why the training is practical rather than "high-speed" tactical instruction  The value of experiencing problems before they happen for real  Lake Champlain and the challenges of large-water operations  Open-water survival techniques  Conserving energy and body heat while awaiting rescue  Vermont's world-class fishing opportunities  State-record fish from Lake Champlain  The legend of Champ, Lake Champlain's famous lake monster  Expanding water survival training throughout Vermont and neighboring agencies Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a national-security crisis reaches your own backyard—and you refuse to look away? In this Thin Green Line episode of Warden’s Watch, John Nores and Wayne Saunders welcome Cory Gautereaux, founder of The GOAT Initiative, for a firsthand look at border security, intelligence gathering, human trafficking and environmental crime along the California–Mexico border. Cory is a San Diego County native, U.S. Army veteran, Christian, husband, father of two daughters and small-business owner. He grew up exploring the same East County trails where he now conducts field operations. Before founding The GOAT Initiative, Cory served as a UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief and door gunner. He later worked as a respiratory therapist on rapid-response and trauma teams. When the border surge reached his rural community, Cory began finding discarded passports, children’s identification documents, abandoned cellphones and evidence of cartel activity. He also encountered individuals identified as Special Interest Aliens. Recognizing that valuable intelligence was being left behind, Cory created The GOAT Initiative to document it and deliver actionable information to local, state and federal law-enforcement agencies. The GOAT Initiative now operates a 24/7 intelligence effort focused on trafficking networks, smuggling routes and potential homeland-security threats. Cory has testified before Congress and briefed senior officials in Washington on border security, human trafficking and related national-security concerns. The conversation also examines illegal cannabis operations and their effects on California’s water, wildlife and wildlands. Cory describes suspected water theft, destroyed vegetation, hazardous chemicals and troubling conditions reportedly found where workers were living. John draws upon his decades investigating cartel-operated grow sites to explain how these crimes affect ecosystems, rural communities and already-limited enforcement resources. In this episode: • How The GOAT Initiative began• Cory’s work along the California–Mexico border• Discarded passports, children’s IDs and recovered cellphones• Special Interest Aliens and potential homeland-security threats• Using trail cameras and community knowledge to gather intelligence• Human trafficking and organized smuggling networks• Communication gaps among local, state and federal agencies• Illegal cannabis operations and suspected water theft• Damage to wildlife, waterways and wildlands• Labor-exploitation concerns at illegal grow sites• Challenges facing Border Patrol agents and military personnel• How veterans, ranchers and rural residents could become force multipliers• Getting actionable intelligence into the hands of people who can act Learn more or support the mission: The GOAT Initiativehttps://thegoatinitiative.org Follow Cory and TGI: X and Instagram: @thecorygoatX and Instagram: @thegoatinitiative This episode contains firsthand accounts, personal opinions and discussion of suspected or ongoing criminal activity. Some allegations and circumstances discussed have not been independently adjudicated. Listen, share and help bring attention to the connection between border security, human trafficking, environmental crime, wildlife protection and public safety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

179 Saving Oka – With NH Turtle Rescue In this episode of Warden’s Watch, Wayne follows up on the disturbing New Hampshire turtle cruelty case by sitting down with Dallas Huggins and Drew Stevens of the New Hampshire Turtle Rescue. They share Oka the turtle’s recovery story, explain the challenges facing native turtle populations, and highlight the conservation work needed to protect these remarkable animals for generations to come. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here’s what we discuss:  Why Wayne wanted to learn more about turtle rescue after covering the turtle cruelty case  Wayne’s story about rescuing an injured crow nicknamed “Survivor”  Meeting Dallas Huggins and Drew Stevens from New Hampshire Turtle Rescue  How Oka the turtle got her name  The rescue’s annual naming themes for turtles  Reports of turtle crossing signs being vandalized in Hillsboro  Growing concerns about an unusually high number of dead turtles on one road  Neighbors documenting suspicious activity around turtle crossing areas  The night Oka was discovered  Volunteer transporters helped get Oka to the rescue  The extent of Oka’s shell injuries  Emergency treatment, pain management, and stabilization efforts  “What pain has a turtle ever done to anybody?”  Conservation Officer Zach Abrahamson’s investigation  The use of a turtle decoy during the investigation  Charges laid against the offender  Discussion about penalties and wildlife cruelty laws  Public reaction to the case  Gaps in legal protections for some turtle species  Efforts to strengthen New Hampshire’s turtle protection regulations  The dangers of people taking wild turtles home as pets  Challenges caused by improper care and disease transmission  The impact of illegal turtle collection and the pet trade  How Oka’s shell repair differed from typical vehicle-strike injuries  Concerns about possible spinal damage and paralysis  The painstaking process of cleaning and rebuilding a damaged shell  Discovering that Oka was still carrying an egg after the attack  Recovery updates and Oka’s progress  “She’s acting like a normal turtle.”  Why the rescue believes the case should serve as a catalyst for change  The origins of New Hampshire Turtle Rescue  Learning wildlife rehabilitation through raptor and general wildlife care  Taking over turtle rehabilitation work from a retiring mentor  Expectations of a few turtle cases turning into hundreds  Growing demand for turtle-specific wildlife rehabilitation  Why roads are the biggest threat facing many turtle populations  The importance of habitat conservation  How long-lived turtle species struggle to recover from population losses  The role of wetlands, vernal pools, and connected habitats  Wildlife-friendly culverts and safe road crossings  Efforts to improve crossings for Blanding’s turtles and other species  Why rehabilitation is only a temporary solution without habitat protection  Moving turtles safely across roads  Seasonal turtle movements beyond nesting season  Fall migrations to overwintering sites  The remarkable site fidelity of native turtles  “The best way to help turtles is land conservation.”  How listeners can support New Hampshire Turtle Rescue  Resources available for people who find injured turtles  The rescue’s mission to help an ever-growing number of turtles Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

178 The Turtle Trap – With Zach Abrahamsson A quiet back road, a string of dead turtles, and a community determined to protect local wildlife. Conservation Officer Zach Abrahamsson joins Warden's Watch to tell the incredible story behind "The Turtle Trap," an investigation that used a toy turtle decoy to catch a suspect responsible for a shocking act of wildlife cruelty. From citizen observations to undercover surveillance, this episode highlights the challenges of proving wildlife crimes and the importance of protecting vulnerable species. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here’s what we discuss:  Wayne welcomes Zach Abrahamsson from New Hampshire Fish and Game.  The case begins on Bog Road in Hillsboro, New Hampshire.  Residents install turtle crossing signs to protect nesting turtles.  The signs begin disappearing.  Someone leaves a handwritten message demanding the signs be removed.  Witnesses notice a local resident repeatedly driving a side-by-side up and down the road.  Dead turtles begin appearing along a short stretch of roadway.  Concerned citizens carefully track the number of turtles being found.  Fifteen turtles are found dead over a short period.  A nesting turtle catches the attention of nearby residents.  Witnesses watch as a man picks up the turtle, places it in the road, and stomps on it.  The injured turtle survives and is rushed to a licensed rehabilitator.  The turtle is expected to make a full recovery.  Hillsboro Police contact Fish and Game to investigate.  Zach discusses New Hampshire's wildlife cruelty law.  Officers begin planning a proactive operation.  Fellow officer James Benvenuti suggests using a toy turtle as a decoy.  "My son has this toy turtle."  The realistic decoy is placed along the road.  Officers hide nearby and wait.  A passing vehicle unintentionally disrupts part of the operation.  Zach spends several tense moments hiding behind a large boulder.  "My heart was pounding."  The suspect spots the decoy turtle.  He turns around and deliberately drives over it.  The action is captured on video.  The suspect immediately heads home afterward.  Officers explain the difference between circumstantial evidence and proof beyond a reasonable doubt.  Zach breaks down how wildlife cases are built for court.  The chargeable offense centers on the turtle that witnesses observed being stomped.  The decoy operation helps reinforce the investigative findings.  Zach explains the difference between felony and misdemeanor wildlife cruelty charges.  The discussion turns to officer discretion and appropriate punishment.  "The most important thing is getting this guy to stop doing this."  The suspect pleads guilty to the charges.  The case results in fines and a criminal record.  Public reaction to the case is intense.  Balancing accountability with changing behavior.  The importance of reporting suspicious wildlife activity.  Zach explains the conservation impact of losing multiple turtles.  Remarkably, the famous turtle decoy survives the operation with only a cracked shell.  The battle-scarred decoy earns permanent trophy status among the officers. Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

W10 Lisa Feener & Kelly Irwin – Pack Life Kelly Irwin and Lisa Feener join the podcast to share their experiences in the world of hound hunting, from raising generations of bear dogs to navigating a traditionally male-dominated sport. This conversation explores memorable hunts, dog breeding, wildlife behavior, mentorship, and the deep bond between houndsmen and their dogs. More than anything, this episode is about the dogs, the people who love them, and the traditions that keep the sport alive. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here’s what we discuss:  Meeting through New Hampshire Bear Hunters Association field trials  Why women are still relatively uncommon in hound hunting  The term houndsmen and why neither guest worries much about labels  Keeping things simple and focusing on the dogs  Kelly's introduction to hunting with hounds after meeting her husband  Falling in love with the sport almost immediately  Building a family bloodline that now stretches six generations  Lisa's first exposure to hound hunting while working on bear research  Using hounds to capture and study radio-collared bears  Discovering that hounds are more than just tools  "Of course they're dogs. They're going to want to play, they're going to want to snuggle, and they just have this really intense job."  Driving hours to learn more about dogs and hound hunting  Mentorship, friendship, and learning the craft together  "I want you to have a real bear dog."  Trial and error while building a successful pack  Learning to manage different dog personalities and abilities  The differences men and women can bring to dog training  Reading dogs through their voices, behavior, and body language  Understanding each dog's strengths and weaknesses  Memorable hunts in steep mountains and rugged terrain  Recovering dogs from cliffs and navigating difficult country  A successful bear hunt that led to an unexpected encounter with hikers  Turning curiosity into a positive educational experience  Common misconceptions about hunting with hounds  "The strongest relationship you can have with an animal is to hunt with it."  Why most houndsmen are motivated by the dogs, not the harvest  "It's not about how many bears you can kill. For most houndsmen, it's about the dogs."  Watching young dogs develop and gain confidence  The excitement of a puppy figuring things out for the first time  "Some of the most memorable hunts are when the puppies learn a thing."  Catch-and-release bear hunting during training season  Understanding bear behavior and seasonal food sources  Following clues from what bears are eating  Studying movement patterns and habitat use  Building bloodlines and preserving desirable traits  The role genetics plays in creating successful hunting dogs  "You have full ownership over the outcome of that dog."  Why local bloodlines often perform best in local conditions  Hunting differences between northern New Hampshire and northern Maine  Water crossings, cold trailing, and challenging terrain  How regional conditions shape dogs over generations  Hunting with children and introducing the next generation  The teamwork required to manage a successful hound hunt  Working together through guide camps and outdoor adventures  Processing bears in the woods rather than rushing back to camp  Slowing down and appreciating the entire experience  "Take time to smell the roses."  Why the journey matters more than the harvest  Looking ahead to another season with the dogs Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

177 The Creek Kings Case – With Mark Williams What happens when modern poaching meets social media fame? Ohio Wildlife Officer Mark Williams shares the story of the Creek Kings case, an investigation that exposed years of illegal deer hunting hidden behind a successful YouTube channel. What began with a park visitor finding hunting equipment in a metro park quickly grew into a massive digital investigation involving trail cameras, cell phone data, deleted evidence, fake hunting locations, sponsorship money, and some very ambitious trophy hunters. Mark takes us through the case from the first clue to the final sentencing and explains how technology helped both the offenders and the officers who caught them. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here’s what we discuss:  Meet Ohio Wildlife Officer Mark Williams  Why Mark calls this a "21st century poaching case"  The rise of wildlife commercialization through social media  The Creek Kings Outdoors YouTube channel  Hunting for views, sponsorships, and online fame  A park visitor discovers hunting equipment in Three Creeks Metro Park  Metro Park Ranger Stefan Brook gets involved  Building partnerships before a major case pays off  Trail cameras, tree stands, and ATV trails in the park  Investigators identify two cousins as suspects  Zach Bethel and Justin Booth become the focus  How cellular trail cameras changed the investigation  "It would have been impossible for them to do what they did without technology, and impossible for us to stop them without ours."  Rangers document repeated hunting activity  Officers begin monitoring the YouTube channel  Hunting equipment, filming gear, and surveillance cameras  The challenge of predicting suspect movements  Rangers catch the suspects entering the park  Excuses about lost dogs and accidental hunting  Contradictions begin piling up  Hidden cameras and deleted messages  Evidence tampering enters the picture  "The only lesson they learned was not to hunt it with equipment they couldn't carry out."  Search warrants for phones and digital devices  Suspects underestimate the investigation  Recovering deleted information  Discovering years of illegal activity  Investigators realize the case is much bigger than expected  Illegal deer linked to YouTube content  Prodigy, Turkeyfoot, Wide 10, and other named bucks  Hunting places they had no permission to hunt  Recovering deer across multiple properties  The fake Kentucky hunts  Deer allegedly harvested in Kentucky were actually killed in Ohio  Manipulating videos to create a false story  Property owners misled by the suspects  Sponsors unknowingly backing illegal hunting content  "These guys made tens of thousands in material and monetary wealth from illegally killing wildlife."  Investigators spend months analyzing phones, computers, drones, and photos  Five years of documented activity uncovered  The Metro Park becomes their "cheat code"  Conversations about avoiding detection  Planning future fake Kentucky hunts  Using drones to locate deer  Hunting-related drone violations  Evidence from podcasts, texts, videos, and photos  How social media became a treasure trove of evidence  The decision to focus on the strongest charges  Cooperation between wildlife officers, park rangers, prosecutors, and tech specialists  76 total charges filed  Plea agreements and guilty pleas  Over $29,000 in wildlife restitution  More than $37,000 in total financial penalties  Nine days of jail time  Five-year revocation of hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges  Wildlife Violator Compact consequences across North America  Ban from Metro Parks and Alum Creek State Park  Restrictions on possessing hunting equipment  "They treated it like their own private preserve."  The damage done to sponsors and supporters  Hunters who felt betrayed by the channel  The dangers of chasing fame and online success  Lessons for conservation officers facing digital-era wildlife crimes  Why Mark believes more cases like this are coming  The importance of protecting public resources  Final thoughts on greed, accountability, and conservation Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

176 Open Fields Doctrine - With Chief Travis McLain This week on Warden's Watch, Wayne sits down with Missouri Department of Conservation Chief of Protection Travis McLain to tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in conservation law: the Open Fields Doctrine. As both a conservation officer and attorney, Travis breaks down where the doctrine came from, what it actually means, and why protecting wildlife resources requires a balance between private property rights and public trust responsibilities. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here’s what we discuss:  Why the Open Fields Doctrine continues to generate confusion  Common myths about game warden authority  How conservation officers operate under the same constitutional protections and limitations as other law enforcement officers  The origins of the Open Fields Doctrine and Hester v. United States  What the Fourth Amendment protects and what it doesn't  Why open fields are different from homes, curtilage, papers, and personal effects  "The Constitution really does apply to conservation officers, just like other police officers."  Why there isn't a game warden behind every tree  How conservation officers prioritize calls, complaints, and active hunting and fishing activity  Respecting private landowners while protecting public wildlife resources  The connection between the Open Fields Doctrine and the Public Trust Doctrine  How wildlife belongs to all citizens, not individual landowners  The history of wildlife management in North America  Robin Hood, the King's deer, and the roots of wildlife law  Why the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is unique  The role of science and public input in setting regulations  Wildlife management as a balance of biological and social factors  Missouri's recovery from just 2,000 deer to around a million!  "What got us there when they start thinking about totally upsetting the apple cart or changing the system."  How conservation law enforcement supports long-term wildlife sustainability  The importance of relationships between agencies, landowners, and sportsmen  Why 93% of Missouri being privately owned creates unique challenges  What could happen if conservation officers couldn't investigate wildlife violations on private land  The role regulations play in protecting future generations of wildlife  Why enforcement is about protecting resources, not writing tickets  Conservation officers as educators and community partners  How officers are trained to respect private property rights  Social media misconceptions about conservation law enforcement  Why many large landowners welcome conservation officers onto their properties  Protecting hunting opportunities for everyone  How officers provide valuable field information back to wildlife biologists  Baiting, disease transmission, and fair chase concerns  "Rules without enforcement are just suggestions."  The Boone and Crockett Club's Poach and Pay study  Why the biggest deterrent to poaching is the presence of a capable guardian  How major wildlife cases often begin with small observations in the field  The difference between making cases and protecting resources  "It's not about the case. It's about stopping the damage that's being done to the public trust resource."  Why successful conservation means more compliant hunters and anglers, not more citations  Protecting wildlife regardless of land ownership, wealth, or status  Challenges faced by public land hunters  Why wildlife moves freely across property boundaries  The importance of fair and consistent enforcement  Looking beyond today and managing resources for future generations  "If we all work together and respect each other, we can continue to keep going into the future for everybody."  Final thoughts on balancing private property rights and public wildlife resources  Debunking the myth of "special powers" held by game wardens Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

175 Jessica Avery – Manitoba, Canada Jessica Avery from Manitoba Conservation Officer Service joins Wayne at the North American Game Warden Museum to talk about her career, life as a conservation officer in Manitoba, serving on the museum’s board of directors, and some of the incredible places game wardens patrol in northern Canada. From winter road caribou patrols and -60C mornings to fish poaching stakeouts and wildfire deployments, Jessica shares what makes conservation work in Manitoba both challenging and rewarding. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here’s what we discuss:  Jessica explains the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service and how the agency has evolved over the years  Her role as Canadian Treasurer for the North American Game Warden Museum  The unique international location of the museum  Why the museum is a "pilgrimage" destination for game wardens  Starting as a seasonal conservation officer in Manitoba  How Manitoba still offers one of the few seasonal conservation officer programs in Canada  Growing up in Saskatchewan, calling Alberta home, and building a career in Manitoba  “I’m really lucky to get to go all those places and do that kind of stuff.”  Patrolling Manitoba’s remote northern wilderness  Fly-in caribou patrols and winter road enforcement  Common caribou hunting violations officers encounter  Working alongside northern Indigenous communities  Staying in remote bush camps and nurse barracks  Northern lights and untouched wilderness in Manitoba’s far north  Waking up to temperatures around -60C (-76F)  Trucks refusing to start in extreme cold  “We were just not as prepared as we probably should have been for those temperatures.”  Using helicopters and float planes to reach remote areas  Conservation officers' role in wildfire operations  Long fire assignments and burnout challenges  Supporting firefighters with logistics and supplies  Why Manitoba has experienced severe wildfire conditions  Human-caused fires versus lightning-caused fires  Deep-burning peat and bog fires that can survive winter  Being part of a game warden family  Why so many Manitoba conservation officers meet their spouses through the job  Managing a long-distance conservation officer relationship  Building a family while advancing both careers  Moving from field work into headquarters leadership roles  Life on Manitoba’s endless prairie road system  Jessica’s favorite game warden story: a winter walleye-poaching stakeout  Surveillance in -45° temperatures  Trying not to sound like a “bull in a china shop” while sneaking into position  Catching poachers who had been using the same spot for years  “They were shocked.”  How consistent enforcement led to voluntary compliance  The value of the North American Game Warden Museum  Learning from other law enforcement museums across North America  The surprising success and size of the Game Warden Museum  “It’s just such a great career, great lifestyle.”  “I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life other than being a game warden.” Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

174 Chris Egan - With Tayton Keezer This episode brings us a fresh perspective as Conservation Law student Tayton Keezer steps behind the mic to interview retired New Hampshire CO Chris Egan. What starts as a simple student-to-officer conversation turns into a mix of mentorship, hard truths, and wild field stories, as Tayton connects what he’s learning in school to what the job really looks like in the field. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here’s what we discuss:  Tayton stepping in as guest host and kicking things off with Chris  Chris’ early love for the outdoors and where it came from  Growing up around hunting, fishing, and camp culture with family  “I think it’s innate in every kid… it just needs to be fostered.”  Early influences from his dad and grandfather  Developing people skills at a young age by learning from others in the field  The importance of curiosity and asking questions  The best parts of the job, independence and building your own patrol days  “Patrolling woods and waters in an area that I love to be in”  Flexibility in choosing how to work, from boats to ATVs to foot patrol  Balancing independence with the structured nature of the role  Least favorite parts - including paperwork and detailed reporting  The reality that reports can become court evidence  The harder side of the job: fatalities, searches, and recoveries  “Those things don’t go away… they’re like a scar in your mind.”  How difficult calls can stay with you over time  Advice for young hunters and anglers entering the outdoors  Concerns about fewer kids spending time outside  “I just don’t understand how you could be bored outside.”  The mental health benefits of being outdoors  The joy and meaning the outdoors brought to Chris’ life  The balance of the job, rewarding one day and demanding the next  “Some days you shouldn’t be getting paid… other days you should be getting paid 10 times.”  Early interactions with wardens and how they shape perception of the role  Field techniques and tricks learned from other officers  A case involving illegal exotic animals inside a residence  Walking into what felt like a zoo inside someone’s home  A late-night Sasquatch call  “I had to respond to it without laughing.”  The risks of working in remote areas at night  A major poaching case involving a moose shot multiple times  The long investigation that went unsolved for years  A last-minute confession just before the statute of limitations expired  “I’m here to take responsibility for what I did.”  Accountability, personal change, and closure in that case  Chris’ approach to enforcement, firm but fair  The importance of maintaining relationships in small communities  How those relationships can impact safety and future cases  Conservation officers as a voice for wildlife  Encouragement for the next generation entering the field  Reflecting on a career built on passion, responsibility, and respect Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

173 Etienne Daigle – Quebec, Canada If you’ve ever wondered what game wardens deal with north of the border, this one delivers. From bear decoy busts to baby crocodiles in a bunker, “Agent de la faune” Etienne Daigle gives us a front row seat to wildlife enforcement in Quebec, Canada - and it’s anything but predictable. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here’s what we discuss:  Starting the job at just 20 years old after switching from police academy to game warden training  “It’s two totally different jobs” - policing the woods vs the streets  Quebec wardens enforce fish, game, and trapping laws, not full police powers  Arresting suspects as a citizen in uniform before turning them over to police  First posting in Lac Saint-Jean - a remote territory with massive patrol areas  “People just don’t like bears” due to concerns about moose calves  His very first case - a bear decoy operation during closed season  Lying in a ditch as a hunter returns with his family  Waiting for a second shot to confirm intent  A plane flying overhead causes the hunter to panic  Moving the decoy’s head to trigger a reaction  “Dad, the bear is moving” leads to a second shot  Officers step in after clear evidence is established  “He truly thought it was a real bear.”  Covering areas with 10,000 plus lakes and hours-long patrol drives  Fishing opportunities - walleye, pike, and lake trout everywhere  Moose hunting rules - multiple hunters and shared tags required  “About a $2,500 fine” for illegal harvest  “The most dangerous animal is a moose with a calf.”  Transfer to a mining region brings more drug-related cases  “We are there for wildlife, but we deal with human problems too.”  Case involving a drug dealer with two baby crocodiles  Illegal possession of exotic animals without proper permits  Joint operation with provincial police  Planning entry into a single-access basement  Unexpected twist - the suspect’s father answers the door  Securing the scene and removing the animals safely  “Drugs and reptiles seem to go together.”  Roughly 300 officers covering all of Quebec  Balancing wildlife enforcement with real-world danger Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

W09 New England Naturals - With Jake DeBow Jake DeBow didn’t just grow up around trapping; he grew into it, built a life around it, and somehow turned frozen beaver ponds, late nights, and a sewing machine into a thriving business. In this episode, Wayne sits down in Jake’s trapping shed to talk about New England Naturals, the art of fur, and why more people are starting to care about where their food and even their clothing comes from. Spoiler: beaver might be the best red meat you’ve never tried. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here’s what we discuss:  Kicking off the return of Warden’s Watch Wild: “I’ve got some wild stuff going on.”  Meeting Jake DeBow, three years in the making to get him on the show  Growing up with a father who was a nuisance wildlife trapper  “It was always raccoons and skunks coming home in cage traps.”  Sports first, trapping later, rediscovering it in college and grad school  Getting into beaver trapping because “beaver meat is delicious.”  Starting a trapline together as a couple, relationship goals outdoors style  “She was never squeamish… just fascinated.”  Using everything from a beaver: meat, fur, skulls, and glands  The “rabbit holes” of natural products and curiosity  The quiet, frozen beauty of winter trapping  “There’s something really special about being out there.”  Why trapping is harder to get into than hunting  Appeal for young adults after college looking for purpose and connection  Accessibility of beaver vs deer, “there’s a beaver in just about every ditch.”  Feeding 50% of their red meat intake from beaver  “I’ve never had someone try it and not love it.”  Beaver as the “beef of the river,” rich, mild, versatile  Supplying beaver for a wild game dinner, big reactions from the crowd  Getting 9 to 12 meals plus weeks of dog food from one animal  The origins of New England Naturals and frustration with low fur prices  “We got $12 a beaver… it didn’t feel right.”  Early side hustle, Etsy shop, tinctures, moose antler dog chews  Pandemic pivot and turning $2,000 and fiddleheads into a sewing machine  Teaching themselves fur sewing from scratch  Starting with beaver fur koozies and laughing about early attempts  The TikTok turning point, one video and everything sold out  “We couldn’t keep up… we were sewing until 2AM!”  Hiring their first employee and outgrowing the basement  Moving into a real workspace and rapid growth over two years  Using social media for education, not just selling  Breaking misconceptions about trapping and outdated stereotypes  “Trappers were quiet for 30 years… that time is gone.”  The importance of public understanding and support  Why people are reconnecting with their food  “There’s something special about being responsible for what’s on your plate.”  That same mindset applied to clothing and materials  Fur as durable, warm, and biodegradable  Plastic clothing “is going to be your grandkids’ problem.”  Product focus on practical, hard-use gear  Core products: muffs, mittens, bomber hats, and hand warmers  “We want fur in people’s hands that actually gets used.”  Beaver fur hand warmers - simple, reusable, effective  Cat toys made from real fur: “cats go nuts for them.”  Future ideas: blankets, vests, and more product expansion  Balancing growth, time, and staying true to their mission  Shop New England Naturals  Follow the fun on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this National Police Week memorial episode, Wayne sits down with two men who lived through an unimaginable moment when a training exercise turned into a fight for survival. Retired Indiana DNR Lieutenant Colonel Terry Hyndman and First Sgt. Tom Jahn revisit the day they lost their friend and teammate, First Sgt. Karl Kelley, in a swift water incident that still shapes them decades later. It’s a difficult listen at times - but an important one - and a reminder of what service and brotherhood truly mean. “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes; it is how they lived.” ~ National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington, DC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Warden’s Watch, we sit down again with Ohio’s Kevin Behr - this time joined by his wife, Kathy - to talk about survival, recovery, and the purpose they’ve found after Kevin was shot in the line of duty. Recorded at the International Game Warden Conference, this conversation goes beyond the incident itself and into what happens after - for officers, spouses, families, and anyone navigating a critical incident. A powerful update, an honest conversation, and a reminder that survival comes with responsibility - and that even in the worst moments, purpose can still be found. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Here’s what we discuss:  Kathy’s spouse‑focused training on critical incidents - and why she created it  “You don’t realize what you don’t have in place until it’s happening”  Navigating power of attorney, medical decisions, and legal realities mid‑crisis  Being Kevin’s voice while he was unconscious - medically and legally  Why law enforcement statements on medication can be problematic in court  The emotional toll on spouses and kids when an officer is critically injured  Kevin seeing purpose in survival: “We did - they didn’t, so we have work to do.”  Turning trauma into something meaningful, even when healing isn’t linear  Stubbornness as a survival trait (and yes, it helped)  Brain injury recovery, negativity, and recognizing the long road back  Living with permanent change and reframing it positively  “Any fool can get through this - I’m living proof.”  The power of humor in trauma recovery  Doctors who refuse to give up: “Nobody quits on my team. Not even you.”  Finding a new purpose when the old one can’t exist anymore  How Kevin’s experience now helps train officers, trauma teams, and agencies  The ripple effect of sharing hard truths so others can prepare  Sidebar conversations that matter more than the main stage  Why laughing, crying, and telling the story all matter  “Everybody’s the main character in their own story.”  Surviving isn’t the end - it’s the beginning of responsibility  Kevin and Kathy as resources for those walking similar paths  Miracles along the way - and choosing to keep them moving forward Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Warden’s Watch, we’re introducing a new sponsor to the show - Iron Skillet Seasonings - and sitting down with the people behind the product. Founder Dennis Dedek and new owner Cody Baciuska join us to talk about how Iron Skillet got its start, why their seasonings are developed specifically for wild game, and what makes them different from anything else on the shelf. From decades‑old family recipes to practical, real‑world cooking advice, this is a conversation about making wild game taste its best - without overcomplicating it.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers 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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Iron Skillet Seasonings Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers 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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum HuntRegs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.    Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.”   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!     Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief 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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!    Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Support Suicide Prevention With Conservation Officer Rob McDermott Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers 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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief 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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers 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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers 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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers 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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices