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Warden's Watch

Wayne Saunders / John Nores

This podcast brings you stories from Game Wardens across the world. Listen to their favorite cases, worst cases, what led them to their career, and what makes their job unique. Hosted by retired game wardens Wayne Saunders and John Nores.

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October 30 · 1 hr 3 min
181 Lt. Jason McHenry - Alabama
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
October 16 · 44 min
180 Will Seegers - Vermont
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
October 8 · 1 hr 18 min
TGL046 CORY GAUTEREAUX
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 Initiative https://thegoatinitiative.org Follow Cory and TGI: X and Instagram: @thecorygoat X 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
September 28 · 58 min
179 Saving Oka – With NH Turtle Rescue
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
September 14 · 50 min
178 The Turtle Trap – With Zach Abrahamsson
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
August 28 · 1 hr 18 min
W10 Lisa Feener & Kelly Irwin – Pack Life
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
August 20 · 1 hr 44 min
177 The Creek Kings Case – With Mark Williams
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
July 26 · 48 min
176 Open Fields Doctrine - With Chief Travis McLain
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
July 14 · 35 min
175 Jessica Avery – Manitoba, Canada
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
June 25 · 48 min
174 Chris Egan - With Tayton Keezer
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
June 12 · 1 hr
173 Etienne Daigle – Quebec, Canada
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
May 28 · 1 hr 1 min
W09 New England Naturals - With Jake DeBow
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
May 13 · 43 min
172 For the Fallen: First Sgt. Karl Kelley - Indiana DNR
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
May 7 · 31 min
171 Kevin & Kathy Behr - Survivors With Purpose
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
April 23 · 41 min
Field to Fork - Wild Game Cooking with Iron Skillet
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
April 17 · 1 hr 4 min
170 The Ray Anderson Case – Washington State
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
April 3 · 39 min
169 – PAGC Tracking Team
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
March 20 · 39 min
168 Talking Turkey - With Patrick Gibbs & Ben Martin
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
March 6 · 40 min
167 Amanda McKune – Illinois
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
February 26 · 51 min
166 Badges on the Bayou
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

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