Warden's Watch

Kirk Kiefer has been a wildlife investigator with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the past 15 years. In this episode, he walks us through Operation “Root of All Evil,” a lengthy and complex investigation into the illegal ginseng trade that spanned multiple states, included unmarked vehicles, extended surveillance, buys and sales by undercover officers, and even a fake business. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: · Wild ginseng root is highly valued for its perceived medicinal properties · Grows very slowly, taking up to five years to reach maturity · One pound can be worth up to $1000 · Seeds take over a year to germinate · Information campaign helped educate stakeholders on the damage caused by poaching · Many poachers are involved in other illegal activities · Legal ginseng plants must have three leaf sets, or ‘prongs’ · Case also had multiple prongs · Prong 1: Undercover officers sold ginseng to licensed dealers · Compared the amount sold to the amount reported · Officers then sold ginseng outside the buying season to confirm illegal intent · Prong 2: Coordinated with US Fish & Wildlife Service to create a fake business · Business would receive inquiries from those looking to buy and sell illegal product · Prong 3: Obtain offenders’ assistance in exchange for a reduced penalty · Task force worked in multiple states · One offender had been featured on a popular reality show · The television show actually helped educate the public about ginseng poaching · Many countries overseas have decimated indigenous flora and fauna, creating a black market · 110 defendants received multiple charges · Nearly six years of jail time served, $77,000 in fines · Kirk’s background; jack of all trades · Trapping academy · State officers were made aware of the ginseng operation · “Giving a little bit, we received a lot.” · Not all states have Wildlife Investigators · State of Ohio has done some major operations · Ginseng awareness for stakeholders training began in 2015 · Operation takedown day finally arrived in 2022 Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), founded in 1936, stands as a prominent nonprofit conservation organization in the U.S. With a membership exceeding six million, its mission revolves around the conservation of wildlife and their habitats. The NWF actively addresses critical environmental challenges, notably climate change and sustainable wildlife management, and offers educational resources like the "National Wildlife" magazine. In this context, we're privileged to have Aaron Kindle and Bill Cooksey from the NWF join us. They co-host the "National Wildlife Federation Outdoors" podcast, a platform that bridges sportsmen and women, advocating for fish, wildlife habitat, and ensuring access to fishing and hunting in the wild expanses of public lands and waters. Aaron Kindle, the Director of Sporting Advocacy at the NWF, hails from Wyoming. His previous tenure at Trout Unlimited saw him deeply involved in public lands issues. A graduate from Gunnison, Colorado, with an M.S. from the University of Montana, Aaron, now based in Salida, CO, is an ardent outdoor lover. His role at the Federation zeroes in on hunter/angler conservation efforts, emphasizing the preservation of public lands, endorsing responsible energy practices, and fostering pro hunting and angling directives. Bill Cooksey, the Sportsmen Outreach Coordinator for the NWF, has his roots in the river bottoms of West Tennessee. His early years were marked by a fervor for hunting and fishing, having explored duck hunting across all flyways and fishing from East Tennessee to the Pacific. His hunting escapades as an adult spanned from prairie Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Chesapeake to the California Delta, with the Mississippi Flyway holding a special place in his heart. Bill's professional journey in the outdoor sector saw him evolve from selling duck calls to being the Marketing Director at Avery Outdoors, and subsequently, the Managing Editor of the Mid-South Hunting & Fishing News. His knack for communicating effectively with sportsmen has been a cornerstone of his professional trajectory. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 2009, Ian Obenshain and Brad Bailey began observing a colossal white-tailed buck feeding in an Ohio field. The friends had permission to hunt the area and immediately started documenting the huge animal’s growth, with the ultimate goal of Brad filming Ian harvesting ‘Big Boy’ during the fall archery season. Anticipation, however, soon turned to disappointment when the trophy buck suddenly disappeared – and then the story turned even stranger. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: · Origin of the name ‘Big Boy’ · Ian first spotted the buck in a soybean field near a highway · “Have you shown this to anybody?” · Big Boy was a world class buck · The pursuit and subsequent events brought the two friends closer · Brad had guiding experience · Placing trail cameras and trying to predict the animal’s behavior · Many days were spent planning and scouting · The pair planned to film the hunt · Big Boy disappeared, but the hunters hoped to see him again · “I think it’s in the booth behind you.” · A plaque claimed the buck was a Kentucky state record · There was no doubt the buck had been poached · Hundreds of photos and videos provided evidence of the buck’s origins · The loss was a tough pill to swallow · Hunting a trophy animal is a huge commitment · It was gratifying to see how seriously law enforcement approached the case Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From a cozy front porch in Utah, Wayne talks with Ohio Wildlife Officer and K9 handler Chris Gilkey. Born, raised - and now based - in the Ohio foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Officer Gilkey shares the remarkable story of Big Boy, the largest typical white-tailed buck taken in North America in 2009 – and for one poacher, more ‘bucks’ than he counted on. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: Missed connections and an epic fishing trip Fifteen minutes from West Virginia Ohio is a destination for white-tailed deer hunters – but also for poachers Ethical hunters spotted a huge buck in the summer of 2009 and planned to hunt it in the fall Wanted Officer Gilkey to be involved “Big Boy” disappeared from trail cams shortly before the season Months later, Big Boy is on display at an expo Poacher claimed the trophy buck was taken in Kentucky Stuck to his story but eventually confessed, hoping to avoid prison Thirteen prior hunting convictions Poacher forfeited his bow, received fines, a lifetime hunting ban and… A $23,572.05 fine under Ohio’s Trophy Restitution Law Received Ohio Bow Hunter Officer of the Year award for this case Hunters who provided the information deserved an award Report wildlife crime in all 50 states and Canada through wildlifecrimestoppers.org Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally from Western New York, Ethan Justinger packed up and moved to Utah at just 22 to pursue his dream of being a game warden in the West. Now on the job with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for 5 years, Ethan sits down with Wayne to share his passion for elk hunting, conservation law, and the spectacular beauty surrounding them. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss:  The elk hunt that changed everything  Elevation sickness and bull elk bugling  Hunters are conservationists  A fitness test at altitude – during a forest fire  “One of the greatest jobs on earth.”  Driving from New York to Utah  Adventuring every day  A late-night tip after a long day  Elk poacher was on private property  Carcass covered in sticks and logs  Evidence on a GoPro™  More evidence on a cell phone  A false blood trail  Case resulted in a felony conviction and a 14-year suspension  Mistakes happen, but it’s important to learn and share to help others  Mountain snow in July  Tough winters result in healthier populations in the long term  Utah scenery stuns visitors and locals alike Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a short summer break, Warden’s Watch picks things up with a look back at NAWEOA 2023 with Ohio Wildlife Officer Chris Gilkey, and Utah’s Ethan Justinger. Now called the International Game Warden Association, this year’s conference was held in beautiful Provo, Utah in early July, with a jam- packed schedule of activities that included a wide variety of training, speakers, and fun for the whole family. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss:  Game wardens watch – but it’s rough on binoculars  The value of conferences  “Everybody is on the same page.”  Utah conference provided activities for the entire family  What is VirTra training?  “All it takes is one” visit to NAWEOA  Awards are a humbling experience  Youth Room kept kids safe and entertained  Speakers were both interesting and inspirational  Keynote speaker Brody Young  Mindfulness training with Jeff Jones  “You are not alone.”  Scenarios can be recreated, but there’s no substitute for sharing lived experience  Bill Livezey, author of Let’s Go For A Ride  Tracking migration patterns through collaring  * Apache touch and go interlude *  K9 training demonstration  The annual Torch Run supporting the North American Game Warden Museum  Mickey Mouse pancakes  Game Warden skills competition; antler toss, fish drop, trivia, and fun  The ‘Warden Spawn’ youth team  NAWEOA 2023 in one word  Train hard, play hard, work hard  See you next year in British Columbia, Canada! Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s that time of year again and game wardens from Maine and New Hampshire are ready to hit the field in Portland, Maine on July 28th for the fourth annual North Woods Throwdown softball game! We’re joined by New Hampshire’s Eric Fluette and Kris MacCabe of Maine, taking a look back at previous games, and unveiling an exciting new streaming option so fans can tune in from anywhere and support Operation Game Thief. Come join the fun in person if you can, or grab your streaming ticket here! Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: Idea for a fundraising softball game started in Maine Every game so far has been a squeaker Fans shook the stadium! Game bats are made in Maine A ‘friendly’ rivalry Extra, extra, extra innings Stadium wanted to turn the lights off! Streaming option will allow fans to tune in from anywhere Dugout interviews and multiple cameras Every kid’s dream to play in a stadium Did wardens get paid for North Woods Law? (Hint: No.) New Hampshire fans and giant head cutouts Maine looking to tie the series “We’re gonna need a bigger plaque.” Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we meet Michigan DNR Sgt. Mark Papineau. His official role as Technology Sergeant sees him researching new technology options, implementing software and equipment, and training Law Enforcement Division personnel – but he is also MiDNR’s foremost in-house historian, teaching recruits more than 100 years of the DNR’s storied history. Take a walk through time with Warden’s Watch and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources! Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: Michigan DNR began as a commission to protect and maintain fish stocks First Michigan game warden appointed in 1887: attorney William Alden Smith Reportedly the first salaried game warden in the nation Smith went on to enter US Senate and chaired hearings into the Titanic disaster His report resulted in major changes to maritime safety laws still in effect today Early game wardens were paid by counties – some refused to pay 1893 amendment to Game Warden Act allowed officers to seize equipment Game warden history can read like a Hollywood action movie script! Stetsons and bloused boots Citizens often submitted poaching and wildlife complaints by mail The evolution of the uniform Early laws weren’t consistent between states Some early officers’ names are still recognized and respected today Chase Osborn’s vision to preserve MI forests The Great Depression saw the division reduced to 95 officers Field Administration Division combined many divisions and increased numbers Poof - you’re a CO! Illegal market venison in the late 1800s 3000 miles of nets DNR state seal COs issued pistols in 1939 after officer deaths Records have been lost through the years Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Katie Gervasi is the Communications Representative for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, and has the significant task of telling the stories COs are often too humble to tell themselves. Whether it’s crafting press releases and news items, maintaining the Department’s web presence, or shooting photos on ride-alongs, she shines a light on the important work of COs across the state. We are also pleased to welcome back one of our very first guests, Captain Jen Wolf. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: Katie’s role at DNR Communication is one of a CO’s most important skills The diversity of Michigan’s resources Supporting Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger Patrolling the Great Lakes Extensive water safety training Other jurisdictions have reached out to receive training Always something to do in Michigan Clear water – how far down can you see? Every season brings a whole new world Shining a positive light on wildlife law enforcement Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Randy Nelson is a retired 35-year veteran of Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), where he became the most decorated fisheries officer in the history of British Columbia. Two years after leaving his post as director of the DFO’s Conservation and Protection Branch in BC, he was ready to write about his extraordinary and sometimes life-threatening experiences, resulting in Poachers, Polluters and Politics: A Fishery Officer’s Career. Now he joins us to discuss his second release, The Wildest Hunt – a collection of tales ranging from horrifying to hilarious from hundreds of wildlife officers across North America. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: Writing the book was like doing several investigations Growing up in Saskatchewan Started running to help train Foot chases became common – poachers run! Book features at least one story from every state, province and territory Spoke to hundreds of officers to learn as much detail as possible Oklahoma: Busted on Bumble Alberta: When your hunting dog is a little too good First book was more biographical The Wildest Hunt was written to shine a light on domestic poaching and encourage involvement People often think of poaching in terms of large African animals “If you see something, say something” What is cactus poaching? 75x more police officers than game wardens in North America Ethical hunters are the best conservationists A poacher is not a hunter Poachers are often involved in other crimes Operation Thunderstorm Game wardens have a far higher chance of dying on the job than other law enforcement Biologists, game wardens, and management need to work together The economic impact and long-term effects of poaching A portion of the profits from The Wildest Hunt will be donated to the Game Warden Museum First book was never intended to be published Every officer has stories A picnic gone wrong… Always ready to address stakeholder groups: contact Randy One voice can make a difference Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pennsylvania Wildlife Conservation Officer David Grove was known for his infectious smile, his deep faith, and his professionalism and commitment to the people and wildlife of his home state. On a quiet Veterans Day evening in 2010, Officer Grove was arresting a poacher when the suspect - a convicted felon - pulled a gun from his waistband and began firing. Despite having been shot, Officer Grove continued to return fire until he was fatally struck. He was 31 years old. Retired PGC Deputy Executive Director Thomas Grohol shares his memories of the incident, the aftermath, and the continuing legacy of an exemplary officer. “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes; it is how they lived.” ~ National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington, DC Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett 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 Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While patrolling the Florida Panhandle in August 2015, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer David Brady suddenly found himself in the fight of his life; what had seemed a routine stop quickly became an open-water gun battle. Shot twice, weighed down by equipment and treading water with a deflated life jacket, he continued to return fire until the would-be murderer – himself shot – finally sped away. Officer Brady joined us at NAWEOA to share his riveting story of survival, resolve, and preparedness. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: 17-year FWC veteran; Dive Team, Special Operations Group Nothing is ever routine Every encounter is different Call was originally a disturbance complaint Two ‘kids’ on a sailboat Officer noticed alcohol and expired registration Shooter went into the cabin to retrieve paperwork Emerged from the cabin with a gun Leapt off the boat as gunshots rang out First shot passed through Brady’s shoulder – and life jacket “He was hunting me.” Returned fire from behind the patrol boat’s engines Shooter jumped onto patrol boat, still shooting Swimming, shooting, and reloading in full gear Shooter then tried repeatedly to run over Brady Brady continued firing, hitting shooter in the hand Left for dead A nearby Coast Guard vessel approaches “I’ve been shot, and they stole my boat.” The importance of dispatchers Shooter and partner were arrested less than two hours later News spread quickly on social media Reunited with family at the hospital Kevlar vest and training made the difference Train to win Kevlar vests are now mandatory to wear “I’m still here.” It only takes one time Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picking up from our last episode, Wayne continues his conversation with Alaska Wildlife Trooper Chris Johnson. Come along as Chris shares more stories from his years patrolling the vast and sometimes unforgiving Kenai Peninsula as a US Fish and Wildlife officer, and looks forward to many more years of service to the people and wildlife of America’s true “Last Frontier.” Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: Chasing illegal baiters Truck through the ice! Recovering vehicles from water A lifetime of physical fitness Teaching HIIT classes as co-owner of Tides Yoga Studio Small injuries can cause big problems Exceed expectations when training Consistency is paramount An uneasy encounter in a remote village The balance between enforcing wildlife laws and respecting indigenous lifestyles Treaties have since changed subsistence living rules A significant bear snaring case Evidence showed it had been going on for years Multiple scenes were discovered Poachers were taking only the gall bladders The illegal gall bladder trade Alaska State Troopers are currently recruiting Survivor Island Your most important survival tool is your brain Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When US Fish and Wildlife Captain Chris Johnson reached the mandatory retirement age, he wasn’t quite ready to hang up his hat, so he did what most never would; after 33 years of federal service, he went right back to the Academy and became an Alaska State Wildlife Trooper! Join us as Chris shares stories of the outdoors from “Alaska’s Playground” - the rugged and stunningly beautiful Kenai Peninsula. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: Mandatory retirement from Federal law enforcement service Torn between becoming a professional football player or game warden Began career with the National Park Service and local PD in Minnesota Joined USFWS in 1989 First full-time Federal wildlife law enforcement officer in the Alaska refuge system Part-time positions now being phased out Arriving at the 2-million acre Kenai National Wildlife Refuge “The playground of Alaska.” A one-day orientation The first of many bear mauling cases Charged by three juvenile brown bears in a row A sow had been shot Cubs became dangerously habituated to humans The best bear defense Bear incidents increased through the years Black and brown bears tend not to mingle Joined first USFWS Honor Guard team Only federal member of state Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) Back to the Academy! Previous experience was a huge advantage Hoping to rejoin SIRT The moose that shot back Teasers for a follow-up: a truck through the ice and a ‘warm’ welcome to the Kenai Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With almost 27 million acres across the state, the officers of Tennessee’s Wildlife Resources Agency have a lot of ground to cover. Any given day could include fish and wildlife law enforcement, safety checks, search and rescue on land or water, conducting outreach programs, and more. Join us as we sit down at NAWEOA with Boating Enforcement Officer David Holt, who’s been patrolling the waterways of eastern Tennessee since 2017, and has some stories to tell! Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: Live from NAWEOA Delayed honeymoon for hunting season A mysterious message from the water company Unplanned home renovations The path to becoming a game warden The rookie A wild stolen yacht chase The thief tried to create swells to sink the patrol boat Apprehended when the yacht ran aground Chase was filmed by a drone pilot Patrol boat looked like a dot next to the giant yacht “Designated Skipper” Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Hunter grew up in a home where hunting is a family affair. Through her father, grandfather, and uncles, she and her and four brothers were taught to respect the resources, the impact of conservation, and the importance of sharing the outdoors. This led to a natural career with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, where after only five short years she’s proven herself an outstanding officer – and now she has the hardware to back it up! Join us as Wayne sits down with the first female to win the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Officer of the Year award, AGFC Wildlife Officer 1st Class Audrey Hunter! Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: Winning NWTF Officer of the Year at the national conference – surprise! Drove home with trophy in the front seat Focused on illegal bait sites A memorable baiting case; educating the next generation Violator had multiple bait sites Hunting and wildlife is a family tradition Experience has taught patience Tough cases can be the most rewarding The pros and cons of patrolling in your hometown Getting involved in the local chapter of NWTF What’s a Jakes Day? The diversity of Arkansas wildlife Surprising a field full of baiters Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

In this special bonus episode, our hosts and producer get together with fan favorites Kris MacCabe of Maine, Benny Richards of Texas, and New Hampshire’s own Col. Kevin Jordan. Join us for a fun and wide-ranging chat looking back on 100 episodes, and looking forward to 100 more! Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & 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 Twitter YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices