Warden's Watch

It’s Women’s History Month, and there’s no better time to highlight CPO Amanda McKune - Illinois officer, new mom, and the 2025 NWTF Officer of the Year. Amanda shares the behind‑the‑scenes reality of the job: the long hours, the high‑stakes turkey and deer cases, the instincts that guide her, and the determination that has already defined her first six years in the field. Humble and relentless, she’s exactly the kind of story this month is made to celebrate.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·   Stepping onto the NWTF stage and realizing the scale: “I had no idea going into that… wow.” ·  Working turkey and deer hunters in southern Illinois - being “in the right place at the right time.” ·  The habitual turkey poacher and the tip that set everything in motion. ·  Working 3 AM mornings through April until she finally caught him. ·  Charging him with 8 birds she could prove, knowing the real count was far higher. ·  Spending another April up before dawn to catch him again during suspension. ·  The rush when officers from another district caught him a third time. ·  Why turkey cases are so tough: long hours, staying still, waiting. ·  “Sometimes it doesn’t add up… but 90% of the time it leads to something.” ·  The strain of April on her young family - “They put up with me the whole month of April.” ·  A wild deer case: a shot at dark, a suspect in Long Johns, and three huge bags of illegal deer corn. ·  Interviews stretching for hours as he claimed he was “just looking.” ·  Finding his gun buried in a creekbed, wrapped in his unworn camo: “We were all amped up… we got him.” ·  Growing up fishing, discovering her interviewing superpower — “People just like to talk to me.” ·  The importance of catching a single word out of place. ·  Illinois’ massive deer - with 26‑pointers becoming normal in some counties. ·  Ongoing cases involving 30+ illegally killed deer. ·  Starting her career in the same county she grew up in. ·  Knowing the land, families, and history. ·  Tips and informants as the backbone of most big cases. ·  Balancing motherhood, a state‑trooper husband, and long hours: “I’m taking advantage now and trying to catch these guys while I can.” ·  The rise of night road hunting and non‑residents chasing big Midwest deer. ·  October–December feeling like another April. ·  A new era of poaching — thermal optics and crossbows with thermals. ·  Working across the Missouri border and the challenges of multi‑state cases. ·  District teamwork: “It takes all of us to make these big cases.” ·  The impact of heavy illegal take on local populations — especially in concentrated areas. Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Warden’s Watch, we head deep into Louisiana with Captain Will Roberts and Sergeant Terry Hicks — two wildlife agents who bring the state’s culture, cases, and Cajun humor to life. From crawfish wars and cooking secrets to big-game patrols, wild night‑hunting busts, and the state’s legendary boat poker runs, Will and Terry share stories that reveal a Louisiana most of us have only imagined. It’s part culture lesson, part law‑enforcement adventure, and entirely Louisiana. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·        Cajun cooking traditions, heavy seasoning, and why the roux matters. ·        “You season everything two or three times.” ·        Crawfish culture, regional boil methods, and the friendly “crawfish wars.” ·        How Louisiana farms, regulates, and harvests crawfish — and how dry weather affects production. ·        Wildlife across the state: deer, turkey, black bears, and tightly regulated alligator seasons. ·        Long deer seasons, electronic tagging, and how multiple hunting seasons overlap. ·        Busy waterways, boating safety, and enforcing alcohol laws on the water. ·        “A DWI on the water is the same as on the highway.” ·        The Tickfaw 200 poker run, big boats, long routes, and how safety has evolved. ·        Career paths, teamwork, and how Operation Game Thief works behind the scenes. ·        Memorable trespass, baiting, and night‑hunting cases, including turkey hunters caught sitting on cracked corn. ·        Decoy operations and the mix of funny, tense, and unpredictable encounters. ·        Working small communities where they often know the people they catch. ·        Strong landowner relationships and why most hunters follow the rules. ·        Cajun identity, accents, and local names like sac‑a‑lait and pull‑dues. ·        What keeps them in the job — the adventure, the outdoors, and the humor. ·        “I’m surprised they pay us for a lot of the stuff we do.”   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After more than 30 years with Georgia DNR, Sgt. Shawn Elmore joins Warden’s Watch for a long‑awaited conversation filled with humor, hard lessons, and unforgettable cases. From hunting alongside his dad as a child to becoming one of Georgia’s leading boating‑incident investigators, Shawn shares a mix of heartfelt family stories, outrageous poaching cases, and high‑stakes investigations that helped change state law. Join us for a candid, funny, and deeply human look at life behind the badge.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·        Finally recording after four years of trying ·        Shawn’s 30+ year career with Georgia DNR ·        Growing up hunting with his dad ·        “That’s what I’m gonna do for a living.” ·        His son becoming interested in law enforcement ·        Catching multiple in‑laws over the years ·        “It takes you a long time to build your credibility… and a snap of a finger to lose it.” ·        People claiming to “know” wardens to get out of trouble ·        Losing friends after catching them or their kids ·        Multi‑year landfill hunter case with warnings, tickets, then arrest ·        A later case involving another family connection ·        Hunting traditions, beagles, rabbits, and swamp rabbits ·        Southern sayings and the “Lost in Translation” team ·        The convicted felon firearm case: “Let me guess - the bullet fairy put this in your pocket.” ·        Reading body language as a critical warden skill ·        “Our mouths can get us into trouble, and they can keep us out of trouble.” ·        The 501‑charge poaching investigation ·        Conspiracy, false statements, and multi‑year suspensions ·        Charging only what can be won in court ·        Identifying violators based on decades of local knowledge ·        His role with Georgia’s boating reconstruction team ·        Early fatal boating cases and long‑lasting emotional impact ·        High‑profile boating incident involving police officers ·        The Jake and Griffin Prince case and Georgia’s BUI law change ·        Challenges unique to boating investigations: sinking, drifting, disappearing evidence ·        Teaching reconstruction and impaired‑operation detection nationwide ·        The Georgia Outdoor News “Hall of Shame” bait case   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Wayne sits down with Nevada Game Warden James Mortimore from the floor of the Sheep Show® in Reno, NV - complete with bugling elk echoing in the background! From rescuing kayakers in monsoon swells on Lake Mead to blow-darting mountain lions and tracking illegal alligator sales on Facebook, James has lived the full spectrum of wildlife policing in one of the most diverse law enforcement landscapes in the country. His stories from Las Vegas to Reno show the grit, humor, and sheer unpredictability of being a modern Nevada warden.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       The “Las Vegas warden” ·       Crowded urban ponds and busy boat patrols made every day unpredictable ·       Watching for the folks who pack up quickly when a warden shows up ·       A wild monsoon rescue in six‑foot swells ·       For Colorado River wardens, rescue calls are everyday business ·       Low water levels reveal old mob‑era secrets - and the jokes that came with it ·       “I think that’s why we got our water back.” ·       An illegal alligator seller learns the meaning of “take a bite out of crime.” ·       Blow-darting mountain lions in neighborhoods and on golf courses ·       Dealing with a sedated mountain lion while a homeowner complains through their doorbell cam ·       Moving from Vegas to Reno and learning the world of bears and mountain lions ·       The importance of biologists and cross-team collaboration ·       Nevada’s pay and retention challenges ·       Covering massive patrol areas — sometimes thousands of square miles during vacancies ·       Poaching investigations built using GPS dog collar data ·       Odd urban cases: “dinosaur bones,” sea turtles, and surprisingly realistic bald eagle replicas ·       Working with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, and other federal partners ·   Learn more about Nevada wardens in the new Animal Planet series, Nevada Wild! Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From growing up with a game warden father to leading investigations, Staff Sergeant and canine handler Larry Hergenroeder has seen it all—and loved every minute of it. In this episode, Larry shares why he believes being a game warden is “the coolest job on earth,” how his canine partners have cracked cases in record time, and why networking through NAWEOA matters more than ever.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Growing up in western Pennsylvania and finding his calling ·       “I had game warden blood in my blood.” ·       From Montana guide school to the academy ·       “My only regret is losing those years I could have been doing this full-time.” ·       Why being a game warden is more than a job ·       “I live, eat, sleep, breathe this profession… I just want to be a game warden.” ·       The power of NAWEOA networking and lifelong friendships ·       “I haven’t had a month go by without a call from another state or province.” ·       K9 program success stories: Storm and Rio crack tough cases ·       “In 33 seconds, Storm found the evidence that solved a fatal shooting.” ·       Challenge coins and the stories behind them ·       Inspiring the next generation of wardens through conferences and mentorship ·       Hunting-related shooting incidents and the emotional side of the job ·       “One is one too many.” ·       Family, sacrifice, and the brotherhood of game wardens ·       “A profession sought by many, held by few, and only made possible by those family members that know the true meaning of sacrifice.”   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The Thin Green Line Podcast, we sit down with Andy Huynh, a conservation professional whose career has taken him from global conflict zones to the front lines of wildlife protection. Andy shares his journey from growing up in Southern California, to military service, to nearly a decade working overseas combating illegal wildlife trade, environmental crime, and transnational criminal organizations. His firsthand experiences reveal how wildlife trafficking fuels terrorism, human trafficking, armed conflict, and genocide—particularly in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This conversation goes far beyond poaching. It exposes the global criminal networks behind ivory, rhino horn, illegal timber, and conflict minerals—and how modern technology, consumer demand, and corruption all play a role. Now back in the United States, Andy is beginning a new chapter in wildlife law enforcement, bringing a rare international perspective to protecting natural resources at home. How Andy’s upbringing and military service shaped his path into conservation The reality of illegal wildlife trade as a global criminal enterprise Poaching, poverty, coercion, and organized crime The humanitarian and environmental crisis in eastern DRC and Virunga National Park Wildlife trafficking’s connection to terrorism, human trafficking, and conflict minerals Corruption and failures in international peacekeeping efforts Why protecting wildlife and protecting people are inseparable Andy’s transition into wildlife law enforcement in California Environmental crime is not a niche issue—it is one of the largest drivers of global instability. This episode offers rare, firsthand insight into how deeply connected wildlife conservation is to human rights, national security, and the future of the planet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From patrolling on sea ice and responding to polar bear calls to managing wildlife in remote communities, Conservation Officer Jack Skillings takes us deep into the Canadian Arctic. Offering a rare glimpse into wildlife enforcement in the far north, Jack shares the rewards and realities of protecting the environment in some of the most isolated places on Earth.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·        Yukon’s Conservation Officer Services Branch and its role ·        Nunavut: Canada’s newest territory ·        Nunavut’s unique conservation structure ·        “There’s at least one conservation officer in every community.” ·        Patrolling without roads: snowmobiles, ATVs, boats, and planes ·        Polar bear management and why it’s handled by territories, not federal agencies ·        Community policing: “education over enforcement.” ·        Modern polar bear research using DNA instead of tags ·        Differences between Nunavut and Yukon: isolation vs. road access and teamwork ·        “The biggest difference in Yukon? Roads. Having a truck changes everything.” ·        Wildlife species and hunting traditions: caribou, muskox, seals, moose, sheep, and Arctic char ·        A polar bear deterrence gone wrong ·        Life in remote communities ·        “My favorite thing was just getting out on the land - patrolling, hunting, fishing.”   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a game warden takes on one of the toughest survival challenges on TV? West Virginia's Isaiah Tuck joins Wayne to share his incredible journey from enforcing wildlife laws to braving complete isolation on the hit series Alone. Discover the mental grit, survival skills, and life lessons that come from living off the land - and why solitude can be the ultimate teacher.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Isaiah’s path to becoming a West Virginia game warden ·       “Every day as a game warden is about adapting to the unexpected.” ·       How wildlife law enforcement prepared him for survival challenges ·       Behind the scenes of Alone ·       Preparation, mindset, and reality ·       “The woods teach you patience - and patience is survival.” ·       The hardest part of isolation: mental battles and self-reflection ·       “Being alone strips you down to who you really are.” ·       Hunger, weather, and wildlife encounters ·       The gear he trusted most—and one item he wishes he'd brought ·       Lessons learned from solitude and self-reliance ·       Advice for anyone dreaming of testing their survival skills ·       “Survival isn’t about strength—it’s about adaptability.”   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator:Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Warden’s Watch, Wayne sits down with Ben Martin, founder of the Hunt Regs app, and Hayden Cook, a Tennessee Wildlife Officer, for a deep dive into warden-hunter interactions, safety in the field, and the story behind one of Tennessee’s most infamous poaching cases - the Maserati Buck. From practical advice for hunters to insights on wildlife law enforcement, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons and strategies to stay compliant in the field.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Ben’s journey as a first-generation hunter and why he created Hunt Regs ·       “How do I make a game warden comfortable?” - the question every hunter should ask ·       Hayden Cook on professionalism: “We serve the hunters and fishermen of Tennessee.” ·       Hunter safety tips during license checks and why nervousness can lead to mistakes ·       Hunt Regs app: anonymous poaching reports and real-time regulations ·       The Maserati Buck case: a 229-inch deer poached under a streetlight near a luxury car dealership ·       “Antlers make people do crazy things.” - Hayden on poaching motives ·       Honest mistakes vs. intentional violations: why self-reporting matters ·       Digital licensing pitfalls and why preparation is key ·       Building trust and positive relationships between hunters and wardens   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of Warden’s Watch, Pennsylvania Game Wardens Phil Bietsch & TJ Knash share the story of a career-defining poaching case tied to the tragic death of fellow officer David Grove on Veteran’s Day 2010. From building trust to securing confessions, this case is a masterclass in investigative work and emotional resilience. Listen now to hear how justice was served, and a legacy honored.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Phil and TJ were classmates at the Ross Leffler School of Conservation ·       Working as neighboring officers for four years, they’ve developed a strong investigative partnership ·       Emphasis on teamwork, rhythm in interviews, and rapport-building ·       Ryan Laumann is a known habitual game law offender ·       The case ties back to the tragic death of Game Warden Dave Grove in 2010, who was murdered by Chris Johnson during a poaching incident ·       Laumann was a passenger in the vehicle ·       Laumann “just went home.” ·       Johnson is now on death row ·       Equipment and training were improved ·       Laumann received a five-year license revocation ·       A tip from a former violator turned informant via Operation Game Thief ·       “I got away with it once, I can do it again.” ·       TJ took the lead ·       Keeping emotions in check ·       “Take your time.” ·       Officers conducted surveillance near Laumann’s residence ·       Multiple deer carcasses, gut piles, and antlers ·       Officers used rapport and strategic interviewing to gain Laumann’s trust ·       Jeff Baile’s interview and interrogation techniques were critical ·       Allowing the suspect to tell their version of the story ·       Laumann eventually confesses to killing multiple deer ·       From a good case to a great case ·       “Rapport is the foundation of everything.” ·       Laumann was charged with: 3 counts of illegal deer 3 tagging violations 3 counts of scattering high-risk parts 1 over-the-bag-limit charge ·       Final penalties: 5-year hunting license revocation and $2,800 in fines   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ricardo Grisolini, a New York State Environmental Conservation Officer with roots in northern Italy, brings a sharp eye and a sharp wit to wildlife law enforcement. From chasing down poachers to setting up decoy deer that even landowners can’t resist, his stories are packed with twists, laughs, and lessons. In this episode, Ricardo shares some of his most unforgettable and entertaining cases from two decades on the job.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Growing up in Northern Italy’s “laces” ·       Raised and hunted birds from an early age ·       Slow cooked pulled turkey ·       “This job is not a job; it's a career.” ·       Working in Madison County is “a game warden’s dream.” ·       The charter captain’s Christmas fish and the Salvation Army police ·       Donating confiscated fish and meat ·       A VERY convincing decoy setup nets multiple charges ·       A substantial illegal baiting operation on private property ·       Poacher insists he used a crossbow ·       Trail cams tell a different story ·       “The point was out of respect for the animal.” ·       Social media can be a warden’s best friend ·       New York ECOs don’t wear a traditional badge    Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the chilling revelations of Episode 156’s “Killing Krew Klan,” the question remained: how would the justice system respond? What consequences did these young trophy hunters face, and did the punishment fit the crime? In this episode, Investigator Patrick Kiely returns to walk us through the penalty phase of the case. Join us as we uncover the final chapter in one of Connecticut’s most disturbing wildlife crimes.    Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Convictions for wildlife crime aren’t always a slam dunk ·       The prosecutor in the case was an outdoorsman ·       Original roadside stop netted only a suspended sentence ·       Paring down up to 30 charges: what will stick? ·       Group pled guilty to jacklighting ·       $500 fines and three years’ probation ·       Banned from hunting for ten years ·       Conspiracy to sell wildlife and a probation violation ·       Getting support from judges and prosecutors ·       “Any time you serve a warrant … you’re opening a Pandora’s Box.”   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this podcast, we sat down. Two dynamic individuals, Chase Hardage and Jason Ray from the Wise Eye technology company, talk about WiseEye's beginnings. What they're doing and how they're doing things differently and better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In late 2018, the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police uncovered a chilling case involving a group of young trophy hunters. Over just a few months, they had illegally taken at least 19 deer - often during nighttime hunts near residential neighborhoods. What started as a routine investigation quickly unraveled into something far more disturbing: secret planning sessions, a manifesto detailing their exploits, and a twisted tribute to the grandfather who taught them to night hunt. Join Investigator Patrick Kiely as he recounts the unbelievable story of the “Killing Krew Klan.”   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       An area known for night hunting ·       Spotting night hunters requires patience and timing ·       The state’s healthy deer population is tempting for poachers ·       A patrol officer spots suspicious signs ·       The initial arrest leads to more questions ·       Cell phones: everyone documents everything ·       “I wouldn’t even call them hunters; they were trophy poachers.” ·       It definitely wasn’t squirrels ·       The group is released but phones are seized ·       A stunning discovery ·       “It was an every-night occurrence.” ·       The group frequently hunted near houses ·       None of 19 deer were registered ·       The puzzle pieces: pictures, locations and times ·       The serial poaching had gone on for years, and had grown ·       Group relied on thinly stretched law enforcement ·       A specific 16-point buck and an unlikely story ·       US Fish and Wildlife joins the investigation ·       Cell phone metadata pinpoints locations and times ·       “Not a care in the world.” ·       A handwritten manifesto is found ·       The ‘zombie’ deer ·       Timing was perfect – and lucky ·       Even illegal roadkill wasn’t off limits to the ‘Klan’ ·       $100 does for sale, and banquet hall venison ·       Multiple deer were taken nightly ·       Managing investigations and public perception ·       Hunters had noticed a decline ·       “It was a joke to them.” ·       Many state charges were misdemeanors ·       Local hunters weigh in ·       Technology has changed investigation strategies ·       Limitation statutes prevented even more charges ·       Getting buy-in from other agencies ·       Balancing criminal and wildlife investigations can be a challenge ·       The cell phones were crucial ·       Rising bear population has led to conflicts ·       Educating the public ·       Staffing numbers are on the rise ·       “It was a learning experience for all of us.”   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tucked into a scenic corner of the International Peace Garden, and straddling the border between North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, the North American Game Warden Museum stands as the world’s only institution fully dedicated to both educating the public and honoring fallen wildlife officers. This one-of-a-kind museum features a memorial garden, exhibits showcasing uniforms and tools of the trade from decades past, along with a library, audio/visual area, and a fascinating collection of items seized by game wardens from across North America. In this episode, we sit down with museum manager Stephanie Lee for an insightful conversation ahead of the museum’s 2025 Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Background in outdoor education ·       Began a summer job at the Peace Garden gate ·       Approached by the local game warden ·    “Never looked back.” ·       The International Peace Garden ·       Memorial stones from every state and province ·       Board members from both countries ·       The museum is the only one of its kind ·       Educating the public ·       Many of the exhibits include seized items ·       Constantly changing and reimagining the space ·       Campground on site ·       Other activities include biking and kayaking ·       Open from May – September ·     “Part-time photographers” ·       The popular Visiting Officer program   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we talk with Sgt. Blake Patterson, a Conservation Officer from Swan River, Manitoba, and President of the North American Game Warden Museum. Blake shares insights from his 17 years in the field and discusses the museum’s role in honoring game wardens and conservation officers across North America. Located at the International Peace Garden, the museum highlights the challenges of the profession and commemorates those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       The museum is a place every game warden should visit ·       Joined board in 2010 ·       It’s elk hunting season in Manitoba! ·       A unique moose lottery fundraiser ·       Manitoba moose population decline ·       “I’ve seen those game warden shows. I know I’m done.” ·       Fun regional expressions ·       The Fallen Officer Memorial Service ·       Many museum exhibits feature seized items ·       Antique snow machines and hand-powered rail cars ·       Always looking for older tools of the trade, uniforms and paraphernalia ·       Potential interactive exhibit featuring fallen officer biographies ·       A night hunting helicopter chase   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In July 2021, a peaceful family camping trip in Ohio’s vast Appalachian Hills Wilderness Area turned into a chilling crime scene. Two lives were lost, and a community was shaken. In this gripping episode, we sit down with ODNR Investigator Kirk Kiefer to uncover the layers of a complex and haunting double homicide.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·        Investigator Keifer appeared in a previous episode ·        International Game Warden Association Officer of the Year ·        ODNR’s nomination submission ·        The ‘ginseng detective’ ·        Nomination was kept secret! ·        A missing persons / suspicious activity report on State land ·        The couple’s phones - and daughter - were left behind ·        Suspect claimed the couple had gone to CA and were expected back ·        A concerned camper contacted ODNR ·        The couple’s license plate had recently been checked on the Interstate ·        Suspect had a ‘tell.’ ·        “He was convinced I was a human lie detector.” ·        The sudden confession: “I killed ‘em.” ·        Killings had happened 13 days prior ·        Suspect led investigators to the bodies ·        Defense attorney admitted there was no defense to be mounted ·        Claimed he was ‘rescuing’ the child ·        Body cameras were used in case the suspect did not testify ·        Appeared to feel badly about killing the female.  ·       “Sometimes there is no ‘why’.” ·        Never expected to be investigating homicide ·        Attended the couple’s memorial services ·        Inter-agency cooperation was key to this case ·        Killer received two automatic life terms with no parole     Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Introducing The Game Warden Channel! From the creators of smash hits North Woods Law and Lone Star Law, TGWC is now streaming exclusively on YouTube - bringing you even more real-life stories from game wardens across the US. In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Steve Engel and Ben Shank of Engel Entertainment, Director of Photography Jamie Azar, and New Hampshire’s own Col. Kevin Jordan and Conservation Officers Jon Demler, Austin Valladares, Kevin Bronson, and Josiah Towne. Subscribe now for an even closer look into the world of conservation law enforcement.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       “We’re back!” ·       The first call was to New Hampshire ·       YouTube allows more flexibility ·       Episodes will feature NH, then move to Texas, Nevada, and other states ·       NH Fish & Game staff voted unanimously to participate ·       Carrying the torch for conservation and conservation officers ·       “I’d rather be doing this than probably anything else in television.” ·       Officers and camera crew become good friends ·       A turkey poacher in the wrong neighborhood ·       New show features a smaller crew than network television ·      "It's on the interwebs!"   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Traynor and Mike Hudson are the co-hosts of the Accessible Hunter Podcast, a show dedicated to promoting adaptive hunting and outdoor access for individuals with disabilities. Greg Traynor, a passionate outdoorsman from Pennsylvania, turned his personal experience with a spinal cord injury into a mission to help others overcome physical barriers in the outdoors. Through advocacy, education, and storytelling, Greg inspires hunters to stay connected with the hunting community regardless of ability. Mike Hudson, based in South Carolina, brings his own adaptive hunting experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by disabled hunters. Together, Mike and Greg use the Accessible Hunter Podcast to share powerful stories of resilience, adaptive equipment innovation, and the tight-knit community of accessible hunting enthusiasts. Their platform highlights not only the triumphs of adaptive hunters but also the importance of making the outdoors inclusive for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices