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

CJ Box is the New York Times bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the enormously popular Joe Pickett series, now a small-screen sensation streaming on Paramount Plus. An avid outdoorsman, the Wyoming native’s hit novels capture the vast, unspoiled beauty of the American West, the conflict between new and old ideas, and feature authentically believable (and sometimes heinous) characters, lightning-quick plots, and truly gruesome crimes. We are thrilled to welcome CJ to the show for a chat about the inspiration for Joe Pickett’s character, two successful TV shows, and much more! 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: ·        100th episode introduction – thank you! ·        Game wardens are all collectively Joe Pickett ·        Making Joe as authentic as possible ·        The inspiration for the first Pickett novel - the Endangered Species Act ·        Never intended to be a series ·        Wanted to introduce the element of family ·        Game wardens can be called on for any number of situations ·        Local wardens are integral to a rural community ·        Joe Pickett show runners are fans of the book series ·        Second season incorporates parts of three books ·        Wasn’t the first offer for a Pickett-inspired television series ·        A peek at Season Two ·        The show was an immediate success on Paramount Plus ·        Filming in Alberta, Canada ·        Capturing the family dynamic has helped broaden the audience ·        Making sure Joe wasn’t perfect; “he screws up.” ·        Joe’s character has grown and changed, but he still can’t shoot ·        Finding experts on every topic to seek different points of view ·        Joe arrests the governor – based on a true story! ·        Tackling socially relevant and contemporary issues ·        Consulting with game wardens to ensure accuracy Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches   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 more than 30 years on the job, Corporal Susan Swem was contemplating retirement from the Missouri Department of Conservation – and then came the chance to join the state’s newly formed Canine Protection Unit. Since then, she and K9 Astro have assisted on multiple investigations, done significant public outreach, and saved countless staff-hours tracking, recovering evidence, and protecting the wildlife of Southwest Missouri.  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: Joined the newly formed Canine Protection Unit two years ago Missouri program is adding four more handlers K9 program has been beneficial in multiple ways Job changes with the seasons Changing areas or specialties can create a completely new challenge Considered retirement before joining the K9 unit Being a K9 handler requires constant training Pros and cons of being a female Conservation Agent More women are becoming game wardens Crappie fishing techniques What is a paddlefish? Eggs are similar to caviar An illegal egg sales case  Training involves a lot of running! Tracking with a K9 saves considerable time Different breeds have different advantages Technology is making fishing and hunting easier. Is it sustainable? Missouri geography and weather The job is like chocolate cake; a K9 is the frosting Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches 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

Before dive teams, rescues using locator beacons, and OHRV and snowmobile enforcement, the job of a New Hampshire game warden was very different than it is today. Often left very much to their own devices, officers were primarily responsible for observing and reporting local conditions and activities, protecting and managing wildlife, and of course, stopping poachers. Join us for a walk through history with retired New Hampshire CO Bob Vashaw! 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: Stories of game wardens past Began working in 1965 Grinding mussels on the seacoast Search & Rescue before cell phones A game warden is shot Teaching hunter safety courses A shot through the window Backpacking into the wilderness to stock ponds The snow revolution Fish & Game duties have evolved “We were one big family” Loose dogs were a huge problem Cutting cedar trees for deer feed  A daily diary No overtime pay Joining the first state dive team Looking through a memory book “I would do it again in a heartbeat.” Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches 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

Despite having been a member of the Georgia DNR for just five years, Game Warden First Class Brock Hoyt is already a standout officer. The recipient of both the 2022 NAWEOA Torch Award and the 2022 Georgia Game Warden of the Year, he’s also been recognized as Game Warden of the Year by International Wildlife Crimestoppers. We caught up for a quick chat with this rising star back in July at NAWEOA – join us! 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: NAWEOA Torch Award Combining passion for both law enforcement and the outdoors  A law enforcement family Influenced by North Woods Law  Covering the Atlanta area Always something different Forming relationships within the court system makes a difference Diversion program helps offenders not become repeat offenders Raising the profile of Georgia game wardens  Promoting the brand Game wardens do it all Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches 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

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Officer Jason Keller was on the scene when fellow officer Kevn Behr was shot at close range by a poacher. In this episode, he recalls the incident and the aftermath, and shares some important lessons learned on that day. 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: Decoy operation began normally Saw pickup truck drop a passenger with a long gun Heard a shot ring out, and then screaming The emergency button: technology can be a blessing ‘Stop the Bleed’ course Packed the wound with gauze Couldn’t find an exit wound Perception of time changed Shooter was identified right away WIN philosophy: What’s Important Now? Focus shifted to investigation K-9 Scout located the shell casing State trooper picked up the suspect Shooter’s position identified by K-9 Scout at 48 feet (14.6m) Public health protocols prevented visiting the hospital Returned to the scene to search for additional evidence Writing the Critical Incident report was challenging Testified in court while suspect smiled Officer Behr’s wife provided progress updates Lessons learned: train as though scenarios are real Be as mentally prepared as possible for critical incidents Know where your First Aid kit is, and how to use it When time allows, make sure to contact your own family Dispatchers are a lifeline Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches 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

Five days before Christmas 2020, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Officer Kevin Behr was shot from behind while investigating a poaching operation. Nearly two years and 15 surgeries later, he shares his remarkable story of survival, courage, and determination.  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: Incident occurred on the final day of deer gun season Information about a chronic poacher operating in the area Poacher had previously served prison time Setting up a decoy in a rural area Shooter was less than fifty feet away Shot from behind with a 20-gauge slug You feel being shot before you hear it Reverted to training: communicate, move, shoot Hit the emergency button on portable radio Legs wouldn’t work Goal was to stay alive until someone arrived Felt like molten steel  Shattered pelvis, multiple organs damaged Shock wave travelled through the skull “Bring more combat gauze.” Concerns about potential ambush New goal: stay alive until EMTs arrived In and out of consciousness New goal: stay alive until landing at the hospital Accept the fact that you have been shot Use those few seconds to focus on training - and act Requested the level one trauma centre  Milliseconds count Shooter had a thermal scope – what did he see? Offered no aid. Threw gun and ran. Potentially more homicides in this felon’s future Some light moments on a dark day 28 days in ICU Fifteen surgeries to date The long road back Your mindset matters Most internal organs were damaged Nobody gets a free pass from PTSD Learning new limits Making gains all the time Spinning a positive from a negative Training, tactics, and experience will get you through Shooter sentenced to a total of nearly 15 years Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches 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

Steve Beltran is an award-winning Conservation Police Officer with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources who combines his passion for both technology and the outdoors through his Timber-Tech column, a regular feature in International Game Warden Magazine. Eric Richey is the founder and CEO of Sovereign Sportsman Solutions (S3), an industry leader in customized electronic license and permitting innovations throughout North America. Join us as they discuss recent outdoor technology developments, and some exciting possibilities for the future.    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: “Probably the largest, most unknown tech company in the industry” Systems are built and branded to the specific state’s requirements Mobile platforms allow officers access to real-time information S3 developed the first mobile solution for conservation officers Technology has typically been marketed to large law enforcement agencies Access to data in the field increases efficiency – no need to go to the office for info QR codes allow access even when offline RFID advancements could allow coastal officers to gather all license info from a nearby vessel without having to board Tech and the outdoors don’t need to be mutually exclusive Electronic data can allow officers to quickly get a complete picture  Potential for faster access to license revocations under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact  Each state currently uses its own format A standardized system could identify violators on the spot Violations in one state can result in different restrictions in different states Timber-Tech column helps bridge the technical gap Taking the tech into the field to determine exact needs Why not use every tool that we have? Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joel Wilkinson spent 28 years serving the state of Maine, including twelve years as Colonel of the Maine Warden Service. Now retired, Col. Wilkinson sits down with Wayne to reflect on an extraordinary career that began when he was just a teen. In this episode, we discuss his swift rise through the ranks, a television show that almost wasn’t, the challenges and rewards the outdoors can provide, and some valuable lessons learned along the way. 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: Captain to Colonel Remembering Maj. Gregg Sanborn  Choosing quality leaders  Every day was an education We all started in the same place Empowering people through Operation Game Thief (OGT) The wall of shame Fundraising to offer larger rewards International Wildlife Crimestoppers provided fresh ideas The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact OGT trailers manned at all times; “we have to tell the stories.” Blazing the North Woods Law trail  Turned down the original request  What are our fears? What are our goals? It had to be authentic without being disrespectful A gentlemen’s agreement Popularity brought some unexpected situations Ending the Maine story in the best way possible Didn’t want to be seen as making money The diversity educated the public Inspiring kids to become game wardens Passing the torch to New Hampshire The North Woods Throwdown Back Woods Law?!? Bluefin tuna fishing takes more than skill You have to do a lot of little things right It’s all about respect for the animal Confidence comes with experience Plan to be successful The abundance mentality Life after retirement Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches 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

Joel Wilkinson spent 28 years serving the state of Maine, including twelve years as Colonel of the Maine Warden Service. Now retired, Col. Wilkinson sits down with Wayne to reflect on an extraordinary career that began when he was just a teen. In this episode, we discuss his early years as a game warden, including an intense turn in covert operations that resulted in some of the agency’s most significant prosecutions of the time. 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: Maine has used the term ‘game warden’ since 1880 No time to hunt or fish. Learned about the outdoors from a girlfriend’s father Started riding with game wardens at 16 Became a deputy warden at 19 Tried to sneak in a little early “This is all I wanted to do.” 2000 applicants, few positions Tried appealing to the Colonel Joined a local police department to gain experience Trained with many Maine wardens at the academy Finally hired by Maine Warden Service at 22 No warden in his area for 11 years Caught first night hunter eight days after graduating Moving to a new area, population: 4 Chris Simmons becomes the boss… and moves in across the road A memorable Thanksgiving night Shifting into covert investigations A big case, but some unnerving moments  Targets often under the influence of alcohol and drugs Seeing the other side “It changed how we did business.” Making Captain at 32 Learned many administrative skills The Maine whitewater rafting industry Many companies offer rafting, hiking, and rock climbing Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches 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

Sean Spencer is a Sergeant with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. After 14 years patrolling in some of the most remote and most populous areas of the Beehive State, he’s dealt with a wide variety of people, wildlife, and problems. In this episode from the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association conference (NAWEOA) in Tennessee, he and our hosts discuss planning for next year’s conference, some of his memorable experiences, and much more! 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: Busy organizing NAWEOA 2023  Plan extra time to see the state The “Mighty Five” national parks First encounter with a game warden Discovered the outdoors as a teen in Texas Importance of balancing home and work life Moving from a remote district to an urban one Prime hunting only 30 minutes from home Public safety vs. preservation A memorable baiting case Not every case results in a conviction Growing population numbers create new challenges Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Art & Design: Ashley Hannett Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches 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 Rick Libbey saw his first moose in 1981, he was hooked for life. An entirely self-taught photographer, Rick and his wife Libby travel between New England and Alaska to capture stunningly beautiful and rare photos and videos of loons, bear, lynx, raccoons, wolves - and of course, moose – all of which they showcase on their YouTube channel and website, MooseMan Nature Photos. Often rising at 3am, they launch their kayaks before sunrise and wait silently for that perfect moment when a mighty bull moose emerges into a marsh, or a pair of loons appears in the morning fog. Taking great care never to intrude, they have spent years gaining the trust of some of these animals, frequently naming and photographing the same individuals year after year. The end result is not only spectacular, but conveys a profound sense of respect for wildlife, and the majesty and wonder of the great outdoors.   Our Sponsor:  The Village Gun Store 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