Warden's Watch

By Wayne Saunders / John Nores

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

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FAQs about Warden's Watch:

How many episodes does Warden's Watch have?

The podcast currently has 231 episodes available.

Warden's Watch episodes:

December 22, 202298 Bob Vashaw (Ret.) – New Hampshire
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

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49min
December 08, 202297 Brock Hoyt – Georgia
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

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...more
22min
November 24, 202296 Jason Keller – Ohio DNR: Lessons From A Shooting
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

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...more
50min
November 10, 202295 Kevin Behr - Ohio: Shot by a Poacher
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

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...more
56min
October 27, 202294 Wild Tech - with Steve Beltran and Eric Richey
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:
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...more
39min
October 07, 202293 Col. Joel Wilkinson (Ret.) – Maine – Part II
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:
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...more
58min
September 23, 202292 Col. Joel Wilkinson (Ret.) – Maine – Part I
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:
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...more
47min
September 08, 202291 Sean Spencer - Utah
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:
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Waypoint
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TuneIn
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Find More Here:
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...more
44min
August 29, 2022 W08 MooseMan Nature Photography
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:
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Spotify
Amazon
Google
Waypoint
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TuneIn
Megaphone
Find More Here:
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Facebook Fan Page
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...more
40min
August 11, 202290 Josh Landrum – Tennessee
Josh Landrum is a Nashville-based Boating Officer with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Besides receiving multiple honors for his tireless efforts to combat impaired boating, he has also served on the board of the Tennessee Wildlife Officers Association for the past decade, and most recently as president. This year, Josh and his fellow officers hosted the annual North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association (NAWEOA) conference, where Wayne and John caught up with him for a chat.

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:
Hosting NAWEOA 2022
Learning, training, and networking at NAWEOA
Encouraging the younger generation of game wardens to attend
A love of fishing led to a career in wildlife management
An urban game warden
Some of the largest deer in the state
Working to eliminate impaired boating
You never know who you’ll meet
Enjoying all that Nashville has to offer
NAWEOA 2023: Utah

Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

Subscribe:
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Spotify
Amazon
Google
Waypoint
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TuneIn
Megaphone
Find More Here:
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Facebook Fan Page
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
...more
34min

FAQs about Warden's Watch:

How many episodes does Warden's Watch have?

The podcast currently has 231 episodes available.

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