Maine Warden Service Pilot Daryl Gordon was known for his faith, his love of family, fishing and flying, and his steadfast dedication to the people and natural resources of his home state. While flying over the North Maine Woods after a busy day of service, Pilot Gordon’s Cessna went down in a snow squall, prompting a massive search. Warden Preston Pomerleau, whose K9 service partner is named in Gordon’s honor, shares his memories of that day, and reflects on how the entire Maine Warden Service continues to honor and remember their friend.

“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes; it is how they lived.” ~ National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington, DC

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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Fans of the hit Animal Planet show North Woods Law will instantly recognize CO Josiah Towne. In this episode, Josiah takes us behind the scenes into the dynamic world of a New Hampshire conservation officer, from daring mountain rescues to wild chases, along with some truly unforgettable moments. Join us for a look into the world of a real-life wildlife hero!

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Here’s what we discuss:

·       New Hampshire is hiring!

·       Appearing on North Woods Law

·       Every day is different; every season is different

·       Making a dent in the illegal elver trade

·       A riverside arrest gone awry

·       Improving handcuff techniques

·       Patrolling your hometown

·       Recognizing fresh perspectives

·       The Hawk Unit

·       A remarkable rescue operation

·       Any trail with the word ‘slide’ in the name…

·       The arduous rescue “was all worth it.”

·       Many visitors create increased requests for service

·       The local Scoutmaster

 Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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Gary Lewis is an award-winning outdoor writer, television host, podcaster, and speaker based in Central Oregon. Since launching his career in 1995, he has become a respected voice in the hunting and fishing world, with over 16 books to his name and countless articles published in major outdoor magazines. He hosts the TV series Frontier Unlimited and the Gary Lewis Outdoorsman podcast, sharing real-world adventures from Oregon to Africa. Known for his deep knowledge of firearms, big game tactics, and conservation ethics, Gary continues to inspire sportsmen and women with his storytelling and passion for the outdoors.

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On Monday, April 21st, New Hampshire CO Rob McDermott will run the Boston Marathon® in honor of his friend and colleague, Levi Frye. Partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Rob is raising funds to support AFSP's prevention programs, advocacy, education, and survivor support. Next, we will hear from AFSP spokesman David O’Leary, who shares important information about suicide risk and offers suggestions on how to help a friend or loved one who may be struggling. Finally, Sgt. Matt Holmes reads the beautiful eulogy he wrote to honor Levi at his funeral service.

Support Suicide Prevention With Conservation Officer Rob McDermott

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Here’s what we discuss:

·       Turkey hunting and a fiddlehead harvest

·       Joined Fish & Game shortly after Levi

·       Roommates in the game warden house

·       Eric Fluette and the anonymous ring sizing kit

·       Levi was set to receive his second congressional medal

·       Partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

·       Fundraising and training for the Boston Marathon®

·       Running with Levi: “we’d get lapped multiple times.”

·       Funds raised will help provide resources to others who have lost a loved one

·       Ways to offer support:

·     Up to 200 first responders die by suicide each year in the US

·       Follow the impulse to reach out

·       It’s okay to use the word ‘suicide.’

·       The most important thing you can do is listen

·       Changing our language: “You don’t ‘commit cancer’ or ‘commit high blood pressure’.”

·       Boston Marathon® and others allow charities to apply for bibs as fundraisers

·       Team AFSP at the marathon

·       1 in 5 Americans has a connection to a mental health issue

·       Find information and support here: AFSP

·       Sgt. Matt Holmes reads Levi’s eulogy: A man of commitment, and a man in green.

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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This episode is dedicated to the life and legacy of New Hampshire Conservation Officer Levi Frye. Today, we honor Levi's commitment to protecting our natural world through a lighthearted but insightful interview he gave before his passing, where he shares his passion for his work, the outdoors, and his lifelong dedication to physical fitness. As we reflect on his life, we will also hear a heartfelt poem written and read by Lt. Mark Ober at Levi's funeral service.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide Crisis Hotline.

Support the Frye family: https://nh-cora.org/donations/givewp-donation-fryefamily/

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International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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In our final episode celebrating Women's History Month 2025, we’re excited to welcome Maine

game warden Mindy Rugg. Inspired by our very own podcast, Mindy transitioned from a successful career as a vet tech to become a game warden in 2021. Join us as she shares her journey, the challenges she faces, and the unique perspective women bring to the job.  

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Here’s what we discuss:

·       Gained many skills in her previous career as a vet tech

·       Needed to be outside

·       Listened to the Warden’s Watch podcast

·       Not everyone loves the game warden

·       Hired in 2021, full-time in 2022

·       Checking hundreds of boats a day

·       On the job experience can be the best communication training

·       People react well if you treat them fairly

·       Strategies to manage dyslexia

·       Spell check, Grammarly, and text-to-speech

·       Working in Western Maine – close to home, but not too close

·       “Every single day I learn something new.”

·       Mindy’s favorite Warden’s Watch episode

·       Maine Warden Service now has seven female officers

·       Many companies don’t make clothing for women in law enforcement

·       Don’t talk yourself out of it - make it happen

·       It’s no longer a shock to meet a female game warden

·       Women can bring a different perspective to the job

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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In this episode, we’re delighted to reconnect with Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Officer

Rachel Thurner-Diaz, who joined us way back in Episode 81. A lot has changed in the three years since we visited last; her husband has joined the local police department, and she is now balancing the demanding roles of a dedicated officer and a busy mom. Join us as we continue to explore the unique experiences and perspectives of women in conservation law enforcement.

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Here’s what we discuss:

·       Officer Thurner-Diaz was a previous guest in Episode 81

·       Two law enforcement officers at home

·       PA is recruiting wardens

·       Protecting wildlife is a passion

·       More women are joining conservation law

·       The Fab Five

·       Game wardens of both genders need to be motivated and independent

·       Taught by Jeff Baile – another previous Warden’s Watch guest

·       Be compassionate but call out deception

·       A heated hunter and mistaken identity

·       PA has two wildlife agencies

·       The volunteer fish stocking program

·       Using the ‘mom voice’

·       Work-life balance can be challenging

·       Looking forward to summer

·       Trout stockers still don’t eat much trout

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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Back in 2018, a small group of female officers from Alberta Fish and Wildlife saw the need to

engage with each other more actively and support community causes at the same time. This dedicated team has since participated in charity fundraisers, launched an outdoor education camp for young women, and is now working to establish a scholarship to help even more women join conservation law enforcement. Let’s meet Alberta’s Wonder Wardens!

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North American Game Warden Museum

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“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

Maine's Operation Game Thief

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:

· The beginnings of the Wonder Wardens

·  Camaraderie and promoting women in conservation law

· Polar dipping in uniform for charity

· Summer camp for future female game wardens

· Wildlife identification, hunting & fishing checks, drills and a mock investigation

· The break-in period

· “We complement each other.”

· Self-confidence matters

· People often make assumptions

· Plans to expand Wonder Wardens

·   Proceeds from merch sales will fund a scholarship

· “We’re small but we’re mighty.”

·   The importance of agency support

·   NAWEOA offers an opportunity to connect and share

· Uniforms and equipment are changing

·   Shooting competitions – an all-female team

·   Close encounters during grizzly relocations

·   Hunters are sometimes surprised to encounter a female warden team

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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Wrapping up the CJ Alexander series, we sit down with Christian Babcock and Jake Gaylord, the dynamic duo behind the popular Hunters Advantage podcast. In early 2024, Alexander made a memorable appearance on their podcast, spinning his well-worn underdog tale of an unbelievably lucky trophy buck - a tale that took a dramatic turn when it was later revealed he had already confessed to poaching it.  

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Line Podcast

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Chevrolet

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American Game Warden Museum

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Gun Storage

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the Woods” Book

Maine's

Operation Game Thief

International

Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:

·        Christian posts, then removes, a video questioning the Alexander buck

·        Hunters Advantage podcast invites Alexander to tell his story

·        All large deer taken can be controversial

·        Alexander tells the hosts a convincing enough tale

·        “I came out of it with kind of an uneasy feeling.”

·        Alexander had appeared on the podcast after confessing to game wardens

·        The court-ordered apology letter

·        Public opinion was split

·        Misdemeanor charges moved to felony levels

·        Podcast appearances could have been used in sentencing

·        Technology makes poaching hard to hide

·        Antlers are like fingerprints

·        Podcast generated both positive and negative feedback

·        “We’re just common men with a nice microphone.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design:

Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator:

Stacey DesRoches

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Picking up from our last episode, we sit down with two of the Ohio game wardens responsible for bringing this case before the court. Wildlife Officers Isaiah Gifford and Matt Roberts outline the meticulous effort and tiny details that led to the indictment and ultimate guilty plea of the now-infamous poacher, CJ Alexander.

See this episode on YouTube here: EP140 CJ Alexander Buck The Officer's interview

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Maine's Operation Game Thief

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:

·       Investigation began as a typical follow up when a trophy animal is taken

·       Alexander spins his tale

·       Wildlife officers visit the alleged kill site

·       The staged site seems unusual, but mostly believable

·       A video arrives showing the animal 10 miles away

·       Wardens take a closer look

·       A bait pile and other evidence is found

·       Trail camera photos show the deer in the area

·       A grid search locates more evidence

·       Tiny details in a photo confirm officers’ suspicions

·       “There’s a knife – and there’s another knife!”

·       Alexander admits lying about the site

·       Antlers had already been sold, and are confiscated

·       Foliage at the supposed kill site does not match photos

·       Search warrants solidify the evidence

·       The poacher continues to make false claims publicly

·       Charges include tampering with evidence and theft by deception

·       Investigators meticulously pore through the evidence

·       “At the end of the day, we knew what we had.”

·       An Ohio record for restitution

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design:

Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator:

Stacey DesRoches

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