Warden's Watch

For a time, Christopher “CJ” Alexander seemed to be everywhere; on the news in his native Ohio, in magazine articles, and featured on various hunting-related podcasts, telling the tale again and again of how he took a massive 18-point buck – a trophy in the running to be among the top three typical whitetails of all time.  In the end, fame turned into felony charges, and the windfall he expected became instead a whopping $43,000 in fines. Hear the facts as read by an investigator involved in the case. See this episode on YouTube here:  https://youtu.be/w_rulXxzkKE 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: ·        Wayne reads a note from Alexander ·        Deer becomes an internet sensation ·        Everyone loved the underdog story ·        Ohio DNR follows up ·        Information casts doubt on Ale

Get ready – a new series featuring real game warden stories is coming to the Outdoor Channel! Premiering in the US on Friday, February 14th at 9:30pm EST, Wardens: Case Files will feature game wardens recounting some of their most unforgettable cases, complete with gripping reenactments. I am honored to be the first guest. We sit down with host Randy Nelson and producer Kayla Schoen for a look at this exciting new show. You won’t want to miss it! 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: ·       A new game warden show on the Outdoor Channel ·       Based on Randy Nelson’s book, The Wildest Hunt ·       “Every warden probably has a book of stories.” ·       Game wardens are great storytellers ·       Tales from the serious to the silly ·       Show format is “similar to a fireside chat.” ·       A picn

Despite having been on the job since just 2020, Georgia Game Warden KP Boatright has received multiple accolades, including the Public Safety Act of Heroism award for rescuing a drowning hunter at great personal risk. We caught up with KP as he accepted the prestigious NAWEOA Torch Award, presented to new officers who demonstrate exceptional ability and initiative. Join us for a chat with another rising star from Georgia DNR! Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: ·       NAWEOA Torch Award winner ·       Using social media for investigations ·       A suspicious alligator trapper leads to multiple charges ·       “The Swiss Army knife of law enforcement.” ·       Assisting fellow law enforcement officers ·       An online aptitude test suggests a career path ·       “Boneheaded” teenage behavior causes a slight delay ·       A

Guidefitter is a platform tailored for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals, providing a vibrant community, exclusive gear discounts, and expert resources for activities like hunting and fishing. It connects members with professional guides and outfitters, enabling access to expert advice and guided trips. Verified users, such as guides, military personnel, and first responders, benefit from discounted gear from top outdoor brands. Additionally, the platform offers a rich database of outfitters, gear reviews, and educational content, making it a one-stop resource for planning and enhancing outdoor adventures. Guidefitter fosters a shared passion for the outdoors while supporting professionals in the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In late 2023, an 18-point trophy whitetail buck was taken illegally in Ohio. After an intense, high-profile investigation, several men pleaded guilty and were sentenced. The ringleader of the group also pled guilty and was sentenced this week to 90 days in jail and ordered to pay a combined $43,000 in penalties.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hunt Regs App: Stay Legal. Strike Smart – With Ben Martin Hunt Regs is a powerful mobile app that allows sportsmen to quickly determine hunting regulations for their specific location and target species. This free-to-try app also allows hunters to journal target sightings while automatically recording detailed conditions, enabling users to easily track movement patterns and create a comprehensive “Smart Strike” plan - all designed to produce a successful and legal hunt. Co-creator Ben Martin joins us for a deep dive into this one-of-a-kind tool, available now on the AppStore. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum 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 Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscri

136 Operation Night Cat with Ron Arsenault & Kevin Bronson – New Hampshire It started with a single game camera trained on an illegal bait site. Evidence recovered from that camera would ultimately lead to a lengthy multi-agency investigation, and the arrest of a ring of poachers who would trade hundreds of photos and videos of their multiple illegal harvests. In this episode, New Hampshire COs Ron Arsenault and Sgt. Kevin Bronson break down the story of “Operation Night Cat.” Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum 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: ·        Upcoming YouTube channel featuring NH game wardens ·        Investigation began as an illegal deer baiting case ·        Cell phone pictures reveal a protected bobcat shot at night ·        US Fish & Wildlife is brought in ·        Mu

135 Whooping Crane Shootings with Emily Long – Oklahoma  In late 2021, members of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation responded to a report that would lead to a nearly two-year, multi-departmental investigation into the shooting deaths of four whooping cranes, one of the rarest and most endangered birds in North America. In this episode, Wildlife Investigations Specialist Emily Long, whose dedication and meticulous work on this case earned her the title of 2024 IWC Game Warden of the Year, details the story. Our Sponsors:  Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum 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: Sole full-time investigator in Oklahoma New positions created to investigate both state and federal wildlife crimes Jointly funded by both state and federal departments Fewer than 600 whooping

Tom Kubiniec is the President and CEO of SecureIt Tactical, a company known for revolutionizing the way firearms are stored. With over 20 years of experience, Kubiniec played a key role in modernizing military armory systems by working with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop SecureIt’s patented CradleGrid™ technology, which is widely used in military weapon storage. This technology offers a flexible, modular way to store weapons securely and efficiently, both for the military and consumers. In addition to leading SecureIt, Kubiniec hosts a TV show called Agents of Change on the Sportsman Channel, where he highlights innovation in the firearms and outdoor industries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

134 Tyler & Chris Johnson – Alaska Bear Attack  While hunting in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula in August, Tyler Johnson and his father were suddenly charged by a large brown bear. Despite being seriously injured and accidently shot through the leg, the seasoned outdoorsman calmly filmed a video documenting the attack while waiting for rescue. Tyler and his dad join us to share their harrowing story. Our Sponsors:  Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum 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: Tyler’s dad Chris is a previous Warden’s Watch guest A father and son trip ahead of a planned move to Texas Working through dense brush, the pair emerge into tall grass  Chris hears a guttural growl At the last moment, the bear pivots toward Tyler Tyler races to unholster his sidearm In seconds, the bear is on him At

133 Tony Latham – Fire, Fish & Game and Fiction Tony Latham is an author known for his engaging stories drawn from his extensive experience as an Idaho game warden and years spent fighting wildfires in Alaska. His career has been as adventurous as the characters in his books - including a lengthy undercover operation documented in his 2012 debut novel, Trafficking: A Memoir of an Undercover Game Warden. Now, several books later, he sits down to discuss his rich background, current projects, and more. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum 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: ·       Grew up dreaming of becoming a game warden, just like his great uncle ·       From fighting wildfires in Alaska to 22 years as an Idaho game warden ·       Helped a local warden with a poaching case in high school

132 Drew Milne – British Columbia, Canada While deployed with the Canadian Armed Forces, Drew Milne picked up a book that inspired him to pursue his true calling and a new career as a conservation officer. Now, after almost two decades and multiple honors, he oversees the beautiful South Coast region of British Columbia, Canada, and teaches at the Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy. We sit down with Drew at NAWEOA as he shares his passion for helping both recruits and field officers hone their skills through use of force training and de-escalation methods. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum 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: ·        Changing careers after six years with the CAF ·        Joined as a seasonal officer in 2008 ·        Three years assisting another agency in es

131 Live from NAWEOA – with Drew Milne (BC), Kris MacCabe (ME) & Chris Gilkey (OH) This episode finds us live at NAWEOA 2024 in in beautiful Penticton, BC with Maine’s Kris MacCabe, Chris Gilkey from Ohio, and Drew Milne of our host province, British Columbia, Canada. The guys sit down for a lively roundtable talk about their respective states and provinces, the beauty surrounding them, and of course, the incredible experience that is NAWEOA. Our Sponsors:  Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum 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: Grizzlies, rams… and musk ox? A forest fire to the southwest Bears across the continent British Columbia’s strict bear hunting laws Much of BC is public land, filled with wildlife Ohio has far fewer bears Some people love BC bears, others very much do not Connecting an

130 Lukas Madsen – Alberta, Canada Ahead of NAWEOA 2024 in British Columbia, Canada, Wayne discusses warden life across the border with special guest Sgt. Lukas Madsen, a Fish & Wildlife officer in the neighboring province of Alberta. Sgt. Madsen discusses his path from growing up in the rugged beauty of the Northwest Territories to becoming a game warden, Alberta’s many outdoor opportunities, and shares a few adventures he’s had along the way. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum 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: ·       What Canadian accent? ·       Originally set out to become a biologist ·       Growing up in Yellowknife; one road north, one road south ·       Great Slave Lake is one of the deepest in Canada ·       Outdoor experience creates an advantage ·       Education never sto

When an officer-involved shooting occurs, we often hear a lot about the victim, but what happens to the person who pulled the trigger? Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum 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: ·       Officer-involved shooting: no one knew how to handle it ·       Systemic problems ·       You’re never the same person ·       One trauma can be a huge setback ·       Fit for duty ·       Stigma created by the word “homicide” in media ·       Called to investigate a suspected night hunter ·       Suspect fired at a citizen ·       The chase ·       Suspect stops, then rams Blaylock’s truck and flees ·       Vehicle does not stop at a roadblock ·       Suspect again rams officers’ vehicles ·       “I’m not making it home tonight.” ·       Less a decision than a reaction ·      

Bill Saunders' legacy is a testament to the enduring bond between family and nature. His love for the wilderness, deeply instilled in his sons, has blossomed into a tradition that transcends generations. This Father's Day, we explore their story; it's a legacy of living off the land, teaching the next generation to hunt ethically, and nurturing a passion that would one day set a young man on a familiar career path. A family's tradition, flourishing under the canopy of the great outdoors. Our Sponsors:  Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum 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: Dad grew up fishing and hunting  Snakes! The story of the cowboy in the woods Growing up on roadkill “I’d arrest Mom if I had to.” Adventures with Uncle Warren Learning never to waste a resource The deer that kept standing up

With record-high wildlife populations, Mississippi’s generous bag limits make it an attractive destination for hunters of all kinds, and game wardens are busy almost year-round. After 23 years with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), Lt. Jason Blaylock has made substantial contributions to wildlife conservation and law enforcement in the Magnolia State, and was recently named the National Wild Turkey Federation Conservation Officer of the Year by the MDWFP. Lt. Blaylock joined us at NAWEOA. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum 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: ·       Mississippi wardens are busy with game issues for much of the year ·       Working the famous river ·       Close to 200 officers in MS ·       Passing knowledge to the next generation of of

126 For the Fallen: Julian Keen – Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission  Florida FWC Officer Julian “Batman” Keen was known for his bright smile, relentless enthusiasm, and deep commitment to the people and wildlife of his home state. On a quiet Sunday morning in 2020, he heard a crash outside his home and looked out to see a truck driving recklessly. He gave chase without hesitation, eventually intercepting the hit and run suspect - who escaped - but inexplicably returned to the scene, opened fire and sped away. Officer Keen was 30 years old. His friend and mentor, FWC Lt. Pam Steelman shares the legacy of a remarkable young man, determined to fulfil a lifelong dream, and give back to the community he loved - and who loved him so dearly in return. “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 North American Game Warden Museum Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowbo

I did this game warden commentary regarding Christopher Alexander, who allegedly poached a world-class buck in Ohio. I have heard so much speculation regarding this buck through social media that I had to engage on the side of the game wardens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Late winter and early spring can find a New England game warden with a little more free time than they’re used to, and many have found a sweet way to tap into one of the nature’s greatest springtime gifts. As maple syrup season draws to a close, we catch up with Maine’s Chris Simmons, of Simmons and Daughters Sugar House, and Ken St. Pierre, of Big Lake Maple in New Hampshire, to learn just what it takes to run a successful sugar house. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum 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: ·        Chris got started making syrup with his brothers on the family farm ·        Tapping and processing with whatever they could find ·        Ken was inspired by a colleague who tapped ·        “That’s an awful idea.” ·        Rebuilding a 100-year-old evaporator ·        The e