Episodes

  • 136 Operation Night Cat with Ron Arsenault & Kevin Bronson – New Hampshire

    136 Operation Night Cat with Ron Arsenault & Kevin Bronson – New Hampshire
    Nov 15 2024
    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 · Multiple search warrants are executed · A mountain of digital evidence reveals several suspects · Poaching activities were incredibly well-documented · “It was like they had a camera crew.” · One suspect attempts to hide a cell phone… but is foiled by K9 Winni · Bobcat, deer, crows, fisher, coyotes, and foxes were all targeted · Speed and coordination are key when executing warrants · The importance of preservation letters to prevent destruction of evidence · Poaching also occurred in other states, more charges could be pending · Five people were arrested, charged with over 50 night hunting violations alone · Felony charges were also laid · County attorneys were integral to these cases · Local sportsmen were “appalled, and wanted to help.” · Poaching is still prevalent and ongoing · “One guy may start, but it takes a team to get a win.” 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
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    50 mins
  • 135 Whooping Crane Shootings with Emily Long – Oklahoma

    135 Whooping Crane Shootings with Emily Long – Oklahoma
    Oct 24 2024
    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 cranes left worldwide OK closes hunting when advised by USGS that cranes are migrating Local wardens respond to a call about an injured whooping crane The wounded bird is rescued, but does not survive Days later, a stationary tracking device is detected nearby Game wardens discover the crime scene Investigation reveals three more deceased cranes Painstakingly searching thousands of cell tower records Suspects are slowly eliminated Geolocation data finally offers a break The first confession exposes four suspects Potentially accidental shootings lead to intentional coverup Charges are brought under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act All four men plead guilty A collective total of $71,000 in fines Multiple agencies at all levels collaborated to bring the case to a successful conclusion 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
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • TGL039 Tom Kubiniec

    TGL039 Tom Kubiniec
    Oct 3 2024
    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
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • 134 Tyler & Chris Johnson – Alaska Bear Attack

    134 Tyler & Chris Johnson – Alaska Bear Attack
    Sep 18 2024
    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 some point, he accidentally shoots his left leg “Oh… it has a collar.” Both men fire at the animal Immediate triage Tyler’s boot is filling with blood Chris applies a tourniquet to stop the bleeding Tyler calmly documents the aftermath Fifteen seconds Preparing the helicopter landing zone Rescue is almost two hours away Airlifted to Anchorage “Wow, this is beautiful. My leg hurts.” A gunshot wound on one leg, a large gash on the other Chris’ training had kicked in immediately Tyler had saved his father in a previous medical emergency “Now we’re even.” Remained in Alaska for treatment Takeaways: Always bring a trauma kit Twenty-four rounds were fired A small cub is found at the scene the next day The Garmin InReach was integral to rescue “Gunshot victim, bear mauling... and then the hospital staff just got me.” 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
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    41 mins
  • 133 Tony Latham – Fire, Fish & Game and Fiction

    133 Tony Latham – Fire, Fish & Game and Fiction
    Aug 26 2024
    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 · “I was in awe of that truck.” · Early warden experiences laid the foundation for undercover work · A deadly poisoning case · A lawyer’s gamble that paid off – for law enforcement · Began writing after retirement · First book was a short guide to examining and matching firearms evidence · Fight or flight mode in undercover officers · The challenge of writing fiction after years of factual case reports · Game wardens never quite retire · Writing can bring unexpected rewards · A sneak peek at the latest work in progress: The Charley Cove series · Wildlife crime is often tied to more serious crimes · If you see something, say something – always · Returning home to 26 “hot tips” · Sharing skills learned · Chasing wildfire in Alaska · “I wanted to be a game warden.” · Getting into undercover work · Uniformed one week, undercover the next · The prolific poacher who would not say ‘elk’ · Most cases can be handled by uniformed officers · Visit Tony online 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
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    1 hr
  • 132 Drew Milne – British Columbia, Canada

    132 Drew Milne – British Columbia, Canada
    Aug 11 2024
    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 establishing a new enforcement wing · Learned about a park warden’s job while in a tank in Bosnia · An encounter with a CO back in Canada · Horseback in the Rocky Mountains: hang onto your hat! · A life-changing confrontation · Learning to lower the temperature · Body language matters as much as dialog · British Columbia’s CO uniform · The path to becoming a BC Conservation Officer · Worked at the 2010 Winter Olympics · The Yukon: helicopters, float planes, snowmobiles and wildlife · A sheep poaching case solved by lichen in a photo · BC’s Use of Force lead trainer – sharing lessons learned · Remaining calm and respectful, even in tense moments · “Who cares what happened before? Now is now.” · Personal connections are critical 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
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    51 mins
  • 131 Live from NAWEOA – with Drew Milne (BC), Kris MacCabe (ME) & Chris Gilkey (OH)

    131 Live from NAWEOA – with Drew Milne (BC), Kris MacCabe (ME) & Chris Gilkey (OH)
    Jul 25 2024
    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 and learning at NAWEOA Sharing commonalities and differences NAWEOA 2025: Erie, Pennsylvania The many microclimates of British Columbia “The Napa Valley of Canada.” Canadians really are that friendly Tim Hortons, maple syrup, Cheezies, and poutine “You guys don’t have Smarties?” Chris’ poutine plan: The Gilkey NAWEOA in one word Camaraderie, connection, and family Snakes! 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
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    44 mins
  • 130 Lukas Madsen – Alberta, Canada

    130 Lukas Madsen – Alberta, Canada
    Jul 13 2024
    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 stops · Had to build experience to be hired full-time · Working as a park ranger - aka the Party Police · Adventures in bear trapping · Sometimes euthanasia is the only option · The Western Conservation Law Academy · “The best job in the world.” · Alberta has an abundance of wildlife · A couple of unethical outfitters · Wildlife crimes in another country can result in big problems · NAWEOA: “We all have the same stories.” · Always move forward, always try to do better 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 Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins