Warden&#039;s Watch

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Alabama becomes the latest state added to the Warden’s Watch map
Jason’s recent promotion to Lieutenant
Balancing administration with field work and mentoring officers
Alabama’s law enforcement structure and conservation districts
Hunter education returning under law enforcement oversight
Public shooting ranges and firearms education programs
Archery in Schools programs and state tournaments
Mentor hunts for new deer and turkey hunters
Fishing outreach and recruitment of new outdoorsmen
The importance of teaching firearm safety to youth
“I’d much rather them be familiar with a firearm so that they can be safe with it.”
Jason’s family connection to law enforcement
Six years as an Alabama State Trooper
Leaving law enforcement for youth and urban ministry
Returning to public service and joining Conservation Enforcement
Similarities between highway patrol and game warden work
The investigative nature of conservation law enforcement
Long-term wildlife investigations that can take years to develop
Alabama’s lengthy hunting seasons
Three-buck annual limit for hunters
A doe-a-day harvest opportunity throughout much of the season
Alabama’s successful whitetail deer restoration history
Year-round enforcement responsibilities
Feral hog and coyote hunting permits
Turkey, dove, waterfowl, fishing, and alligator seasons
“We stay busy year round.”
Search and rescue support operations
Assisting with tornado recovery and disaster response
Rural operations and trauma medicine training
Cottonmouths, alligators, and other southern wildlife challenges
Alabama’s record-setting alligator harvest
Alligator tag lotteries and hunting opportunities
Resident-only alligator permits
The challenge of constantly changing wildlife regulations
Trail camera restrictions and fair chase discussions
Modern hunting technology and hunter “hit lists”
Growing use of thermal optics and night vision devices
Investigating illegal thermal hunting cases
The impact of technology on wildlife law enforcement
Drones and the future of wildlife enforcement challenges
The importance of public tips and cooperation
Alabama’s unique conservation K-9 program
Beagles used to track wildlife violators
Partnership with the Alabama Department of Corrections
Finding non-barking beagles ideal for conservation work
Meet Jason’s tracking dog, Poundcake
A turkey poaching case solved with K-9 tracking
Tracking a suspect from the scene back to his hunting camp
A turkey hunter accidentally shot while using a decoy
Another successful beagle-assisted investigation
Tracking and apprehending night hunters
Recovering firearms and locating fleeing suspects
The public relations benefits of using beagles
“It’s hard to have a bad day.”
The rewards of a career as a game warden
The bond shared between conservation officers across North America

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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180 Will Seegers – Vermont

Posted on October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 by nhfishcop10

Vermont Game Warden Will Seegers joins Wayne to discuss life as a conservation officer in the Green Mountain State. From water survival training and cold-water emergencies to boating safety, ice rescue, and working Vermont’s lakes and waterways, Will shares stories from the field and lessons learned throughout his career.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Will’s path to becoming a Vermont Game Warden
Seven years on the job and finding his stride
Training and mentoring the next generation of wardens
Becoming involved in instructor and field training roles
NASBLA officer water survival training
Why game wardens work in high-risk water environments
How duty gear affects swimming and survival
Experiencing full-uniform water immersion training
Learning to function in realistic emergency scenarios
Creating flotation devices from duty pants
Surprising lessons about ballistic vests in the water
“The biggest surprise for me was just how quickly you fatigue wearing duty gear in the water.”
Which pieces of equipment become the biggest burden
Firearm retention and survival considerations
When equipment can be replaced and when it can’t
Psychological challenges of abandoning gear
Cold water immersion and ice rescue realities
Why panic is often the greatest danger after falling through the ice
The importance of spreading body weight and self-rescue techniques
The story behind a game warden earning the nickname “Otter”
Life jackets and why experienced wardens wear them more often as their careers progress
Inflatable PFDs versus inherently buoyant life jackets
Potential failure points with inflatable life jackets
Why checking CO₂ cartridges matters
Officer safety considerations around waterways
Real-world case studies involving law enforcement encounters in the water
How quickly a routine contact can become a life-threatening situation
“All you need is to be near water and it could become a relevant variable in what unfolds.”
Running Vermont’s first officer water survival courses
Teaching wardens how to protect themselves during falls from boats and docks
Extrication techniques and getting back aboard safely
Why the training is practical rather than “high-speed” tactical instruction
The value of experiencing problems before they happen for real
Lake Champlain and the challenges of large-water operations
Open-water survival techniques
Conserving energy and body heat while awaiting rescue
Vermont’s world-class fishing opportunities
State-record fish from Lake Champlain
The legend of Champ, Lake Champlain’s famous lake monster
Expanding water survival training throughout Vermont and neighboring agencies

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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179 Saving Oka – With NH Turtle Rescue

Posted on September 29, 2026September 29, 2026 by nhfishcop10

In this episode of Warden’s Watch, Wayne follows up on the disturbing New Hampshire turtle cruelty case by sitting down with Dallas Huggins and Drew Stevens of the New Hampshire Turtle Rescue. They share Oka the turtle’s recovery story, explain the challenges facing native turtle populations, and highlight the conservation work needed to protect these remarkable animals for generations to come.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Why Wayne wanted to learn more about turtle rescue after covering the turtle cruelty case
Wayne’s story about rescuing an injured crow nicknamed “Survivor”
Meeting Dallas Huggins and Drew Stevens from New Hampshire Turtle Rescue
How Oka the turtle got her name
The rescue’s annual naming themes for turtles
Reports of turtle crossing signs being vandalized in Hillsboro
Growing concerns about an unusually high number of dead turtles on one road
Neighbors documenting suspicious activity around turtle crossing areas
The night Oka was discovered
Volunteer transporters helped get Oka to the rescue
The extent of Oka’s shell injuries
Emergency treatment, pain management, and stabilization efforts
“What pain has a turtle ever done to anybody?”
Conservation Officer Zach Abrahamson’s investigation
The use of a turtle decoy during the investigation
Charges laid against the offender
Discussion about penalties and wildlife cruelty laws
Public reaction to the case
Gaps in legal protections for some turtle species
Efforts to strengthen New Hampshire’s turtle protection regulations
The dangers of people taking wild turtles home as pets
Challenges caused by improper care and disease transmission
The impact of illegal turtle collection and the pet trade
How Oka’s shell repair differed from typical vehicle-strike injuries
Concerns about possible spinal damage and paralysis
The painstaking process of cleaning and rebuilding a damaged shell
Discovering that Oka was still carrying an egg after the attack
Recovery updates and Oka’s progress
“She’s acting like a normal turtle.”
Why the rescue believes the case should serve as a catalyst for change
The origins of New Hampshire Turtle Rescue
Learning wildlife rehabilitation through raptor and general wildlife care
Taking over turtle rehabilitation work from a retiring mentor
Expectations of a few turtle cases turning into hundreds
Growing demand for turtle-specific wildlife rehabilitation
Why roads are the biggest threat facing many turtle populations
The importance of habitat conservation
How long-lived turtle species struggle to recover from population losses
The role of wetlands, vernal pools, and connected habitats
Wildlife-friendly culverts and safe road crossings
Efforts to improve crossings for Blanding’s turtles and other species
Why rehabilitation is only a temporary solution without habitat protection
Moving turtles safely across roads
Seasonal turtle movements beyond nesting season
Fall migrations to overwintering sites
The remarkable site fidelity of native turtles
“The best way to help turtles is land conservation.”
How listeners can support New Hampshire Turtle Rescue
Resources available for people who find injured turtles
The rescue’s mission to help an ever-growing number of turtles

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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Find More Here:

178 The Turtle Trap – With Zach Abrahamsson

Posted on September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 by nhfishcop10

A quiet back road, a string of dead turtles, and a community determined to protect local wildlife. Conservation Officer Zach Abrahamsson joins Warden’s Watch to tell the incredible story behind “The Turtle Trap,” an investigation that used a toy turtle decoy to catch a suspect responsible for a shocking act of wildlife cruelty. From citizen observations to undercover surveillance, this episode highlights the challenges of proving wildlife crimes and the importance of protecting vulnerable species.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Wayne welcomes Zach Abrahamsson from New Hampshire Fish and Game.
The case begins on Bog Road in Hillsboro, New Hampshire.
Residents install turtle crossing signs to protect nesting turtles.
The signs begin disappearing.
Someone leaves a handwritten message demanding the signs be removed.
Witnesses notice a local resident repeatedly driving a side-by-side up and down the road.
Dead turtles begin appearing along a short stretch of roadway.
Concerned citizens carefully track the number of turtles being found.
Fifteen turtles are found dead over a short period.
A nesting turtle catches the attention of nearby residents.
Witnesses watch as a man picks up the turtle, places it in the road, and stomps on it.
The injured turtle survives and is rushed to a licensed rehabilitator.
The turtle is expected to make a full recovery.
Hillsboro Police contact Fish and Game to investigate.
Zach discusses New Hampshire’s wildlife cruelty law.
Officers begin planning a proactive operation.
Fellow officer James Benvenuti suggests using a toy turtle as a decoy.
“My son has this toy turtle.”
The realistic decoy is placed along the road.
Officers hide nearby and wait.
A passing vehicle unintentionally disrupts part of the operation.
Zach spends several tense moments hiding behind a large boulder.
“My heart was pounding.”
The suspect spots the decoy turtle.
He turns around and deliberately drives over it.
The action is captured on video.
The suspect immediately heads home afterward.
Officers explain the difference between circumstantial evidence and proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Zach breaks down how wildlife cases are built for court.
The chargeable offense centers on the turtle that witnesses observed being stomped.
The decoy operation helps reinforce the investigative findings.
Zach explains the difference between felony and misdemeanor wildlife cruelty charges.
The discussion turns to officer discretion and appropriate punishment.
“The most important thing is getting this guy to stop doing this.”
The suspect pleads guilty to the charges.
The case results in fines and a criminal record.
Public reaction to the case is intense.
Balancing accountability with changing behavior.
The importance of reporting suspicious wildlife activity.
Zach explains the conservation impact of losing multiple turtles.
Remarkably, the famous turtle decoy survives the operation with only a cracked shell.
The battle-scarred decoy earns permanent trophy status among the officers.

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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W10 Lisa Feener & Kelly Irwin – Pack Life

Posted on August 29, 2026August 29, 2026 by nhfishcop10

Kelly Irwin and Lisa Feener join the podcast to share their experiences in the world of hound hunting, from raising generations of bear dogs to navigating a traditionally male-dominated sport. This conversation explores memorable hunts, dog breeding, wildlife behavior, mentorship, and the deep bond between houndsmen and their dogs. More than anything, this episode is about the dogs, the people who love them, and the traditions that keep the sport alive.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Meeting through New Hampshire Bear Hunters Association field trials
Why women are still relatively uncommon in hound hunting
The term houndsmen and why neither guest worries much about labels
Keeping things simple and focusing on the dogs
Kelly’s introduction to hunting with hounds after meeting her husband
Falling in love with the sport almost immediately
Building a family bloodline that now stretches six generations
Lisa’s first exposure to hound hunting while working on bear research
Using hounds to capture and study radio-collared bears
Discovering that hounds are more than just tools
“Of course they’re dogs. They’re going to want to play, they’re going to want to snuggle, and they just have this really intense job.”
Driving hours to learn more about dogs and hound hunting
Mentorship, friendship, and learning the craft together
“I want you to have a real bear dog.”
Trial and error while building a successful pack
Learning to manage different dog personalities and abilities
The differences men and women can bring to dog training
Reading dogs through their voices, behavior, and body language
Understanding each dog’s strengths and weaknesses
Memorable hunts in steep mountains and rugged terrain
Recovering dogs from cliffs and navigating difficult country
A successful bear hunt that led to an unexpected encounter with hikers
Turning curiosity into a positive educational experience
Common misconceptions about hunting with hounds
“The strongest relationship you can have with an animal is to hunt with it.”
Why most houndsmen are motivated by the dogs, not the harvest
“It’s not about how many bears you can kill. For most houndsmen, it’s about the dogs.”
Watching young dogs develop and gain confidence
The excitement of a puppy figuring things out for the first time
“Some of the most memorable hunts are when the puppies learn a thing.”
Catch-and-release bear hunting during training season
Understanding bear behavior and seasonal food sources
Following clues from what bears are eating
Studying movement patterns and habitat use
Building bloodlines and preserving desirable traits
The role genetics plays in creating successful hunting dogs
“You have full ownership over the outcome of that dog.”
Why local bloodlines often perform best in local conditions
Hunting differences between northern New Hampshire and northern Maine
Water crossings, cold trailing, and challenging terrain
How regional conditions shape dogs over generations
Hunting with children and introducing the next generation
The teamwork required to manage a successful hound hunt
Working together through guide camps and outdoor adventures
Processing bears in the woods rather than rushing back to camp
Slowing down and appreciating the entire experience
“Take time to smell the roses.”
Why the journey matters more than the harvest
Looking ahead to another season with the dogs

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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177 The Creek Kings Case – With Mark Williams

Posted on August 21, 2026August 21, 2026 by nhfishcop10

What happens when modern poaching meets social media fame? Ohio Wildlife Officer Mark Williams shares the story of the Creek Kings case, an investigation that exposed years of illegal deer hunting hidden behind a successful YouTube channel. What began with a park visitor finding hunting equipment in a metro park quickly grew into a massive digital investigation involving trail cameras, cell phone data, deleted evidence, fake hunting locations, sponsorship money, and some very ambitious trophy hunters. Mark takes us through the case from the first clue to the final sentencing and explains how technology helped both the offenders and the officers who caught them.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Meet Ohio Wildlife Officer Mark Williams
Why Mark calls this a “21st century poaching case”
The rise of wildlife commercialization through social media
The Creek Kings Outdoors YouTube channel
Hunting for views, sponsorships, and online fame
A park visitor discovers hunting equipment in Three Creeks Metro Park
Metro Park Ranger Stefan Brook gets involved
Building partnerships before a major case pays off
Trail cameras, tree stands, and ATV trails in the park
Investigators identify two cousins as suspects
Zach Bethel and Justin Booth become the focus
How cellular trail cameras changed the investigation
“It would have been impossible for them to do what they did without technology, and impossible for us to stop them without ours.”
Rangers document repeated hunting activity
Officers begin monitoring the YouTube channel
Hunting equipment, filming gear, and surveillance cameras
The challenge of predicting suspect movements
Rangers catch the suspects entering the park
Excuses about lost dogs and accidental hunting
Contradictions begin piling up
Hidden cameras and deleted messages
Evidence tampering enters the picture
“The only lesson they learned was not to hunt it with equipment they couldn’t carry out.”
Search warrants for phones and digital devices
Suspects underestimate the investigation
Recovering deleted information
Discovering years of illegal activity
Investigators realize the case is much bigger than expected
Illegal deer linked to YouTube content
Prodigy, Turkeyfoot, Wide 10, and other named bucks
Hunting places they had no permission to hunt
Recovering deer across multiple properties
The fake Kentucky hunts
Deer allegedly harvested in Kentucky were actually killed in Ohio
Manipulating videos to create a false story
Property owners misled by the suspects
Sponsors unknowingly backing illegal hunting content
“These guys made tens of thousands in material and monetary wealth from illegally killing wildlife.”
Investigators spend months analyzing phones, computers, drones, and photos
Five years of documented activity uncovered
The Metro Park becomes their “cheat code”
Conversations about avoiding detection
Planning future fake Kentucky hunts
Using drones to locate deer
Hunting-related drone violations
Evidence from podcasts, texts, videos, and photos
How social media became a treasure trove of evidence
The decision to focus on the strongest charges
Cooperation between wildlife officers, park rangers, prosecutors, and tech specialists
76 total charges filed
Plea agreements and guilty pleas
Over $29,000 in wildlife restitution
More than $37,000 in total financial penalties
Nine days of jail time
Five-year revocation of hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges
Wildlife Violator Compact consequences across North America
Ban from Metro Parks and Alum Creek State Park
Restrictions on possessing hunting equipment
“They treated it like their own private preserve.”
The damage done to sponsors and supporters
Hunters who felt betrayed by the channel
The dangers of chasing fame and online success
Lessons for conservation officers facing digital-era wildlife crimes
Why Mark believes more cases like this are coming
The importance of protecting public resources
Final thoughts on greed, accountability, and conservation

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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176 Open Fields Doctrine – With Chief Travis McLain

Posted on July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 by nhfishcop10

This week on Warden’s Watch, Wayne sits down with Missouri Department of Conservation Chief of Protection Travis McLain to tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in conservation law: the Open Fields Doctrine. As both a conservation officer and attorney, Travis breaks down where the doctrine came from, what it actually means, and why protecting wildlife resources requires a balance between private property rights and public trust responsibilities.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Why the Open Fields Doctrine continues to generate confusion
Common myths about game warden authority
How conservation officers operate under the same constitutional protections and limitations as other law enforcement officers
The origins of the Open Fields Doctrine and Hester v. United States
What the Fourth Amendment protects and what it doesn’t
Why open fields are different from homes, curtilage, papers, and personal effects
“The Constitution really does apply to conservation officers, just like other police officers.”
Why there isn’t a game warden behind every tree
How conservation officers prioritize calls, complaints, and active hunting and fishing activity
Respecting private landowners while protecting public wildlife resources
The connection between the Open Fields Doctrine and the Public Trust Doctrine
How wildlife belongs to all citizens, not individual landowners
The history of wildlife management in North America
Robin Hood, the King’s deer, and the roots of wildlife law
Why the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is unique
The role of science and public input in setting regulations
Wildlife management as a balance of biological and social factors
Missouri’s recovery from just 2,000 deer to around a million!
“What got us there when they start thinking about totally upsetting the apple cart or changing the system.”
How conservation law enforcement supports long-term wildlife sustainability
The importance of relationships between agencies, landowners, and sportsmen
Why 93% of Missouri being privately owned creates unique challenges
What could happen if conservation officers couldn’t investigate wildlife violations on private land
The role regulations play in protecting future generations of wildlife
Why enforcement is about protecting resources, not writing tickets
Conservation officers as educators and community partners
How officers are trained to respect private property rights
Social media misconceptions about conservation law enforcement
Why many large landowners welcome conservation officers onto their properties
Protecting hunting opportunities for everyone
How officers provide valuable field information back to wildlife biologists
Baiting, disease transmission, and fair chase concerns
“Rules without enforcement are just suggestions.”
The Boone and Crockett Club’s Poach and Pay study
Why the biggest deterrent to poaching is the presence of a capable guardian
How major wildlife cases often begin with small observations in the field
The difference between making cases and protecting resources
“It’s not about the case. It’s about stopping the damage that’s being done to the public trust resource.”
Why successful conservation means more compliant hunters and anglers, not more citations
Protecting wildlife regardless of land ownership, wealth, or status
Challenges faced by public land hunters
Why wildlife moves freely across property boundaries
The importance of fair and consistent enforcement
Looking beyond today and managing resources for future generations
“If we all work together and respect each other, we can continue to keep going into the future for everybody.”
Final thoughts on balancing private property rights and public wildlife resources
Debunking the myth of “special powers” held by game wardens

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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175 Jessica Avery – Manitoba, Canada

Posted on July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 by nhfishcop10

Jessica Avery from the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service joins Wayne at the North American Game Warden Museum to talk about her career, life as a conservation officer in Manitoba, serving on the museum’s board of directors, and some of the incredible places game wardens patrol in northern Canada. From winter road caribou patrols and -60C mornings to fish poaching stakeouts and wildfire deployments, Jessica shares what makes conservation work in Manitoba both challenging and rewarding.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Jessica explains the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service and how the agency has evolved over the years
Her role as Canadian Treasurer for the North American Game Warden Museum
The unique international location of the museum
Why the museum is a “pilgrimage” destination for game wardens
Starting as a seasonal conservation officer in Manitoba
How Manitoba still offers one of the few seasonal conservation officer programs in Canada
Growing up in Saskatchewan, calling Alberta home, and building a career in Manitoba
“I’m really lucky to get to go all those places and do that kind of stuff.”
Patrolling Manitoba’s remote northern wilderness
Fly-in caribou patrols and winter road enforcement
Common caribou hunting violations officers encounter
Working alongside northern Indigenous communities
Staying in remote bush camps and nurse barracks
Northern lights and untouched wilderness in Manitoba’s far north
Waking up to temperatures around -60C (-76F)!
Trucks refusing to start in extreme cold
“We were just not as prepared as we probably should have been for those temperatures.”
Using helicopters and float planes to reach remote areas
Conservation officers’ role in wildfire operations
Long fire assignments and burnout challenges
Supporting firefighters with logistics and supplies
Why Manitoba has experienced severe wildfire conditions
Human-caused fires versus lightning-caused fires
Deep-burning peat and bog fires that can survive winter
Being part of a game warden family
Why so many Manitoba conservation officers meet their spouses through the job
Managing a long-distance conservation officer relationship
Building a family while advancing both careers
Moving from field work into headquarters leadership roles
Life on Manitoba’s endless prairie road system
Jessica’s favorite game warden story: a winter walleye-poaching stakeout
Surveillance in -45C temperatures
Trying not to sound like a “bull in a china shop” while sneaking into position
Catching poachers who had been using the same spot for years
“They were shocked.”
How consistent enforcement led to voluntary compliance
The value of the North American Game Warden Museum
Learning from other law enforcement museums across North America
The surprising success and size of the Game Warden Museum
“It’s just such a great career, great lifestyle.”
“I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life other than being a game warden.”

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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174 Chris Egan – With Tayton Keezer

Posted on June 25, 2026June 25, 2026 by nhfishcop10

This episode brings us a fresh perspective as Conservation Law student Tayton Keezer steps behind the mic to interview retired New Hampshire CO Chris Egan. What starts as a simple student-to-officer conversation turns into a mix of mentorship, hard truths, and wild field stories, as Tayton connects what he’s learning in school to what the job really looks like in the field.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Tayton stepping in as guest host and kicking things off with Chris
Chris’ early love for the outdoors and where it came from
Growing up around hunting, fishing, and camp culture with family
“I think it’s innate in every kid… it just needs to be fostered.”
Early influences from his dad and grandfather
Developing people skills at a young age by learning from others in the field
The importance of curiosity and asking questions
The best parts of the job, independence and building your own patrol days
“Patrolling woods and waters in an area that I love to be in”
Flexibility in choosing how to work, from boats to ATVs to foot patrol
Balancing independence with the structured nature of the role
Least favorite parts – including paperwork and detailed reporting
The reality that reports can become court evidence
The harder side of the job: fatalities, searches, and recoveries
“Those things don’t go away… they’re like a scar in your mind.”
How difficult calls can stay with you over time
Advice for young hunters and anglers entering the outdoors
Concerns about fewer kids spending time outside
“I just don’t understand how you could be bored outside.”
The mental health benefits of being outdoors
The joy and meaning the outdoors brought to Chris’ life
The balance of the job, rewarding one day and demanding the next
“Some days you shouldn’t be getting paid… other days you should be getting paid 10 times.”
Early interactions with wardens and how they shape perception of the role
Field techniques and tricks learned from other officers
A case involving illegal exotic animals inside a residence
Walking into what felt like a zoo inside someone’s home
A late-night Sasquatch call
“I had to respond to it without laughing.”
The risks of working in remote areas at night
A major poaching case involving a moose shot multiple times
The long investigation that went unsolved for years
A last-minute confession just before the statute of limitations expired
“I’m here to take responsibility for what I did.”
Accountability, personal change, and closure in that case
Chris’ approach to enforcement, firm but fair
The importance of maintaining relationships in small communities
How those relationships can impact safety and future cases
Conservation officers as a voice for wildlife
Encouragement for the next generation entering the field
Reflecting on a career built on passion, responsibility, and respect

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

Subscribe:

Find More Here:

173 Etienne Daigle – Quebec, Canada

Posted on June 13, 2026June 13, 2026 by staceydesroches

If you’ve ever wondered what game wardens deal with north of the border, this one delivers. From bear decoy busts to baby crocodiles in a bunker, “Agent de la faune” Etienne Daigle gives us a front row seat to wildlife enforcement in Quebec, Canada – and it’s anything but predictable.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association