Warden&#039;s Watch

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

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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

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Starting the job at just 20 years old after switching from police academy to game warden training
“It’s two totally different jobs” – policing the woods vs the streets
Quebec wardens enforce fish, game, and trapping laws, not full police powers
Arresting suspects as a citizen in uniform before turning them over to police
First posting in Lac Saint-Jean – a remote territory with massive patrol areas
“People just don’t like bears” due to concerns about moose calves
His very first case – a bear decoy operation during closed season
Lying in a ditch as a hunter returns with his family
Waiting for a second shot to confirm intent
A plane flying overhead causes the hunter to panic
Moving the decoy’s head to trigger a reaction
“Dad, the bear is moving” leads to a second shot
Officers step in after clear evidence is established
“He truly thought it was a real bear.”
Covering areas with 10,000 plus lakes and hours-long patrol drives
Fishing opportunities – walleye, pike, and lake trout everywhere
Moose hunting rules – multiple hunters and shared tags required
“About a $2,500 fine” for illegal harvest
“The most dangerous animal is a moose with a calf.”
Transfer to a mining region brings more drug-related cases
“We are there for wildlife, but we deal with human problems too.”
Case involving a drug dealer with two baby crocodiles
Illegal possession of exotic animals without proper permits
Joint operation with provincial police
Planning entry into a single-access basement
Unexpected twist – the suspect’s father answers the door
Securing the scene and removing the animals safely
“Drugs and reptiles seem to go together.”
Roughly 300 officers covering all of Quebec
Balancing wildlife enforcement with real-world danger

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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W09 New England Naturals – With Jake DeBow

Posted on May 28, 2026May 28, 2026 by staceydesroches

Jake DeBow didn’t just grow up around trapping; he grew into it, built a life around it, and somehow turned frozen beaver ponds, late nights, and a sewing machine into a thriving business. In this episode, Wayne sits down in Jake’s trapping shed to talk about New England Naturals, the art of fur, and why more people are starting to care about where their food and even their clothing comes from. Spoiler: beaver might be the best red meat you’ve never tried.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Kicking off the return of Warden’s Watch Wild: “I’ve got some wild stuff going on.”
Meeting Jake DeBow, three years in the making to get him on the show
Growing up with a father who was a nuisance wildlife trapper
“It was always raccoons and skunks coming home in cage traps.”
Sports first, trapping later, rediscovering it in college and grad school
Getting into beaver trapping because “beaver meat is delicious.”
Starting a trapline together as a couple, relationship goals outdoors style
“She was never squeamish… just fascinated.”
Using everything from a beaver: meat, fur, skulls, and glands
The “rabbit holes” of natural products and curiosity
The quiet, frozen beauty of winter trapping
“There’s something really special about being out there.”
Why trapping is harder to get into than hunting
Appeal for young adults after college looking for purpose and connection
Accessibility of beaver vs deer, “there’s a beaver in just about every ditch.”
Feeding 50% of their red meat intake from beaver
“I’ve never had someone try it and not love it.”
Beaver as the “beef of the river,” rich, mild, versatile
Supplying beaver for a wild game dinner, big reactions from the crowd
Getting 9 to 12 meals plus weeks of dog food from one animal
The origins of New England Naturals and frustration with low fur prices
“We got $12 a beaver… it didn’t feel right.”
Early side hustle, Etsy shop, tinctures, moose antler dog chews
Pandemic pivot and turning $2,000 and fiddleheads into a sewing machine
Teaching themselves fur sewing from scratch
Starting with beaver fur koozies and laughing about early attempts
The TikTok turning point, one video and everything sold out
“We couldn’t keep up… we were sewing until 2AM!”
Hiring their first employee and outgrowing the basement
Moving into a real workspace and rapid growth over two years
Using social media for education, not just selling
Breaking misconceptions about trapping and outdated stereotypes
“Trappers were quiet for 30 years… that time is gone.”
The importance of public understanding and support
Why people are reconnecting with their food
“There’s something special about being responsible for what’s on your plate.”
That same mindset applied to clothing and materials
Fur as durable, warm, and biodegradable
Plastic clothing “is going to be your grandkids’ problem.”
Product focus on practical, hard-use gear
Core products: muffs, mittens, bomber hats, and hand warmers
“We want fur in people’s hands that actually gets used.”
Beaver fur hand warmers – simple, reusable, effective
Cat toys made from real fur: “cats go nuts for them.”
Future ideas: blankets, vests, and more product expansion
Balancing growth, time, and staying true to their mission
Shop New England Naturals
Follow the fun on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

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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172 For the Fallen: First Sgt. Karl Kelley – Indiana DNR

Posted on May 13, 2026May 13, 2026 by nhfishcop10

In this National Police Week memorial episode, Wayne sits down with two men who lived through an unimaginable moment when a training exercise turned into a fight for survival. Retired Indiana DNR Lieutenant Colonel Terry Hyndman and First Sgt. Tom Jahn revisit the day they lost their friend and teammate, First Sgt. Karl Kelley, in a swift water incident that still shapes them decades later. It’s a difficult listen at times – but an important one – and a reminder of what service and brotherhood truly mean.

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

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Why Warden’s Watch dedicates a yearly episode to the fallen during Police Week
Remembering Karl Kelley and the legacy he left behind
“How do you ever repay a debt so great?”
The early days of Indiana’s swift water rescue program
“We were wet behind the ears.”
Building a nationally respected training program from the ground up
What low-head dams are, and why they’re called “drowning machines.”
The deceptive danger: “It looks calm… but it’s a washing machine underneath.”
Training for worst-case scenarios in real-world environments
The setup at Williams Dam – a powerful and unpredictable system
The two-boat tether rescue technique explained
When everything goes wrong in seconds
Losing engine power and being pulled toward the dam
“We knew we were in trouble.”
First Sgt. Kelley moving in without hesitation to save his teammates
Multiple rescue attempts before the final, fatal approach
“Just 20 feet in front of us, I remember his boat going over.”
Two boats and four officers trapped in the boil
“We fought to survive for 20 minutes in that dam.”
The relentless force of the dam, flipping boats, tearing equipment apart
Fighting to stay alive in conditions you cannot control
Terry’s perspective from shore and the race to respond
The last-ditch move: turning a boat into a “sea anchor.”
The moment the current finally gives way and releases them
Despite the best gear and training, “those dams don’t care.”
Karl passes away days later
Survivor’s guilt: “He died for me… what do you do with that?”
“I didn’t want to survive after that. I didn’t think I could go on.”
Finding purpose and honoring sacrifice after tragedy
How shared trauma connects officers across time and distance
Supporting another officer years later who lived the same nightmare
“If you’ve walked in those shoes… you become their light.”
Who Karl was – mentor, leader, and quiet influence
“You don’t always have to swing for the fence” – leadership advice that stuck
A devoted family man who valued life beyond the job
The moment at the funeral – “Don’t quit.”
Choosing to carry on and honour the sacrifice
“We can’t repay it… but we can choose to live better. We choose to work better, do better.”

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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171 Kevin & Kathy Behr – Survivors With Purpose

Posted on May 7, 2026May 7, 2026 by nhfishcop10

On this episode of Warden’s Watch, we sit down again with Ohio’s Kevin Behr – this time joined by his wife, Kathy – to talk about survival, recovery, and the purpose they’ve found after Kevin was shot in the line of duty. Recorded at the International Game Warden Conference, this conversation goes beyond the incident itself and into what happens after – for officers, spouses, families, and anyone navigating a critical incident. A powerful update, an honest conversation, and a reminder that survival comes with responsibility – and that even in the worst moments, purpose can still be found.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Kathy’s spouse‑focused training on critical incidents – and why she created it
“You don’t realize what you don’t have in place until it’s happening”
Navigating power of attorney, medical decisions, and legal realities mid‑crisis
Being Kevin’s voice while he was unconscious – medically and legally
Why law enforcement statements on medication can be problematic in court
The emotional toll on spouses and kids when an officer is critically injured
Kevin seeing purpose in survival: “We did – they didn’t, so we have work to do.”
Turning trauma into something meaningful, even when healing isn’t linear
Stubbornness as a survival trait (and yes, it helped)
Brain injury recovery, negativity, and recognizing the long road back
Living with permanent change and reframing it positively
“Any fool can get through this – I’m living proof.”
The power of humor in trauma recovery
Doctors who refuse to give up: “Nobody quits on my team. Not even you.”
Finding a new purpose when the old one can’t exist anymore
How Kevin’s experience now helps train officers, trauma teams, and agencies
The ripple effect of sharing hard truths so others can prepare
Sidebar conversations that matter more than the main stage
Why laughing, crying, and telling the story all matter
“Everybody’s the main character in their own story.”
Surviving isn’t the end – it’s the beginning of responsibility
Kevin and Kathy as resources for those walking similar paths
Miracles along the way – and choosing to keep them moving forward

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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Field to Fork – Wild Game Cooking with Iron Skillet

Posted on April 24, 2026April 24, 2026 by nhfishcop10

In this episode of Warden’s Watch, we’re introducing a new sponsor to the show – Iron Skillet Seasonings – and sitting down with the people behind the product. Founder Dennis Dedek and new owner Cody Baciuska join us to talk about how Iron Skillet got its start, why their seasonings are developed specifically for wild game, and what makes them different from anything else on the shelf. From decades‑old family recipes to practical, real‑world cooking advice, this is a conversation about making wild game taste its best – without overcomplicating it.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

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:

170 The Ray Anderson Case – Washington State

Posted on April 17, 2026April 23, 2026 by nhfishcop10

What began as a baffling discovery in a Washington State clearcut quickly turned into one of the most significant wildlife cases in the region – mainly because of the sentence that followed. Officers Lanny McOmber and Sergeant Brian Alexander walk us through a long, technical investigation involving multiple poached elk, complex necropsies, geofence warrants, cutting-edge tech and a suspect who just couldn’t stay away.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Why officers called it the Ray Anderson case
Four elk found dead in a clearcut
“There was no question – this was a poaching incident.”
Necropsies on multiple elk in field conditions
No bullets or brass recovered
A fifth elk tied to the incident
Early frustration with limited evidence
Asking the public for tips
Turning to geofence warrants
A complex, multi‑step warrant process
Waiting months for data returns
Separate trespassing issues on timber land
Cut gates and trail cameras
A familiar vehicle keeps reappearing
The suspect returning near the scene
Contact with a convicted felon
Firearms located in the vehicle
Quietly keeping cases separate
Geofence data starts lining up
An interview that slowly tightens
Initial denials turn into admissions
The claim of “guiding” elk by shooting at them
Washington’s spree‑killing statute explained
Elevating wildlife violations to felonies
How prior case law came full circle
The gut punch of sentencing day
A delayed – but meaningful – outcome
Mentorship and career‑defining cases
“You create your own luck in this 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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169 – PAGC Tracking Team

Posted on April 4, 2026April 4, 2026 by nhfishcop10

In this episode of Warden’s Watch, we sit down with members of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Tracking Team – a rare, highly trained group of game wardens who specialize in man tracking. From grassroots beginnings and intense training standards to real‑world deployments where everything clicks, this conversation explores what it truly means to be experts in the woods. Along the way, the guys share powerful success stories, gear talk, and a reminder that camaraderie might just be the most important tool they carry.

Our Sponsors:

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association