In our final episode celebrating Women’s History Month 2025, we’re excited to welcome Maine game warden Mindy Rugg. Inspired by our very own podcast, Mindy transitioned from a successful career as a vet tech to become a game warden in 2021. Join us as she shares her journey, the challenges she faces, and the unique perspective women bring to the job.
Our Sponsors:
North American Game Warden Museum
International Wildlife Crimestoppers
Here’s what we discuss:
- Gained many skills in her previous career as a vet tech
- Needed to be outside
- Listened to the Warden’s Watch podcast
- Not everyone loves the game warden
- Hired in 2021, full-time in 2022
- Checking hundreds of boats a day
- On the job experience can be the best communication training
- People react well if you treat them fairly
- Strategies to manage dyslexia
- Spell check, Grammarly, and text-to-speech
- Working in Western Maine – close to home, but not too close
- “Every single day I learn something new.”
- Mindy’s favorite Warden’s Watch episode
- Maine Warden Service now has seven female officers
- Many companies don’t make clothing for women in law enforcement
- Don’t talk yourself out of it – make it happen
- It’s no longer a shock to meet a female game warden
- Women can bring a different perspective to the job
Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
Subscribe:
Find More Here: