Tag: Conservation Officer

Hunt Regs

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 supportive chain of command

· The importance of different perspectives

· People generally want to talk if you make them comfortable

· An upcoming wedding!

· The ‘dead’ alligator that blinked

· “You never know what you’re gonna come across.”

· Lake Seminole: Georgia’s best kept secret

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:

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

Posted on November 15, 2024November 15, 2024 by staceydesroches

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:

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:

Find More Here:

135 Whooping Crane Shootings with Emily Long – Oklahoma

Posted on October 24, 2024 by nhfishcop10

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:

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:

Find More Here:

132 Drew Milne – British Columbia, Canada

Posted on August 12, 2024August 12, 2024 by staceydesroches

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:

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:

Find More Here:

131 Live from NAWEOA – with Drew Milne (BC), Kris MacCabe (ME) & Chris Gilkey (OH)

Posted on July 25, 2024July 25, 2024 by staceydesroches

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 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:

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:

Find More Here:

129 Jason Blaylock – Mississippi – Officer-Involved Shooting

Posted on June 30, 2024June 30, 2024 by nhfishcop10

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:

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’ trucks
“I’m not making it home tonight.”
Less a decision than a reaction
Driver was a 15-year-old male
Praying for the driver
A helpless, solitary feeling
Driver recovered, and was later convicted only of night hunting
Officer Blaylock is immediately cleared of wrongdoing
Months of interviews and uncertainty
A single counselling session
“You have to talk about it. You cannot hold it in.”
Nearly eleven months off work
Stress and its impacts on the body
The entire family is affected
Friends – and even fellow officers – don’t know what to say
Law enforcement, PTSD and alcoholism
It’s okay to not be tough
Subjects went on to commit more felonies
“We don’t know how to handle needing a helping hand.”
The importance of being proactive
Learning what to expect, how to heal, and how to help

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

Subscribe:

Find More Here:

127 Jason Blaylock – Mississippi

Posted on May 24, 2024May 24, 2024 by nhfishcop10

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:

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 officers
Teaching methods have changed with technology advancements
Started school in a pre-med program
“I can’t see myself not being outside.”
A coincidence that led to a career
Many rural game wardens are ‘the’ local law enforcement
Opening day is like Christmas
Snakes!
MS game wardens used to sell licenses from their trucks and homes
Bag limits in Mississippi
No deer tags required
250+ spotlighting cases
13-year-old night hunters
Thanksgiving 2017: an unforgettable night hunting case
The repeat, repeat, repeat young offender
Suppressors are becoming more common in MS
Technology advancements are changing the way game wardens do business
The diversity of Mississippi provides a multitude of opportunities

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

Subscribe:

Find More Here:

124 Kandy Klosterman – Ohio

Posted on March 22, 2024March 22, 2024 by nhfishcop10

From humble beginnings fishing the tranquil lakes of Ohio to her current position as Chief of Law Enforcement for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division, Kandy Klosterman is no stranger to blazing trails. As the state’s pioneering female wildlife investigator, she spearheaded numerous high-profile cases, earning multiple accolades along the way – including the prestigious Guy Bradley Award for lifetime contributions to wildlife law enforcement. With a career spanning nearly three decades, her commitment to safeguarding Ohio’s natural resources, mentoring the next generation of officers, and championing the inclusion of women in wildlife conservation sets the standard for excellence. We can’t wait to see what she does next!

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

Accepted Chief of Law Enforcement position in June 2023
Grew up fishing and hunting with her grandfather in Ohio
Mentors are essential
“You’re not born with a shotgun or fishing rod in your hand.”
Worked mowing grass on ODNR property
“I want to be a wildlife officer!”
Volunteering led to a part-time position
Only woman in the Academy in 1998
Mentoring the next generation of officers
All staff take part in educating new cadets
1920s saw the first female wildlife officer in Ohio
15 female officers in 120 years, but more all the time
Early career involved several areas of the state
Wildlife investigator for 21 years
Adventures in undercover work
Ohio’s Women Officers of Wildlife group
Female Wildlife Officers in OH wore men’s uniforms until the mid-90s
Ohio DNR organization and command structure
Nearly three-decade career
Statewide working groups: “I don’t have to know everything.”
Leveraging drone capabilities
Plans to expand Search & Rescue
Accreditation program for outfitters and guides
A fraudulent interstate outfitter case
Encouraging the next generation of female WOs
“Someone taught you, now you need to teach them.”
Working with cadets brings you back to your roots

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

Subscribe:

Find More Here:

123 Sheila Paquette – Rhode Island

Posted on March 8, 2024March 8, 2024 by nhfishcop10

Sgt. Sheila Paquette can only be described as a trailblazer for women in conservation law enforcement. During her nearly 29-year career with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, she has excelled in accident reconstruction and forensic investigation, is a multi-disciplinary trainer, boat handling instructor and Master Captain, was the agency’s first Detective – and did we mention she’s also active with both NAWEOA and the North American Game Warden Museum, an avid photographer, passionately community-minded, and a mom? On this International Women’s Day, join us for a conversation with an officer who not only challenges stereotypes, but leaves no boundary untouched.

Our Sponsors:

Here’s what we discuss:

Born and raised in Rhode Island
Hired in 1995
Beginning her 29^th year with RI Dept of Environmental Management
Exposed to the outdoors from a young age
Interned with the state to build volunteer hours
Encouraged to apply by a coworker
“I didn’t know what I was getting into.”
Working in fish identification
A fish that had never been documented in RI
Joined at a time when few women were game wardens
Misconceptions around women in law enforcement
Camaraderie and networking opportunities at field days
“Almost like a mini family.”
Joining the North American Game Warden Museum
The Memorial Paving Stone project and scholarship program
Tune into the Warden’s Watch podcast episode about the museum
An autopsy led to an interest in accident investigation and reconstruction
Every boat accident has a critical moment
First Detective in the agency
The challenge of attracting more women to law enforcement
Finding your niche and learning from everyone you can
Obtained a 50-ton boat Master Captain’s license in 2006
Teaches boat handling and captains’ courses
Gaining confidence through experience
“You can do anything you put your mind to.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

Subscribe:

Find More Here:

Great American Outdoor Show With Cole LeTourneau – NH Fish & Game

Posted on February 12, 2024February 12, 2024 by nhfishcop10

From the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA, we catch up with New Hampshire Fish & Game CO Cole LeTourneau, at the show promoting careers in wildlife and resource protection, and recruiting for his home agency.

Our Sponsors: