Tag: Game Warden

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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

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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.

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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

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126 For the Fallen: Julian Keen – Florida FWC

Posted on May 18, 2024May 12, 2026 by nhfishcop10

Florida FWC Officer Julian “Batman” Keen was known for his bright smile, relentless enthusiasm, and deep commitment to the people and wildlife of his home state. On a quiet Sunday morning in 2020, he heard a crash outside his home and looked out to see a truck driving recklessly. He gave chase without hesitation, eventually intercepting the hit and run suspect – who escaped – but inexplicably returned to the scene, opened fire and sped away. Officer Keen was 30 years old. His friend and mentor, FWC Lt. Pam Steelman shares the legacy of a remarkable young man, determined to fulfil a lifelong dream, and give back to the community he loved – and who loved him so dearly in return.

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

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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125 Maple Syrup – With Chris Simmons & Ken St. Pierre

Posted on April 29, 2024April 29, 2024 by nhfishcop10

Late winter and early spring can find a New England game warden with a little more free time than they’re used to, and many have found a sweet way to tap into one of the nature’s greatest springtime gifts. As maple syrup season draws to a close, we catch up with Maine’s Chris Simmons, of Simmons and Daughters Sugar House, and Ken St. Pierre, of Big Lake Maple in New Hampshire, to learn just what it takes to run a successful sugar house.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Chris got started making syrup with his brothers on the family farm
Tapping and processing with whatever they could find
Ken was inspired by a colleague who tapped
“That’s an awful idea.”
Rebuilding a 100-year-old evaporator
The expense of expansion
Buckets vs. tap lines
Weather has made this season’s sap run unpredictable
Syruping can be an activity for the whole family
Can be as basic or as complex as you want it to be
“A heat source, a thermometer, a vessel, and sap.”
Make room for friends and neighbors!
Chris’ recipe for maple hot dogs
Natural syrup is an antioxidant
More than a topping: cooking with maple
Travel-sized containers can come in handy
Where to find Chris and Ken’s websites

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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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!

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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

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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.

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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

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122 Texas K9 Teams – With Royce Ilse, Kevin Winters & Joni Owen

Posted on February 24, 2024February 24, 2024 by nhfishcop10

Since the early 20^th century, the term “K9” has stood as both a clever play on words and a symbol of unity and partnership between law enforcement officers and their four-legged companions. Recognizing their increasingly valuable contributions to public service, the Conservation Canine Officers Association (CCOA) was founded in 2020 to promote professional development and support for conservation canine teams in North America and beyond. From the CCOA’s annual conference in Newry, Maine, we sit down with Texas wardens and K9 handlers Royce Ilse, Kevin Winters, and Joni Owen to explore the world of conservation K9 handling, the roots and growth of the CCOA, and more!

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Here’s what we discuss:

Texas K9 officers are currently Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds
Different K9s are trained in different specialties
Dogs will provide both obvious and subtle cues when alerting
Received training in Utah
Currently seven trained conservation K9s in the state
Membership in CCOA has helped build connections
Training a cadaver dog
K9s can distinguish between human and animal remains
Giving up a K9 partner
Building partnerships at the state and federal level
The first shark fin case in San Antonio
Training to differentiate between different species and cuts of fish
How boat inspections are conducted
Combatting the illegal sea turtle trade
CCOA is on Facebook
Hopes for the future of the organization
K9s can be used in multiple complex situations
Kevin’s hat!
Support the CCOA

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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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.

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Here’s what we discuss:

New Hampshire is hiring!
Working on the coast
Coastal wardens are deputized for Federal enforcement
New Hampshire’s many fishing and hunting options
More open access land than many states
Contentious trail cameras
New regulations for tree stands
Many landowners will post permission and guidelines on their property
An unforgettable poaching case
“I killed seven deer.”
A dumped deer leg… with a registration seal
Persistence paid off
Cole’s background
No one’s path to becoming a game warden is the same
“If this is your dream, you can get here.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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121 CJ Box – “Three-Inch Teeth”

Posted on February 1, 2024 by nhfishcop10

Fans of Joe Pickett rejoiced at the news that the 24^th offering in the bestselling series would be available in early 2024. Now on the eve of the book’s release, celebrated author CJ Box returns to Warden’s Watch to discuss “Three-Inch Teeth”, a pulse-pounding tale that sees Joe join Wyoming Game & Fish’s Predator Attack Team on the hunt for a rampaging killer grizzly – but in true Box style, the bear may not be the biggest threat in the high country.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Inspiration for the latest book
Unprovoked bear attacks seem to be on the rise
A tragic ambush that killed an experienced guide
Same bear attacked the investigators’ helicopter
Investigators could not determine any reason for the animal’s aggression
Public safety vs. wildlife conservation
Wyoming Game & Fish’s Predator Attack Team
Bear attacks can happen quickly
Book raises thought-provoking ethical questions
A landmark corner crossing case in Wyoming
The mythology of bears
An update on the Joe Pickett television series
Incorporating technical accuracy into the story
“Three-Inch Teeth” will be available in hardcopy and digital formats
Preorder and find book tour dates at cjbox.net

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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