147 Josiah Towne – New Hampshire

Fans of the hit Animal Planet show North Woods Law will instantly recognize CO Josiah Towne. In this episode, Josiah takes us behind the scenes into the dynamic world of a New Hampshire conservation officer, from daring mountain rescues to wild chases, along with some truly unforgettable moments. Join us for a look into the world of a real-life wildlife hero!

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Maine’s Operation Game Thief

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:

  • New Hampshire is hiring!
  • Appearing on North Woods Law
  • Every day is different; every season is different
  • Making a dent in the illegal elver trade
  • A riverside arrest gone awry
  • Improving handcuff techniques
  • Patrolling your hometown
  • Recognizing fresh perspectives
  • The Hawk Unit
  • A remarkable rescue operation
  • Any trail with the word ‘slide’ in the name…
  • The arduous rescue “was all worth it.”
  • Many visitors create increased requests for service
  • The local Scoutmaster

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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146 Run for Levi – With Rob McDermott

On Monday, April 21st, New Hampshire CO Rob McDermott will run the Boston Marathon® in honor of his friend and colleague, Levi Frye. Partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Rob is raising funds to support AFSP’s prevention programs, advocacy, education, and survivor support. Next, we will hear from AFSP spokesman David O’Leary, who shares important information about suicide risk and offers suggestions on how to help a friend or loved one who may be struggling. Finally, Sgt. Matt Holmes reads the beautiful eulogy he wrote to honor Levi at his funeral service.

Support Suicide Prevention With Conservation Officer Rob McDermott

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Here’s what we discuss:

  • Turkey hunting and a fiddlehead harvest
  • Joined Fish & Game shortly after Levi
  • Roommates in the game warden house
  • Eric Fluette and the anonymous ring sizing kit
  • Levi was set to receive his second congressional medal
  • Partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  • Fundraising and training for the Boston Marathon®
  • Running with Levi: “we’d get lapped multiple times.”
  • Funds raised will help provide resources to others who have lost a loved one
  • Ways to offer support:
  • Up to 200 first responders die by suicide each year in the US
  • Follow the impulse to reach out
  • It’s okay to use the word ‘suicide.’
  • The most important thing you can do is listen
  • Changing our language: “You don’t ‘commit cancer’ or ‘commit high blood pressure’.”
  • Boston Marathon® and others allow charities to apply for bibs as fundraisers
  • Team AFSP at the marathon
  • 1 in 5 Americans has a connection to a mental health issue
  • Find information and support here: AFSP
  • Sgt. Matt Holmes reads Levi’s eulogy: A man of commitment, and a man in green.

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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145 In Memory of Officer Levi Frye

This episode is dedicated to the life and legacy of New Hampshire Conservation Officer Levi Frye. Today, we honor Levi’s commitment to protecting our natural world through a lighthearted but insightful interview he gave before his passing, where he shares his passion for his work, the outdoors, and his lifelong dedication to physical fitness. As we reflect on his life, we will also hear a heartfelt poem written and read by Lt. Mark Ober at Levi’s funeral service.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide Crisis Hotline.

Support the Frye family: https://nh-cora.org/donations/givewp-donation-fryefamily/

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North American Game Warden Museum

Hunt Regs

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“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

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International Wildlife Crimestoppers

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

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.”

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Sovereign Sportsman Solutions

“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

Hunt of a Lifetime

Maine’s Operation Game Thief

Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

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

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

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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North American Game Warden Museum

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“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

Hunt of a Lifetime

Maine’s Operation Game Thief

Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

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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North Woods Throwdown – with Eric Fluette & Kris MacCabe

It’s that time of year again and game wardens from Maine and New Hampshire are ready to hit the field in Portland, Maine on July 28th for the fourth annual North Woods Throwdown softball game! We’re joined by New Hampshire’s Eric Fluette and Kris MacCabe of Maine, taking a look back at previous games, and unveiling an exciting new streaming option so fans can tune in from anywhere and support Operation Game Thief. Come join the fun in person if you can, or grab your streaming ticket here!

Our Sponsors:

Thin Green Line Podcast

Don Noyes Chevrolet

Sovereign Sportsman Solutions

“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

Hunt of a Lifetime

Maine’s Operation Game Thief

Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:

  • Idea for a fundraising softball game started in Maine
  • Every game so far has been a squeaker
  • Fans shook the stadium!
  • Game bats are made in Maine
  • A ‘friendly’ rivalry
  • Extra, extra, extra innings
  • Stadium wanted to turn the lights off!
  • Streaming option will allow fans to tune in from anywhere
  • Dugout interviews and multiple cameras
  • Every kid’s dream to play in a stadium
  • Did wardens get paid for North Woods Law? (Hint: No.)
  • New Hampshire fans and giant head cutouts
  • Maine looking to tie the series
  • “We’re gonna need a bigger plaque.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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100B Celebrating 100 Episodes!

In this special bonus episode, our hosts and producer get together with fan favorites Kris MacCabe of Maine, Benny Richards of Texas, and New Hampshire’s own Col. Kevin Jordan. Join us for a fun and wide-ranging chat looking back on 100 episodes, and looking forward to 100 more!

Our Sponsors:

Thin Green Line Podcast

Don Noyes Chevrolet

Sovereign Sportsman Solutions

“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

Hunt of a Lifetime

Maine’s Operation Game Thief

Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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98 Bob Vashaw (Ret.) – New Hampshire

Before dive teams, rescues using locator beacons, and OHRV and snowmobile enforcement, the job of a New Hampshire game warden was very different than it is today. Often left very much to their own devices, officers were primarily responsible for observing and reporting local conditions and activities, protecting and managing wildlife, and of course, stopping poachers. Join us for a walk through history with retired New Hampshire CO Bob Vashaw!

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“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

Hunt of a Lifetime

Maine’s Operation Game Thief

Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:

  • Stories of game wardens past
  • Began working in 1965
  • Grinding mussels on the seacoast
  • Search & Rescue before cell phones
  • A game warden is shot
  • Teaching hunter safety courses
  • A shot through the window
  • Backpacking into the wilderness to stock ponds
  • The snow revolution
  • Fish & Game duties have evolved
  • “We were one big family”
  • Loose dogs were a huge problem
  • Cutting cedar trees for deer feed
  • A daily diary
  • No overtime pay
  • Joining the first state dive team
  • Looking through a memory book
  • “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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86 For The Fallen

In 1962, US President John Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established that same year by a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week pays tribute to law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Please join us for this very special episode as we honor the service and sacrifice of fallen heroes Captain Stan Elrod of Danielsville, Georgia, and Staff Sergeant Jesse Sherrill of Barrington, New Hampshire.

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

Our Sponsors:

Thin Green Line Podcast

Don Noyes Chevrolet

Sovereign Sportsman Solutions

“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book

Hunt of a Lifetime

Maine’s Operation Game Thief

Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH

International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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W04 Fisher with Jill Kilborn

As far as names go, no animal has had it quite like the fisher. Often called a “fisher cat”, it is not a feline, and doesn’t really care much for fish. One of nature’s few porcupine predators, this feisty, forest-dwelling expert climber is actually a member of the weasel family. Join us for this episode of Warden’s Watch WILD,  as we meet once again with wildlife biologist Jill Kilborn to learn more about the small but mighty fisher.

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Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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