Tag: Pennsylvania

North American Game Warden Museum

Don Noyes Chevrolet

Maine Operation Game Thief

New Hampshire Operation Game Thief

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

Here’s what we discuss:

How Pennsylvania’s Tracking Team grew from a small grassroots idea
Wardens investing in their own training before the team officially existed
The missing person search that proved the team’s value
What it really means to be “the police in the woods”
Why earning a tab can take two to five years
The training required to stay on the team, from tracking to firearms to med skills
Why trackers focus on disturbance, not perfect boot prints
“If it was just footprints in the sand, we wouldn’t need a tracking team.”
Learning the natural patterns of the woods – and noticing what breaks them
How time, distance, and decision‑making shape every search
A call‑out that led to a young boy being found and returned home
A fugitive pursuit that unfolded just like a training scenario
“Everything clicked – it felt like Christmas morning.”
How tracking teams and K9 units support each other in the field
Knowing the limits of scent work and when human tracking matters most
The gear they carry and why preparation is everything
A quick snack can be a small thing that makes a big difference
How mapping and coordination happen before teams ever hit the woods
The close‑knit camaraderie that defines the team
What it means to wear the tab and lead by example
The “shirt off your back” tradition
Why so many wardens want to join the team – and why standards stay high
How teams like this help agencies stay trusted, capable, and relevant

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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163 Larry Hergenroeder – Pennsylvania

Posted on January 17, 2026January 17, 2026 by nhfishcop10

From growing up with a game warden father to leading investigations, Staff Sergeant and canine handler Larry Hergenroeder has seen it all—and loved every minute of it. In this episode, Larry shares why he believes being a game warden is “the coolest job on earth,” how his canine partners have cracked cases in record time, and why networking through NAWEOA matters more than ever.

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North American Game Warden Museum

Don Noyes Chevrolet

New Hampshire Operation Game Thief

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Association

Here’s what we discuss:

Growing up in western Pennsylvania and finding his calling
“I had game warden blood in my blood.”
From Montana guide school to the academy
“My only regret is losing those years I could have been doing this full-time.”
Why being a game warden is more than a job
“I live, eat, sleep, breathe this profession… I just want to be a game warden.”
The power of NAWEOA networking and lifelong friendships
“I haven’t had a month go by without a call from another state or province.”
K9 program success stories: Storm and Rio crack tough cases
“In 33 seconds, Storm found the evidence that solved a fatal shooting.”
Challenge coins and the stories behind them
Inspiring the next generation of wardens through conferences and mentorship
Hunting-related shooting incidents and the emotional side of the job
“One is one too many.”
Family, sacrifice, and the brotherhood of game wardens
“A profession sought by many, held by few, and only made possible by those family members that know the true meaning of sacrifice.”

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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159 Justice for Dave: A Poacher’s Reckoning

Posted on November 11, 2025November 11, 2025 by nhfishcop10

In this powerful episode of Warden’s Watch, Pennsylvania Game Wardens Phil Bietsch & TJ Knash share the story of a career-defining poaching case tied to the tragic death of fellow officer David Grove on Veteran’s Day 2010. From building trust to securing confessions, this case is a masterclass in investigative work and emotional resilience. Listen now to hear how justice was served, and a legacy honored.

Our Sponsors:

North American Game Warden Museum

Don Noyes Chevrolet

Here’s what we discuss:

Phil and TJ were classmates at the Ross Leffler School of Conservation
Working as neighboring officers for four years, they’ve developed a strong investigative partnership
Emphasis on teamwork, rhythm in interviews, and rapport-building
Ryan Laumann is a known habitual game law offender
The case ties back to the tragic death of Game Warden Dave Grove in 2010, who was murdered by Chris Johnson during a poaching incident
Laumann was a passenger in the vehicle
Laumann “just went home.”
Johnson is now on death row
Equipment and training were improved
Laumann received a five-year license revocation
A tip from a former violator turned informant via Operation Game Thief
“I got away with it once, I can do it again.”
TJ took the lead
Keeping emotions in check
“Take your time.”
Officers conducted surveillance near Laumann’s residence
Multiple deer carcasses, gut piles, and antlers
Officers used rapport and strategic interviewing to gain Laumann’s trust
Jeff Baile’s interview and interrogation techniques were critical
Allowing the suspect to tell their version of the story
Laumann eventually confesses to killing multiple deer
From a good case to a great case
“Rapport is the foundation of everything.”
Laumann was charged with:
- 3 counts of illegal deer3 tagging violations
- 3 counts of scattering high-risk parts
- 1 over-the-bag-limit charge
Final penalties: 5-year hunting license revocation and $2,800 in fines

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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152 – 2025 International Game Warden Conference

Posted on August 4, 2025August 4, 2025 by nhfishcop10

For the third time, we were able to sit down at the International Game Warden Conference held this year in Erie, Pennsylvania, with Game Warden Chris Gilkey of Ohio, Game Warden Kris McCabe of the Maine Warden Service, myself, Wayne Saunders, host of the Warden’s Watch podcast, and Game Warden Andy Hueser of the Pennsylvania Game Commission who was also instrumental in the organization and implementation of this year’s conference. Tune in for a lively conversation!

82 Col. Clyde Warner – Pennsylvania Fish & Boat

Posted on March 17, 2022 by nhfishcop10

With more than 86,000 miles of streams and rivers, 4,000 inland lakes and ponds, and 120 miles of coastal waters, there is no shortage of opportunities for a career on the waters of Pennsylvania. In this episode, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Law Enforcement Col. Clyde Warner describes the commonwealth’s recruiting initiative, the many advantages of joining his agency, and much more.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Can Waterway Conservation Officers deal with Game Commission issues?
All officers are cross-trained
Officers from both agencies help each other
Stocking 3.2 million trout
The importance of fish hatcheries
NASBLA accreditation and cadet training
The importance of boating skills
Taking action against black market reptile & amphibian sales
Dual agencies allow each to focus on their respective mandates
Implementing recruitment program to increase candidate pool
“It doesn’t get any better than this”
Unexpected perks and advantages

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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81 Rachel Thurner-Diaz – Pennsylvania Fish & Boat

Posted on March 17, 2022 by nhfishcop10

Rachel Thurner-Diaz is just the seventh woman to serve as a Pennsylvania Waterways Conservation Officer. Although she grew up fishing, hunting, and boating, she didn’t opt for a career in the outdoors until she’d started down a different path. Today, after seven years, two kids, and being honored as PFBC’s Officer of the year in 2020, Thurner-Diaz knows she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.

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Here’s what we discuss:

Growing up in the outdoors
The path to becoming a Waterways Conservation Officer
First week of work is busiest of the year
Field training on the water
Four female officers statewide
Family life and flexible scheduling
Fish stocking is a public event
What is float stocking?
Golden rainbow trout
FishBoatPA app displays where fish are being stocked
Non-residents can take boat safety courses
Community outreach
Environmental law enforcement
Snakes!
No current illegal exotic animal regulations
Working patrol until just before giving birth
Flexibility to find your niche
PFBC command structure
Trout stockers don’t eat much trout

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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80 Tim Schaeffer – Pennsylvania Fish & Boat

Posted on March 17, 2022 by nhfishcop10

Pennsylvania may have been named for its woodlands, but the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission believes the waters are the real attraction. Tim Schaeffer is the Executive Director of the PFBC, the agency dedicated to protecting, conserving and enhancing the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources, and providing fishing and boating opportunities for everyone. Join us as Tim describes the agency’s mission and its many public outreach initiatives – including a popular volunteer fish stocking program – and a mobile app that provides users a one-stop portal to the many activities the Keystone State’s waters have to offer.

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Here’s what we discuss:

What is the Fish & Boat Commission?
Agencies complement each other
Founding Fish
Volunteer fish stocking program
“You can’t beat Spring in PA”
FishBoatPA mobile app
“Spend more time fishing, less time worrying about where to get a license”
Always looking to do things better
Online/web-based coupled with in-person courses
Trout in the Classroom
Cold weather life jacket law
Life jackets are more comfortable than ever
How to fit a life jacket
The importance of clean waterways
Fishing with the family

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Art & Design: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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079 Chad Eyler – PA Game Commission: Command Staff

Posted on February 24, 2022March 16, 2022 by nhfishcop10

In our final installment from the PA Game Commission, Wayne talks with PGC Special Permits Division chief Chad Eyler. Besides being an administrator for Pennsylvania’s Operation Game Thief program and the architect of one of the most successful wildlife crime reporting lines in the US, he also has the unique perspective of having worked for all three state conservation agencies. In this episode, Chad explains the formation, structure, and funding of the agency, the Deputy Game Warden program, and much more.

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Here’s what we discuss:

A good game warden story
Leader in wildlife forensics
Forensics skills can apply to all aspects of the job
Formation of the Game Commission
Refuges and ranges
Game lands help fund the agency
Low-cost hunting and trapping licenses
Explaining the Deputy Warden program
Almost a hobby
Hundreds of thousands of hunters
Keeping the agency moving forward
Issued a typewriter and a revolver
Refocusing priorities and adapting with the times
“It literally takes my breath away”

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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078 Brandon Pfister – PA Game Commission: The Veteran

Posted on February 24, 2022March 16, 2022 by nhfishcop10

Continuing our visit to Pennsylvania, Wayne sits down with State Game Warden Brandon Pfister, a former restaurateur who joined the Game Commission as a Deputy Warden in 2008. In this wide-ranging conversation, Brandon talks about some memorable cases, going viral on TikTok, and even shares some tips for a prize winning pie crust!

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Here’s what we discuss:

Snakes!
If at first you don’t succeed…
Deputy game warden program
The elk whistle and the viral TikTok
The importance of outreach
Everyone makes mistakes
Cooking wild game
Talking with kids
Humanizing the badge
Snakes!
Connecting with the next generation
Working together toward a common goal

Credits

Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores

Producer: Jay Ammann

Cover Art: Ashley Hannett

Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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077 Zach Salsgiver – PA Game Commission: The Rookie

Posted on February 24, 2022March 16, 2022 by nhfishcop10

On the eve of graduation, Wayne sits down at the Pennsylvania Game Commission with Zach Salsgiver, one of 24 members of the latest class of the Ross Leffler School of Conservation in Brockway, PA. Established in 1932, the school – part college, part police academy, and part museum – was the first of its kind in the US. Listen as Zach explains what drew him to a career in wildlife, and shares some of his experiences from his ten-month journey toward becoming a Pennsylvania game warden.

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