Since the early 20th 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!
Our Sponsors:
North American Game Warden Museum
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers
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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