Warden's Watch

Warden's Watch

byWayne Saunders / John Nores

ScienceNatureSportsWildernessTrue Crime

This podcast brings you stories from Game Wardens across the world. Listen to their favorite cases, worst cases, what led them to their career, and what makes their job unique. Hosted by retired game wardens Wayne Saunders and John Nores.

Episodes(40 episodes)

154 North American Game Warden Museum – with Stephanie Lee
Tucked into a scenic corner of the International Peace Garden, and straddling the border between North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, the North American Game Warden Museum stands as the world’s only institution fully dedicated to both educating the public and honoring fallen wildlife officers. This one-of-a-kind museum features a memorial garden, exhibits showcasing uniforms and tools of the trade from decades past, along with a library, audio/visual area, and a fascinating collection of items seized by game wardens from across North America. In this episode, we sit down with museum manager Stephanie Lee for an insightful conversation ah...
Published: Sep 22, 2025Duration: 26m 8s
155 Blake Patterson – North American Game Warden Museum
In this episode, we talk with Sgt. Blake Patterson, a Conservation Officer from Swan River, Manitoba, and President of the North American Game Warden Museum. Blake shares insights from his 17 years in the field and discusses the museum’s role in honoring game wardens and conservation officers across North America. Located at the International Peace Garden, the museum highlights the challenges of the profession and commemorates those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game War...
Published: Sep 19, 2025Duration: 37m 32s
153 Murder in Morgan County – with Kirk Kiefer
In July 2021, a peaceful family camping trip in Ohio’s vast Appalachian Hills Wilderness Area turned into a chilling crime scene. Two lives were lost, and a community was shaken. In this gripping episode, we sit down with ODNR Investigator Kirk Kiefer to uncover the layers of a complex and haunting double homicide.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine...
Published: Aug 15, 2025Duration: 1h 18m 55s
152 - 2025 International Game Warden Conference
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 game warden conference.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published: Aug 1, 2025Duration: 1h 4m 26s
151 - The Game Warden Channel
Introducing The Game Warden Channel! From the creators of smash hits North Woods Law and Lone Star Law, TGWC is now streaming exclusively on YouTube - bringing you even more real-life stories from game wardens across the US. In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Steve Engel and Ben Shank of Engel Entertainment, Director of Photography Jamie Azar, and New Hampshire’s own Col. Kevin Jordan and Conservation Officers Jon Demler, Austin Valladares, Kevin Bronson, and Josiah Towne. Subscribe now for an even closer look into the world of conservation law enforcement.   Our Spo...
Published: Jul 24, 2025Duration: 33m 14s
TGL044 Greg Traynor Mike Hudson - Accessible Hunter
Greg Traynor and Mike Hudson are the co-hosts of the Accessible Hunter Podcast, a show dedicated to promoting adaptive hunting and outdoor access for individuals with disabilities. Greg Traynor, a passionate outdoorsman from Pennsylvania, turned his personal experience with a spinal cord injury into a mission to help others overcome physical barriers in the outdoors. Through advocacy, education, and storytelling, Greg inspires hunters to stay connected with the hunting community regardless of ability. Mike Hudson, based in South Carolina, brings his own adaptive hunting experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by disabled...
Published: Jul 17, 2025Duration: 48m 57s
150 Tony Rigoli – New York
Lt. Anthony Rigoli is an Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) who works for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). In this episode, he takes us through his time as an ECO based in the last place anyone would expect to run into a game warden - New York City! Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thie...
Published: Jun 30, 2025Duration: 53m 39s
TGL043 Seth Martin
Seth Allen Martin is an American cinematographer and camera operator best known for his work on the hit Animal Planet series North Woods Law: New Hampshire. Born in Sumner, Washington, Martin has built a career behind the lens, capturing the rugged beauty and raw intensity of wildlife law enforcement across New England. With a strong background in independent film and documentary-style production, Martin joined the North Woods Law crew during the show's transition from Maine to New Hampshire. His camera work helped bring viewers closer to the action—documenting everything from high-stakes poaching investigations to remote search-and-rescue mi...
Published: Jun 19, 2025Duration: 59m 22s
149 Deming Lindsley (Ret.) – New York
In this episode, we delve into the long and distinguished career of Deming Lindsley, a retired Lieutenant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Law Enforcement. Known for his expertise in Fish and Wildlife Law, Lindsley served as a primary instructor at both the State College and the Division’s Training Academy for decades. His engaging personality and sense of humor made him popular among both colleagues and students, and he continues to guest lecture today, leaving a lasting impact on countless officers – including our host!     Our Sponsors: Thin Green L...
Published: Jun 6, 2025Duration: 1h 6m 13s
TGL042 Jorge Ventura
Jorge Ventura is a national correspondent known for his bold, on-the-ground reporting across America’s most pressing issues, including the southern border crisis, cartel activity, and civil unrest. Now with NewsNation, Ventura previously made headlines as a lead field reporter for The Daily Caller, where his immersive storytelling took him deep into the heart of stories often ignored by mainstream media. Ventura is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker, with investigative features like Cartelville USA, Narcofornia, and Indoctrination Nation—projects that exposed illegal marijuana operations, cartel influence, and ideological shifts in public education. His work has been featured on F...
Published: May 29, 2025Duration: 1h 12m 3s
148 For the Fallen: Daryl Gordon – Maine Warden Service
Maine Warden Service Pilot Daryl Gordon was known for his faith, his love of family, fishing and flying, and his steadfast dedication to the people and natural resources of his home state. While flying over the North Maine Woods after a busy day of service, Pilot Gordon’s Cessna went down in a snow squall, prompting a massive search. Warden Preston Pomerleau, whose K9 service partner is named in Gordon’s honor, shares his memories of that day, and reflects on how the entire Maine Warden Service continues to honor and remember their friend.   “It is not...
Published: May 15, 2025Duration: 30m 49s
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!    Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights ...
Published: May 3, 2025Duration: 40m 55s
TGL041 Gary Lewis
Gary Lewis is an award-winning outdoor writer, television host, podcaster, and speaker based in Central Oregon. Since launching his career in 1995, he has become a respected voice in the hunting and fishing world, with over 16 books to his name and countless articles published in major outdoor magazines. He hosts the TV series Frontier Unlimited and the Gary Lewis Outdoorsman podcast, sharing real-world adventures from Oregon to Africa. Known for his deep knowledge of firearms, big game tactics, and conservation ethics, Gary continues to inspire sportsmen and women with his storytelling and passion for the outdoors. ...
Published: Apr 24, 2025Duration: 1h 14m 15s
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. ...
Published: Apr 16, 2025Duration: 50m 24s
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.<...
Published: Apr 10, 2025Duration: 56m 7s
144 Mindy Rugg - Maine Warden Service
In our final episode celebrating Women's History Month 2025, we’re excited to welcome Mainegame warden Mindy Rugg. Inspired by our very own podcast, Mindy transitioned from a successful career as a vet tech to become a game warden in 2021. Join us as she shares her journey, the challenges she faces, and the unique perspective women bring to the job.  Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line PodcastDon Noyes ChevroletNorth American Game Warden MuseumHunt RegsSecureIt Gun Storage<...
Published: Mar 27, 2025Duration: 43m 31s
143 Rachel Thurner-Diaz – PA Fish & Boat
In this episode, we’re delighted to reconnect with Pennsylvania Fish & Boat OfficerRachel Thurner-Diaz, who joined us way back in Episode 81. A lot has changed in the three years since we visited last; her husband has joined the local police department, and she is now balancing the demanding roles of a dedicated officer and a busy mom. Join us as we continue to explore the unique experiences and perspectives of women in conservation law enforcement.Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line PodcastDon Noyes Chevrolet...
Published: Mar 21, 2025Duration: 36m 55s
142 Wonder Wardens - With Melissa Gauthier & Therese Bogatko
Back in 2018, a small group of female officers from Alberta Fish and Wildlife saw the need toengage with each other more actively and support community causes at the same time. This dedicated team has since participated in charity fundraisers, launched an outdoor education camp for young women, and is now working to establish a scholarship to help even more women join conservation law enforcement. Let’s meet Alberta’s Wonder Wardens!Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line PodcastDon Noyes ChevroletNorth American Game Warden Museum<p...
Published: Mar 11, 2025Duration: 50m 37s
141 CJ Alexander – The Podcasters
Wrapping up the CJ Alexander series, we sit down with Christian Babcock and Jake Gaylord, the dynamic duo behind the popular Hunters Advantage podcast. In early 2024, Alexander made a memorable appearance on their podcast, spinning his well-worn underdog tale of an unbelievably lucky trophy buck - a tale that took a dramatic turn when it was later revealed he had already confessed to poaching it.  Our Sponsors: Thin GreenLine PodcastDon NoyesChevroletNorthAmerican Game Warden Museum</p...
Published: Feb 21, 2025Duration: 50m 27s
Episode 140
CJ Alexander – The Wardens
Picking up from our last episode, we sit down with two of the Ohio game wardens responsible for bringing this case before the court. Wildlife Officers Isaiah Gifford and Matt Roberts outline the meticulous effort and tiny details that led to the indictment and ultimate guilty plea of the now-infamous poacher, CJ Alexander.See this episode on YouTube here: EP140 CJ Alexander Buck The Officer's interviewOur Sponsors: Thin Green Line PodcastDon Noyes ChevroletNorth American Game Warden Museum<...
Published: Jan 31, 2025Duration: 56m 31s