Warden's Watch Wayne Saunders / John Nores

Kevin Estela's lifelong passion for the outdoors was kindled in childhood by his fascination with his father's WWII survival stories in the Philippines. This interest deepened through activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing, and hunting in New England, alongside reading extensively on survival and wilderness skills. Over time, his passion evolved into a profession focused on sharing his knowledge through Estela Wilderness Education, where he serves as the Owner and Head Instructor.

Kevin is a prolific author with over 100 print articles in notable magazines like RECOIL, OFF-GRID Magazine, and American Survival Guide, and he has penned numerous online articles and a book titled "101 Skills You Need to Survive in the Woods." His expertise is recognized by various product companies that sponsor him as a Professional Outdoorsman, and he maintains a reputation for providing honest product feedback based on extensive field experience. He is a sought-after speaker and instructor across the United States and in the United Kingdom, teaching a broad range of survival skills. In 2015, he founded the Estela Wilderness Education Fund to support educational programs for underprivileged youth.

Kevin has appeared on the History Channel and brings a comprehensive background in martial arts, including training in Sayoc Kali and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to his survival and wilderness instruction. His previous experience as a lead instructor at the Wilderness Learning Center, under the mentorship of survival authority Marty Simon, along with his retail and guiding experience in outdoor recreational products, has deeply informed his teaching philosophy and approach.

Additionally, Kevin has a solid foundation in education and athletics, being a full-time high school history teacher and a former track and field coach, with degrees in American Studies and Secondary Education. His multifaceted expertise in survival skills, martial arts, and education makes him a uniquely capable and enriching instructor to his students.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics:

Trailblazing Conservation: Hulda Neal - America's First Female Game Warden

90 Year Old Cold Case in Idaho Finally Solved

Drones in the Crosshairs: Pennsylvania Case Sparks Debate Over Technology in Wildlife Recovery

Community Vigilance Leads to Sturgeon Poaching Convictions  

Montana Rancher's Hybrid Sheep Creation Leads to Legal Trouble

Crackdown on Illegal Elver Fishing Leads to Multiple Arrests in Nova Scotia

Game Warden Rescues Black Bear Trapped Inside Car in the Poconos

Sponsors
XS Sights
Secure It Gun Storage
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!


Our Sponsors: 
Thin Green Line Podcast
Don Noyes Chevrolet
North American Game Warden Museum
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:

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

Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon
Google
Waypoint
Stitcher
TuneIn
Megaphone
Find More Here:
Website
Warden’s Watch / TGL Store
Facebook
Facebook Fan Page
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
RSS
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karen Hunter is a prominent figure in the firearms and defense community, contributing significantly through her writings, instruction, and advocacy. Her extensive work includes contributions to major print publications like Personal Defense World Magazine, Ballistic Magazine, Gun Primer Magazine, Concealed Carry Handguns Magazine, and Skillset Magazine. Beyond print, Hunter is active in digital spaces, contributing to platforms such as NRA’s America’s 1st Freedom and Getzone. This blend of print and digital outreach underscores her influence and commitment to Second Amendment and personal protection issues.

Beyond her writing, Karen Hunter is deeply involved in firearms education and safety. As the Senior Range Officer for Force Options USA, she plays a pivotal role in firearms training and safety instruction. Her certifications in defensive handgun and carbine instruction further demonstrate her expertise and dedication to responsible firearms use and self-defense training.

Her advocacy extends to public speaking and digital appearances, where she has been a guest on various podcasts, sharing her knowledge and views on gun rights, self-defense, and firearms education. Her active involvement in the community, both as an educator and a communicator, highlights her commitment to advancing the conversation around the Second Amendment and personal defense in a responsible and informed manner.

Hunter's work embodies a blend of advocacy, education, and communication, positioning her as a significant voice in the firearms and personal defense community.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Our Sponsors:
Thin Green Line Podcast
Don Noyes Chevrolet
North American Game Warden Museum
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:
·        Born and raised in Rhode Island
·        Hired in 1995
·        Beginning her 29th 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
 
Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon
Google
Waypoint
Stitcher
TuneIn
Megaphone
Find More Here:
Website
Warden’s Watch / TGL Store
Facebook
Facebook Fan Page
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
RSS
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Game warden News for February 2024
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices