52 min

Kandy Klosterman – Ohio Division of Wildlife Chief of Law Enforcement Warden's Watch

    • Wilderness

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

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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

52 min