Warden's Watch

Wayne Saunders / John Nores
  • 4.9 (387)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

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.

  1. 161 Alone in the Wild – with Isaiah Tuck

    21H AGO

    161 Alone in the Wild – with Isaiah Tuck

    What happens when a game warden takes on one of the toughest survival challenges on TV? West Virginia's Isaiah Tuck joins Wayne to share his incredible journey from enforcing wildlife laws to braving complete isolation on the hit series Alone. Discover the mental grit, survival skills, and life lessons that come from living off the land - and why solitude can be the ultimate teacher.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Isaiah’s path to becoming a West Virginia game warden ·       “Every day as a game warden is about adapting to the unexpected.” ·       How wildlife law enforcement prepared him for survival challenges ·       Behind the scenes of Alone ·       Preparation, mindset, and reality ·       “The woods teach you patience - and patience is survival.” ·       The hardest part of isolation: mental battles and self-reflection ·       “Being alone strips you down to who you really are.” ·       Hunger, weather, and wildlife encounters ·       The gear he trusted most—and one item he wishes he'd brought ·       Lessons learned from solitude and self-reliance ·       Advice for anyone dreaming of testing their survival skills ·       “Survival isn’t about strength—it’s about adaptability.”   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & 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 Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min
  2. 160 Warden-Hunter Interactions

    NOV 29

    160 Warden-Hunter Interactions

    In this episode of Warden’s Watch, Wayne sits down with Ben Martin, founder of the Hunt Regs app, and Hayden Cook, a Tennessee Wildlife Officer, for a deep dive into warden-hunter interactions, safety in the field, and the story behind one of Tennessee’s most infamous poaching cases - the Maserati Buck. From practical advice for hunters to insights on wildlife law enforcement, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons and strategies to stay compliant in the field.   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Ben’s journey as a first-generation hunter and why he created Hunt Regs ·       “How do I make a game warden comfortable?” - the question every hunter should ask ·       Hayden Cook on professionalism: “We serve the hunters and fishermen of Tennessee.” ·       Hunter safety tips during license checks and why nervousness can lead to mistakes ·       Hunt Regs app: anonymous poaching reports and real-time regulations ·       The Maserati Buck case: a 229-inch deer poached under a streetlight near a luxury car dealership ·       “Antlers make people do crazy things.” - Hayden on poaching motives ·       Honest mistakes vs. intentional violations: why self-reporting matters ·       Digital licensing pitfalls and why preparation is key ·       Building trust and positive relationships between hunters and wardens   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & 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 Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  3. 159 Justice for Dave: A Poacher’s Reckoning

    NOV 11

    159 Justice for Dave: A Poacher’s Reckoning

    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: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   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 deer 3 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   Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Google Waypoint Stitcher TuneIn Megaphone Find More Here: Website Warden’s Watch / TGL Store Facebook Facebook Fan Page Instagram Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
  4. 158 Ricardo Grisolini – New York

    OCT 30

    158 Ricardo Grisolini – New York

    Ricardo Grisolini, a New York State Environmental Conservation Officer with roots in northern Italy, brings a sharp eye and a sharp wit to wildlife law enforcement. From chasing down poachers to setting up decoy deer that even landowners can’t resist, his stories are packed with twists, laughs, and lessons. In this episode, Ricardo shares some of his most unforgettable and entertaining cases from two decades on the job.   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 Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Growing up in Northern Italy’s “laces” ·       Raised and hunted birds from an early age ·       Slow cooked pulled turkey ·       “This job is not a job; it's a career.” ·       Working in Madison County is “a game warden’s dream.” ·       The charter captain’s Christmas fish and the Salvation Army police ·       Donating confiscated fish and meat ·       A VERY convincing decoy setup nets multiple charges ·       A substantial illegal baiting operation on private property ·       Poacher insists he used a crossbow ·       Trail cams tell a different story ·       “The point was out of respect for the animal.” ·       Social media can be a warden’s best friend ·       New York ECOs don’t wear a traditional badge    Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & 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 Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min
  5. 156 Bonus - The Killing Krew Klan: Consequences

    OCT 19 · BONUS

    156 Bonus - The Killing Krew Klan: Consequences

    After the chilling revelations of Episode 156’s “Killing Krew Klan,” the question remained: how would the justice system respond? What consequences did these young trophy hunters face, and did the punishment fit the crime? In this episode, Investigator Patrick Kiely returns to walk us through the penalty phase of the case. Join us as we uncover the final chapter in one of Connecticut’s most disturbing wildlife crimes.    Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Convictions for wildlife crime aren’t always a slam dunk ·       The prosecutor in the case was an outdoorsman ·       Original roadside stop netted only a suspended sentence ·       Paring down up to 30 charges: what will stick? ·       Group pled guilty to jacklighting ·       $500 fines and three years’ probation ·       Banned from hunting for ten years ·       Conspiracy to sell wildlife and a probation violation ·       Getting support from judges and prosecutors ·       “Any time you serve a warrant … you’re opening a Pandora’s Box.”   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & 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 Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    20 min
  6. WiseEye Camera Technology

    OCT 9 · BONUS

    WiseEye Camera Technology

    On this podcast, we sat down. Two dynamic individuals, Chase Hardage and Jason Ray from the Wise Eye technology company, talk about WiseEye's beginnings. What they're doing and how they're doing things differently and better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min
  7. 156 The Killing Krew Klan – With Patrick Kiely

    SEP 27

    156 The Killing Krew Klan – With Patrick Kiely

    In late 2018, the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police uncovered a chilling case involving a group of young trophy hunters. Over just a few months, they had illegally taken at least 19 deer - often during nighttime hunts near residential neighborhoods. What started as a routine investigation quickly unraveled into something far more disturbing: secret planning sessions, a manifesto detailing their exploits, and a twisted tribute to the grandfather who taught them to night hunt. Join Investigator Patrick Kiely as he recounts the unbelievable story of the “Killing Krew Klan.”   Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet North American Game Warden Museum Hunt Regs WiseEye SecureIt Gun Storage XS Sights “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Maine's Operation Game Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       An area known for night hunting ·       Spotting night hunters requires patience and timing ·       The state’s healthy deer population is tempting for poachers ·       A patrol officer spots suspicious signs ·       The initial arrest leads to more questions ·       Cell phones: everyone documents everything ·       “I wouldn’t even call them hunters; they were trophy poachers.” ·       It definitely wasn’t squirrels ·       The group is released but phones are seized ·       A stunning discovery ·       “It was an every-night occurrence.” ·       The group frequently hunted near houses ·       None of 19 deer were registered ·       The puzzle pieces: pictures, locations and times ·       The serial poaching had gone on for years, and had grown ·       Group relied on thinly stretched law enforcement ·       A specific 16-point buck and an unlikely story ·       US Fish and Wildlife joins the investigation ·       Cell phone metadata pinpoints locations and times ·       “Not a care in the world.” ·       A handwritten manifesto is found ·       The ‘zombie’ deer ·       Timing was perfect – and lucky ·       Even illegal roadkill wasn’t off limits to the ‘Klan’ ·       $100 does for sale, and banquet hall venison ·       Multiple deer were taken nightly ·       Managing investigations and public perception ·       Hunters had noticed a decline ·       “It was a joke to them.” ·       Many state charges were misdemeanors ·       Local hunters weigh in ·       Technology has changed investigation strategies ·       Limitation statutes prevented even more charges ·       Getting buy-in from other agencies ·       Balancing criminal and wildlife investigations can be a challenge ·       The cell phones were crucial ·       Rising bear population has led to conflicts ·       Educating the public ·       Staffing numbers are on the rise ·       “It was a learning experience for all of us.”   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & 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 Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m
  8. 154 North American Game Warden Museum – with Stephanie Lee

    SEP 22

    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 ahead of the museum’s 2025 Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony.   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 Thief International Wildlife Crimestoppers   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Background in outdoor education ·       Began a summer job at the Peace Garden gate ·       Approached by the local game warden ·    “Never looked back.” ·       The International Peace Garden ·       Memorial stones from every state and province ·       Board members from both countries ·       The museum is the only one of its kind ·       Educating the public ·       Many of the exhibits include seized items ·       Constantly changing and reimagining the space ·       Campground on site ·       Other activities include biking and kayaking ·       Open from May – September ·     “Part-time photographers” ·       The popular Visiting Officer program   Credits Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores Producer: Jay Ammann Warden’s Watch logo & 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 Threads YouTube RSS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
387 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Wayne Saunders / John Nores
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    233
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Warden's Watch
  • Show Website
    Warden's Watch

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