Warden's Watch

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

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. TGL045 Andy Huynh

    3D AGO · BONUS

    TGL045 Andy Huynh

    In this powerful episode of The Thin Green Line Podcast, we sit down with Andy Huynh, a conservation professional whose career has taken him from global conflict zones to the front lines of wildlife protection. Andy shares his journey from growing up in Southern California, to military service, to nearly a decade working overseas combating illegal wildlife trade, environmental crime, and transnational criminal organizations. His firsthand experiences reveal how wildlife trafficking fuels terrorism, human trafficking, armed conflict, and genocide—particularly in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This conversation goes far beyond poaching. It exposes the global criminal networks behind ivory, rhino horn, illegal timber, and conflict minerals—and how modern technology, consumer demand, and corruption all play a role. Now back in the United States, Andy is beginning a new chapter in wildlife law enforcement, bringing a rare international perspective to protecting natural resources at home. How Andy’s upbringing and military service shaped his path into conservation The reality of illegal wildlife trade as a global criminal enterprise Poaching, poverty, coercion, and organized crime The humanitarian and environmental crisis in eastern DRC and Virunga National Park Wildlife trafficking’s connection to terrorism, human trafficking, and conflict minerals Corruption and failures in international peacekeeping efforts Why protecting wildlife and protecting people are inseparable Andy’s transition into wildlife law enforcement in California Environmental crime is not a niche issue—it is one of the largest drivers of global instability. This episode offers rare, firsthand insight into how deeply connected wildlife conservation is to human rights, national security, and the future of the planet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 35m
  2. 162 Polar Bears & Patrols – With Jack Skillings

    12/24/2025

    162 Polar Bears & Patrols – With Jack Skillings

    From patrolling on sea ice and responding to polar bear calls to managing wildlife in remote communities, Conservation Officer Jack Skillings takes us deep into the Canadian Arctic. Offering a rare glimpse into wildlife enforcement in the far north, Jack shares the rewards and realities of protecting the environment in some of the most isolated places on Earth.   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: ·        Yukon’s Conservation Officer Services Branch and its role ·        Nunavut: Canada’s newest territory ·        Nunavut’s unique conservation structure ·        “There’s at least one conservation officer in every community.” ·        Patrolling without roads: snowmobiles, ATVs, boats, and planes ·        Polar bear management and why it’s handled by territories, not federal agencies ·        Community policing: “education over enforcement.” ·        Modern polar bear research using DNA instead of tags ·        Differences between Nunavut and Yukon: isolation vs. road access and teamwork ·        “The biggest difference in Yukon? Roads. Having a truck changes everything.” ·        Wildlife species and hunting traditions: caribou, muskox, seals, moose, sheep, and Arctic char ·        A polar bear deterrence gone wrong ·        Life in remote communities ·        “My favorite thing was just getting out on the land - patrolling, hunting, fishing.”   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

    46 min
  3. 161 Alone in the Wild – with Isaiah Tuck

    12/11/2025

    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
  4. 160 Warden-Hunter Interactions

    11/29/2025

    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
  5. 159 Justice for Dave: A Poacher’s Reckoning

    11/11/2025

    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
  6. 158 Ricardo Grisolini – New York

    10/30/2025

    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
  7. 156 Bonus - The Killing Krew Klan: Consequences

    10/19/2025 · 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
  8. WiseEye Camera Technology

    10/09/2025 · 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
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    235
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Warden's Watch
  • Show Website
    Warden's Watch

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