Warden's Watch

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 [https://www.patreon.com/wardenswatch] Don Noyes Chevrolet [https://www.noyeschevrolet.com/] North American Game Warden Museum [https://gamewardenmuseum.org/] Hunt Regs [https://www.huntregsapp.com/] WiseEye [https://wiseeyetech.com/] SecureIt Gun Storage [https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/] XS Sights [https://xssights.com/] “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book [https://wardenswatch.com/junior-game-warden/] Maine's Operation Game Thief [https://www.maineogt.org/] International Wildlife Crimestoppers [https://wildlifecrimestoppers.org/]   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 [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wardens-watch/id1455031218?mt=2] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2pOSdB43QMbyKnnugsJnTp?si=BI3tNL-NS1K4NU3PbXRIQQ] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e04837f1-aa2a-4013-9ecf-dbb21295a02f/warden's-watch] Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93YXJkZW5zd2F0Y2gubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M=] Waypoint [https://waypointtv.com/wardens-watch] Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/wayne-saunders/wardens-watch] TuneIn [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/Wardens-Watch-p1208916/] Megaphone [https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/WPCM3659727000?selected=WPCM5130194832] Find More Here: Website [https://wardenswatch.com/] Warden’s Watch / TGL Store [https://wardenswatch.myspreadshop.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wardenswatch] Facebook Fan Page [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1281386465575790] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wardenswatchpod/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@wardenswatchpod] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZkwXBVRirt8gH0ijDuRaaQ] RSS [http://wardenswatch.libsyn.com/rss] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

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 [https://www.patreon.com/wardenswatch] Don Noyes Chevrolet [https://www.noyeschevrolet.com/] North American Game Warden Museum [https://gamewardenmuseum.org/] Hunt Regs [https://www.huntregsapp.com/] WiseEye [https://wiseeyetech.com/] SecureIt Gun Storage [https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/] XS Sights [https://xssights.com/] “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book [https://wardenswatch.com/junior-game-warden/] Maine's Operation Game Thief [https://www.maineogt.org/] International Wildlife Crimestoppers [https://wildlifecrimestoppers.org/]   Here’s what we discuss: ·       Ben’s journey as a first-generation hunter and why he created Hunt Regs [https://www.huntregsapp.com/] ·       “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 [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wardens-watch/id1455031218?mt=2] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2pOSdB43QMbyKnnugsJnTp?si=BI3tNL-NS1K4NU3PbXRIQQ] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e04837f1-aa2a-4013-9ecf-dbb21295a02f/warden's-watch] Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93YXJkZW5zd2F0Y2gubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M=] Waypoint [https://waypointtv.com/wardens-watch] Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/wayne-saunders/wardens-watch] TuneIn [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/Wardens-Watch-p1208916/] Megaphone [https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/WPCM3659727000?selected=WPCM5130194832] Find More Here: Website [https://wardenswatch.com/] Warden’s Watch / TGL Store [https://wardenswatch.myspreadshop.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wardenswatch] Facebook Fan Page [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1281386465575790] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wardenswatchpod/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@wardenswatchpod] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZkwXBVRirt8gH0ijDuRaaQ] RSS [http://wardenswatch.libsyn.com/rss] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

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 [https://www.patreon.com/wardenswatch] Don Noyes Chevrolet [https://www.noyeschevrolet.com/] North American Game Warden Museum [https://gamewardenmuseum.org/] Hunt Regs [https://www.huntregsapp.com/] WiseEye [https://wiseeyetech.com/] SecureIt Gun Storage [https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/] XS Sights [https://xssights.com/] “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book [https://wardenswatch.com/junior-game-warden/] Maine's Operation Game Thief [https://www.maineogt.org/] International Wildlife Crimestoppers [https://wildlifecrimestoppers.org/]   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 [https://wardenswatch.com/2021/10/22/070-jeff-baile-illinois-part-one/]’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 [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wardens-watch/id1455031218?mt=2] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2pOSdB43QMbyKnnugsJnTp?si=BI3tNL-NS1K4NU3PbXRIQQ] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e04837f1-aa2a-4013-9ecf-dbb21295a02f/warden's-watch] Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93YXJkZW5zd2F0Y2gubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M=] Waypoint [https://waypointtv.com/wardens-watch] Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/wayne-saunders/wardens-watch] TuneIn [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/Wardens-Watch-p1208916/] Megaphone [https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/WPCM3659727000?selected=WPCM5130194832] Find More Here: Website [https://wardenswatch.com/] Warden’s Watch / TGL Store [https://wardenswatch.myspreadshop.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wardenswatch] Facebook Fan Page [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1281386465575790] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wardenswatchpod/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@wardenswatchpod] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZkwXBVRirt8gH0ijDuRaaQ] RSS [http://wardenswatch.libsyn.com/rss] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

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 [https://www.patreon.com/wardenswatch] Don Noyes Chevrolet [https://www.noyeschevrolet.com/] North American Game Warden Museum [https://gamewardenmuseum.org/] Hunt Regs [https://www.huntregsapp.com/] SecureIt Gun Storage [https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/] XS Sights [https://xssights.com/] “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book [https://wardenswatch.com/junior-game-warden/] Maine's Operation Game Thief [https://www.maineogt.org/] International Wildlife Crimestoppers [https://wildlifecrimestoppers.org/]   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 [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wardens-watch/id1455031218?mt=2] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2pOSdB43QMbyKnnugsJnTp?si=BI3tNL-NS1K4NU3PbXRIQQ] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e04837f1-aa2a-4013-9ecf-dbb21295a02f/warden's-watch] Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93YXJkZW5zd2F0Y2gubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M=] Waypoint [https://waypointtv.com/wardens-watch] Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/wayne-saunders/wardens-watch] TuneIn [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/Wardens-Watch-p1208916/] Megaphone [https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/WPCM3659727000?selected=WPCM5130194832] Find More Here: Website [https://wardenswatch.com/] Warden’s Watch / TGL Store [https://wardenswatch.myspreadshop.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wardenswatch] Facebook Fan Page [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1281386465575790] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wardenswatchpod/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@wardenswatchpod] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZkwXBVRirt8gH0ijDuRaaQ] RSS [http://wardenswatch.libsyn.com/rss] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

156 Bonus - The Killing Krew Klan: Consequences

After the chilling revelations of Episode 156 [https://wardenswatch.com/2025/09/27/156-the-killing-krew-klan-patrick-kiely/]’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 [https://www.patreon.com/wardenswatch] Don Noyes Chevrolet [https://www.noyeschevrolet.com/] North American Game Warden Museum [https://gamewardenmuseum.org/] Hunt Regs [https://www.huntregsapp.com/] WiseEye [https://wiseeyetech.com/] SecureIt Gun Storage [https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/] XS Sights [https://xssights.com/] “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book [https://wardenswatch.com/junior-game-warden/] Maine's Operation Game Thief [https://www.maineogt.org/] International Wildlife Crimestoppers [https://wildlifecrimestoppers.org/]   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 [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wardens-watch/id1455031218?mt=2] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2pOSdB43QMbyKnnugsJnTp?si=BI3tNL-NS1K4NU3PbXRIQQ] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e04837f1-aa2a-4013-9ecf-dbb21295a02f/warden's-watch] Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93YXJkZW5zd2F0Y2gubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M=] Waypoint [https://waypointtv.com/wardens-watch] Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/wayne-saunders/wardens-watch] TuneIn [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/Wardens-Watch-p1208916/] Megaphone [https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/WPCM3659727000?selected=WPCM5130194832] Find More Here: Website [https://wardenswatch.com/] Warden’s Watch / TGL Store [https://wardenswatch.myspreadshop.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/wardenswatch] Facebook Fan Page [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1281386465575790] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wardenswatchpod/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@wardenswatchpod] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZkwXBVRirt8gH0ijDuRaaQ] RSS [http://wardenswatch.libsyn.com/rss] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]