Warden's Watch

By: Wayne Saunders / John Nores
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • 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.
    2022 Warden's Watch
    Show more Show less
Biological Sciences Science True Crime
Show more Show less
Episodes
  • 144 Mindy Rugg - Maine Warden Service

    144 Mindy Rugg - Maine Warden Service
    Mar 27 2025
    In our final episode celebrating Women's History Month 2025, we’re excited to welcome Maine game warden Mindy Rugg. Inspired by our very own podcast, Mindy transitioned from a successful career as a vet tech to become a game warden in 2021. Join us as she shares her journey, the challenges she faces, and the unique perspective women bring to 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: · Gained many skills in her previous career as a vet tech · Needed to be outside · Listened to the Warden’s Watch podcast · Not everyone loves the game warden · Hired in 2021, full-time in 2022 · Checking hundreds of boats a day · On the job experience can be the best communication training · People react well if you treat them fairly · Strategies to manage dyslexia · Spell check, Grammarly, and text-to-speech · Working in Western Maine – close to home, but not too close · “Every single day I learn something new.” · Mindy’s favorite Warden’s Watch episode · Maine Warden Service now has seven female officers · Many companies don’t make clothing for women in law enforcement · Don’t talk yourself out of it - make it happen · It’s no longer a shock to meet a female game warden · Women can bring a different perspective to the job 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
    Show more Show less
    43 mins
  • 143 Rachel Thurner-Diaz – PA Fish & Boat

    143 Rachel Thurner-Diaz – PA Fish & Boat
    Mar 21 2025
    In this episode, we’re delighted to reconnect with Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Officer Rachel Thurner-Diaz, who joined us way back in Episode 81. A lot has changed in the three years since we visited last; her husband has joined the local police department, and she is now balancing the demanding roles of a dedicated officer and a busy mom. Join us as we continue to explore the unique experiences and perspectives of women in conservation law enforcement. 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: · Officer Thurner-Diaz was a previous guest in Episode 81 · Two law enforcement officers at home · PA is recruiting wardens · Protecting wildlife is a passion · More women are joining conservation law · The Fab Five · Game wardens of both genders need to be motivated and independent · Taught by Jeff Baile – another previous Warden’s Watch guest · Be compassionate but call out deception · A heated hunter and mistaken identity · PA has two wildlife agencies · The volunteer fish stocking program · Using the ‘mom voice’ · Work-life balance can be challenging · Looking forward to summer · Trout stockers still don’t eat much trout 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
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • 142 Wonder Wardens - With Melissa Gauthier & Therese Bogatko

    142 Wonder Wardens - With Melissa Gauthier & Therese Bogatko
    Mar 11 2025
    Back in 2018, a small group of female officers from Alberta Fish and Wildlife saw the need to engage with each other more actively and support community causes at the same time. This dedicated team has since participated in charity fundraisers, launched an outdoor education camp for young women, and is now working to establish a scholarship to help even more women join conservation law enforcement. Let’s meet Alberta’s Wonder Wardens! 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: · The beginnings of the Wonder Wardens · Camaraderie and promoting women in conservation law · Polar dipping in uniform for charity · Summer camp for future female game wardens · Wildlife identification, hunting & fishing checks, drills and a mock investigation · The break-in period · “We complement each other.” · Self-confidence matters · People often make assumptions · Plans to expand Wonder Wardens · Proceeds from merch sales will fund a scholarship · “We’re small but we’re mighty.” · The importance of agency support · NAWEOA offers an opportunity to connect and share · Uniforms and equipment are changing · Shooting competitions – an all-female team · Close encounters during grizzly relocations · Hunters are sometimes surprised to encounter a female warden team 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
    Show more Show less
    51 mins

What listeners say about Warden's Watch

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    5
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    5
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    5
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User

Best podcast available

Best podcast about game Wardens and the work they do that is out there awesome job!

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User

My favorite podcast!

I love hearing the stories from wardens across the country. Keep up the great work!

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Kevin Chura

Wayne!!!!!

Wayne is the best!!!! You can literally feel his passion in every podcast. keep it up

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Erick Frost

Interesting

Good episode. I wouldn't have thought ginseng poaching was a thing but not really surprising either. Very informative.
First time I was able to leave a rating and review (Spotify does not allow me to for some reason). I'll continue listening on Audible in the future.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Tim Shire

Awesome stories, great Podcaster

4 episodes in and no intention of stopping. Found my new podcast! I'm a hunter on the east coast and love hearing these stories. Episodes 52 and 53 hit home. There are no almost no box turtles left in our area of Southern NJ. 20 years ago there were literally hundreds visible throughout the year each spring. Keep at it!

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!