Episodes

  • 164 James Mortimore - Nevada

    164 James Mortimore - Nevada
    Jan 29 2026
    In this episode, Wayne sits down with Nevada Game Warden James Mortimore from the floor of the Sheep Show® in Reno, NV - complete with bugling elk echoing in the background! From rescuing kayakers in monsoon swells on Lake Mead to blow-darting mountain lions and tracking illegal alligator sales on Facebook, James has lived the full spectrum of wildlife policing in one of the most diverse law enforcement landscapes in the country. His stories from Las Vegas to Reno show the grit, humor, and sheer unpredictability of being a modern Nevada warden. 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 Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: · The “Las Vegas warden” · Crowded urban ponds and busy boat patrols made every day unpredictable · Watching for the folks who pack up quickly when a warden shows up · A wild monsoon rescue in six‑foot swells · For Colorado River wardens, rescue calls are everyday business · Low water levels reveal old mob‑era secrets - and the jokes that came with it · “I think that’s why we got our water back.” · An illegal alligator seller learns the meaning of “take a bite out of crime.” · Blow-darting mountain lions in neighborhoods and on golf courses · Dealing with a sedated mountain lion while a homeowner complains through their doorbell cam · Moving from Vegas to Reno and learning the world of bears and mountain lions · The importance of biologists and cross-team collaboration · Nevada’s pay and retention challenges · Covering massive patrol areas — sometimes thousands of square miles during vacancies · Poaching investigations built using GPS dog collar data · Odd urban cases: “dinosaur bones,” sea turtles, and surprisingly realistic bald eagle replicas · Working with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, and other federal partners · Learn more about Nevada wardens in the new Animal Planet series, Nevada Wild! 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
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    47 mins
  • 163 Larry Hergenroeder – Pennsylvania

    163 Larry Hergenroeder – Pennsylvania
    Jan 16 2026
    From growing up with a game warden father to leading investigations, Staff Sergeant and canine handler Larry Hergenroeder has seen it all—and loved every minute of it. In this episode, Larry shares why he believes being a game warden is “the coolest job on earth,” how his canine partners have cracked cases in record time, and why networking through NAWEOA matters more than ever. 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 Operation Game Thief New Hampshire Operation Game Thief North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: · Growing up in western Pennsylvania and finding his calling · “I had game warden blood in my blood.” · From Montana guide school to the academy · “My only regret is losing those years I could have been doing this full-time.” · Why being a game warden is more than a job · “I live, eat, sleep, breathe this profession… I just want to be a game warden.” · The power of NAWEOA networking and lifelong friendships · “I haven’t had a month go by without a call from another state or province.” · K9 program success stories: Storm and Rio crack tough cases · “In 33 seconds, Storm found the evidence that solved a fatal shooting.” · Challenge coins and the stories behind them · Inspiring the next generation of wardens through conferences and mentorship · Hunting-related shooting incidents and the emotional side of the job · “One is one too many.” · Family, sacrifice, and the brotherhood of game wardens · “A profession sought by many, held by few, and only made possible by those family members that know the true meaning of sacrifice.” 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
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • TGL045 Andy Huynh

    TGL045 Andy Huynh
    Jan 1 2026
    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
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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • 162 Polar Bears & Patrols – With Jack Skillings

    162 Polar Bears & Patrols – With Jack Skillings
    Dec 24 2025
    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
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    46 mins
  • 161 Alone in the Wild – with Isaiah Tuck

    161 Alone in the Wild – with Isaiah Tuck
    Dec 11 2025
    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
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    43 mins
  • 160 Warden-Hunter Interactions

    160 Warden-Hunter Interactions
    Nov 29 2025
    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
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    51 mins
  • 159 Justice for Dave: A Poacher’s Reckoning

    159 Justice for Dave: A Poacher’s Reckoning
    Nov 11 2025
    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
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    55 mins
  • 158 Ricardo Grisolini – New York

    158 Ricardo Grisolini – New York
    Oct 30 2025
    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
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    57 mins