This podcast brings you stories from Game Warden’s 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 warden, Wayne Saunders.
126 For the Fallen: Julian Keen – Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission
Florida FWC Officer Julian “Batman” Keen was known for his bright smile, relentless enthusiasm, and deep commitment to the people and wildlife of his home state. On a quiet Sunday morning in 2020, he heard a crash outside his home and looked out to see a truck driving recklessly. He gave chase without hesitation, eventually intercepting the hit and run suspect - who escaped - but inexplicably returned to the scene, opened fire and sped away. Officer Keen was 30 years old. His friend and mentor, FWC Lt. Pam Steelman shares the legacy of a remarkable young man, determined to fulfil a lifelong dream, and give back to the community he loved - and who loved him so dearly in return.
“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes; it is how they lived.” ~ National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington, DC
Our Sponsors:
North American Game Warden Museum
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers
Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
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I did this game warden commentary regarding Christopher Alexander, who allegedly poached a world-class buck in Ohio. I have heard so much speculation regarding this buck through social media that I had to engage on the side of the game wardens.
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Late winter and early spring can find a New England game warden with a little more free time than they’re used to, and many have found a sweet way to tap into one of the nature’s greatest springtime gifts. As maple syrup season draws to a close, we catch up with Maine’s Chris Simmons, of Simmons and Daughters Sugar House, and Ken St. Pierre, of Big Lake Maple in New Hampshire, to learn just what it takes to run a successful sugar house.
Our Sponsors:
North American Game Warden Museum
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers
Here’s what we discuss:
· Chris got started making syrup with his brothers on the family farm
· Tapping and processing with whatever they could find
· Ken was inspired by a colleague who tapped
· “That’s an awful idea.”
· Rebuilding a 100-year-old evaporator
· The expense of expansion
· Buckets vs. tap lines
· Weather has made this season’s sap run unpredictable
· Syruping can be an activity for the whole family
· Can be as basic or as complex as you want it to be
· “A heat source, a thermometer, a vessel, and sap.”
· Make room for friends and neighbors!
· Chris’ recipe for maple hot dogs
· Natural syrup is an antioxidant
· More than a topping: cooking with maple
· Travel-sized containers can come in handy
· Where to find Chris and Ken’s websites
Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
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Annie Teall is a seasoned emergency services dispatcher renowned for her calm and effective handling of crisis situations. With over 27 years of experience in dispatch, Annie has become a pivotal figure in emergency response within the San Bernardino community. She gained national recognition during the tragic terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center on December 2, 2015, where she was the primary police dispatcher. During this critical event, Annie managed the intense flow of emergency communications, demonstrating exemplary professionalism and composure under pressure. Her efforts not only facilitated the rapid response of law enforcement and emergency services but also underscored the vital role dispatchers play in managing public safety crises. Annie's career reflects a profound commitment to public service and safety.
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Kevin Estela's lifelong passion for the outdoors was kindled in childhood by his fascination with his father's WWII survival stories in the Philippines. This interest deepened through activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing, and hunting in New England, alongside reading extensively on survival and wilderness skills. Over time, his passion evolved into a profession focused on sharing his knowledge through Estela Wilderness Education, where he serves as the Owner and Head Instructor.
Kevin is a prolific author with over 100 print articles in notable magazines like RECOIL, OFF-GRID Magazine, and American Survival Guide, and he has penned numerous online articles and a book titled "101 Skills You Need to Survive in the Woods." His expertise is recognized by various product companies that sponsor him as a Professional Outdoorsman, and he maintains a reputation for providing honest product feedback based on extensive field experience. He is a sought-after speaker and instructor across the United States and in the United Kingdom, teaching a broad range of survival skills. In 2015, he founded the Estela Wilderness Education Fund to support educational programs for underprivileged youth.
Kevin has appeared on the History Channel and brings a comprehensive background in martial arts, including training in Sayoc Kali and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to his survival and wilderness instruction. His previous experience as a lead instructor at the Wilderness Learning Center, under the mentorship of survival authority Marty Simon, along with his retail and guiding experience in outdoor recreational products, has deeply informed his teaching philosophy and approach.
Additionally, Kevin has a solid foundation in education and athletics, being a full-time high school history teacher and a former track and field coach, with degrees in American Studies and Secondary Education. His multifaceted expertise in survival skills, martial arts, and education makes him a uniquely capable and enriching instructor to his students.
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Topics:
Trailblazing Conservation: Hulda Neal - America's First Female Game Warden
90 Year Old Cold Case in Idaho Finally Solved
Drones in the Crosshairs: Pennsylvania Case Sparks Debate Over Technology in Wildlife Recovery
Community Vigilance Leads to Sturgeon Poaching Convictions
Montana Rancher's Hybrid Sheep Creation Leads to Legal Trouble
Crackdown on Illegal Elver Fishing Leads to Multiple Arrests in Nova Scotia
Game Warden Rescues Black Bear Trapped Inside Car in the Poconos
Sponsors
XS Sights
Secure It Gun Storage
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From humble beginnings fishing the tranquil lakes of Ohio to her current position as Chief of Law Enforcement for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division, Kandy Klosterman is no stranger to blazing trails. As the state's pioneering female wildlife investigator, she spearheaded numerous high-profile cases, earning multiple accolades along the way – including the prestigious Guy Bradley Award for lifetime contributions to wildlife law enforcement. With a career spanning nearly three decades, her commitment to safeguarding Ohio's natural resources, mentoring the next generation of officers, and championing the inclusion of women in wildlife conservation sets the standard for excellence. We can’t wait to see what she does next!
Our Sponsors:
North American Game Warden Museum
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers
Here’s what we discuss:
Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
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Karen Hunter is a prominent figure in the firearms and defense community, contributing significantly through her writings, instruction, and advocacy. Her extensive work includes contributions to major print publications like Personal Defense World Magazine, Ballistic Magazine, Gun Primer Magazine, Concealed Carry Handguns Magazine, and Skillset Magazine. Beyond print, Hunter is active in digital spaces, contributing to platforms such as NRA’s America’s 1st Freedom and Getzone. This blend of print and digital outreach underscores her influence and commitment to Second Amendment and personal protection issues.
Beyond her writing, Karen Hunter is deeply involved in firearms education and safety. As the Senior Range Officer for Force Options USA, she plays a pivotal role in firearms training and safety instruction. Her certifications in defensive handgun and carbine instruction further demonstrate her expertise and dedication to responsible firearms use and self-defense training.
Her advocacy extends to public speaking and digital appearances, where she has been a guest on various podcasts, sharing her knowledge and views on gun rights, self-defense, and firearms education. Her active involvement in the community, both as an educator and a communicator, highlights her commitment to advancing the conversation around the Second Amendment and personal defense in a responsible and informed manner.
Hunter's work embodies a blend of advocacy, education, and communication, positioning her as a significant voice in the firearms and personal defense community.
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Sgt. Sheila Paquette can only be described as a trailblazer for women in conservation law enforcement. During her nearly 29-year career with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, she has excelled in accident reconstruction and forensic investigation, is a multi-disciplinary trainer, boat handling instructor and Master Captain, was the agency’s first Detective – and did we mention she’s also active with both NAWEOA and the North American Game Warden Museum, an avid photographer, passionately community-minded, and a mom? On this International Women’s Day, join us for a conversation with an officer who not only challenges stereotypes, but leaves no boundary untouched.
Our Sponsors:
North American Game Warden Museum
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers
Here’s what we discuss:
· Born and raised in Rhode Island
· Hired in 1995
· Beginning her 29th year with RI Dept of Environmental Management
· Exposed to the outdoors from a young age
· Interned with the state to build volunteer hours
· Encouraged to apply by a coworker
· “I didn’t know what I was getting into.”
· Working in fish identification
· A fish that had never been documented in RI
· Joined at a time when few women were game wardens
· Misconceptions around women in law enforcement
· Camaraderie and networking opportunities at field days
· “Almost like a mini family.”
· Joining the North American Game Warden Museum
· The Memorial Paving Stone project and scholarship program
· Tune into the Warden’s Watch podcast episode about the museum
· An autopsy led to an interest in accident investigation and reconstruction
· Every boat accident has a critical moment
· First Detective in the agency
· The challenge of attracting more women to law enforcement
· Finding your niche and learning from everyone you can
· Obtained a 50-ton boat Master Captain’s license in 2006
· Teaches boat handling and captains’ courses
· Gaining confidence through experience
· “You can do anything you put your mind to.”
Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
Subscribe:
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Since the early 20th century, the term “K9” has stood as both a clever play on words and a symbol of unity and partnership between law enforcement officers and their four-legged companions. Recognizing their increasingly valuable contributions to public service, the Conservation Canine Officers Association (CCOA) was founded in 2020 to promote professional development and support for conservation canine teams in North America and beyond. From the CCOA’s annual conference in Newry, Maine, we sit down with Texas wardens and K9 handlers Royce Ilse, Kevin Winters, and Joni Owen to explore the world of conservation K9 handling, the roots and growth of the CCOA, and more!
Our Sponsors:
North American Game Warden Museum
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers
Here’s what we discuss:
Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
Subscribe:
Find More Here:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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