Game warden News for February 2024
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Warden News February 2024

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!


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Here’s what we discuss:

Texas K9 officers are currently Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds

Different K9s are trained in different specialties

Dogs will provide both obvious and subtle cues when alerting

Received training in Utah

Currently seven trained conservation K9s in the state

Membership in CCOA has helped build connections

Training a cadaver dog

K9s can distinguish between human and animal remains

Giving up a K9 partner

Building partnerships at the state and federal level

The first shark fin case in San Antonio

Training to differentiate between different species and cuts of fish

How boat inspections are conducted

Combatting the illegal sea turtle trade 

CCOA is on Facebook


Hopes for the future of the organization

K9s can be used in multiple complex situations

Kevin’s hat!


Support the CCOA


Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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122 Texas K9 Teams – With Royce Ilse, Kevin Winters & Joni Owen

From the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA, we catch up with New Hampshire Fish & Game CO Cole LeTourneau, at the show promoting careers in wildlife and resource protection, and recruiting for his home agency. 

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International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:
·        New Hampshire is hiring!
·        Working on the coast
·        Coastal wardens are deputized for Federal enforcement
·        New Hampshire’s many fishing and hunting options
·        More open access land than many states
·        Contentious trail cameras 
·        New regulations for tree stands
·        Many landowners will post permission and guidelines on their property
·        An unforgettable poaching case
·        “I killed seven deer.”
·        A dumped deer leg… with a registration seal
·        Persistence paid off
·        Cole’s background 
·        No one’s path to becoming a game warden is the same
·        “If this is your dream, you can get here.”

Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
 
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Great American Outdoor Show with Cole LeTourneau – NH Fish & Game

Fans of Joe Pickett rejoiced at the news that the 24th offering in the bestselling series would be available in early 2024. Now on the eve of the book’s release, celebrated author CJ Box returns to Warden’s Watch to discuss “Three-Inch Teeth”, a pulse-pounding tale that sees Joe join Wyoming Game & Fish’s Predator Attack Team on the hunt for a rampaging killer grizzly - but in true Box style, the bear may not be the biggest threat in the high country.

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International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:
·        Inspiration for the latest book
·        Unprovoked bear attacks seem to be on the rise
·        A tragic ambush that killed an experienced guide
·        Same bear attacked the investigators’ helicopter
·        Investigators could not determine any reason for the animal's aggression
·        Public safety vs. wildlife conservation
·        Wyoming Game & Fish’s Predator Attack Team
·        Bear attacks can happen quickly
·        Book raises thought-provoking ethical questions
·        A landmark corner crossing case in Wyoming
·        The mythology of bears
·         An update on the Joe Pickett television series
·        Incorporating technical accuracy into the story
·        “Three-Inch Teeth” will be available in hardcopy and digital formats
·        Preorder and find book tour dates at cjbox.net

Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
 
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121 CJ Box – “Three-Inch Teeth”

Warden News - January 2024
Pennsylvania: Drone case
https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/pa-man-first-cited-recovering-deer-drone-lawmaker-proposes-change/521-001ae710-0f20-488e-88b2-baca39e45f36

Alaska: Hunters Pay 'Deerly' for Violations
Alaska Wildlife Troopers, along with assistance from US Forest Service Law Enforcement, increased their enforcement presence during the Southern Southeast Sitka Blacktail deer “rut” in early November of 2023. This operation included the use of increased manpower, 12 patrol vehicles, 4 patrol vessels, 5 artificial wildlife, and a lot of rain gear. The program targeted two main areas of concern that the public has made complaints about over the last couple of years: Spotlighting and shooting from the roadway, and resulted in multiple charges.
Southeast hunters pay deerly for violations in large-scale joint state-federal operation | Juneau Empire

New Hampshire: Hiker Recovered from Mount Guyot
Hiker Recovered from Mount Guyot – NH Fish and Game Department (nhfishgame.com)

Montana: Eagle investigation
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/12/14/montana-bald-eagles-killed-simon-paul-travis-branson/

Wyoming: Retired US Forest Service officer convicted of six felonies.
https://oilcity.news/crime/2023/12/12/powell-man-convicted-for-defrauding-the-u-s-forest-service/

Virginia: Duck Poachers Caught After Posting to Social Media
Poachers Who Shot 100-Plus Ducks Over Bait Posted Pile Pics, Got Caught (outdoorlife.com)

Georgia: Officials searching for people wanted for questioning after fish hatchery damaged
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/officials-searching-people-wanted-questioning-after-georgia-fish-hatchery-damaged/75OAKR3XPNC53J6Q7MI3SIYNTY/
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Warden News - January 2024

Since its inception in 1984, International Game Warden Magazine has become known as the industry standard trade publication for wildlife professionals worldwide. Published in association with the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association (NAWEOA), each quarterly issue is jam packed with features ranging from emerging technologies and detailed case investigations to book reviews and recipes. In this episode, editor Marshall Nych highlights some of the first-rate content you’ll receive when you subscribe.

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Here’s what we discuss:
·        Submitted first story to the magazine in 2010
·        Joined IGW staff in 2015, became editor in 2021
·        Full-time teacher, part-time Deputy Game Warden (Ret.)
·        Game wardens have the best stories, they just need to be told
·        Each issue has a theme
·        Regular features include:
o  Front Lines 
o  Behind the Badge
o  Timber-Tech
o  Technology Toolbox
o  Voices From Abroad
o  Marshall Law
o  International Digest
o  book reviews, agency profiles, wild game recipes, and more!
·        Available in both hard copy and digital subscriptions
·        Anyone can subscribe on the IGWM website

Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
 
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120 Marshall Nych – International Game Warden Magazine

Our first return guest on the Thin Green Line Podcast, Bill Bodner!
Bill Bodner is a recently retired law enforcement official known for his work with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the United States. He served as the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA's Los Angeles Field Division. In this role, Bodner was responsible for leading DEA operations in seven counties of Southern California, focusing on combating drug trafficking and related crimes.
His career with the DEA spans several years and includes various positions, where he has been involved in drug enforcement operations, investigations, and policy development. Bodner's expertise and leadership in drug law enforcement have made him a notable figure in the field, especially in the context of addressing drug-related issues in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. His work often involves collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and community organizations to combat drug trafficking and abuse.


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TGL035 Bill Bodner

The Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is the Canadian equivalent to both the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and like the US agencies, ECCC is responsible for the protection and conservation of both the environment and wildlife for future generations. As a Law Enforcement Specialist and Operations Manager for ECCC, Martin Thabault’s responsibilities can extend from the Artic, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans to the longest undefended border in the world. 


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Here’s what we discuss:

What is the Wildlife Enforcement branch of Environment & Climate Change Canada?

Martin’s background and path to Ottawa

ECCC Wildlife Enforcement branch currently has nearly 100 officers

Main mandate is illegal wildlife trade and protection of migratory birds

ECCC also acts as a safety net for the protection of endangered species 

Officers in remote areas can deal with both environmental and wildlife enforcement

Where’s Nunavut?

A duck baiting case in Quebec

Business was charged multiple times

Illegal logging and the import business

Identifying and sampling European eels; “a bit of a grey and slimy area.”

The value of sharing knowledge and experience

Working in coordination with US officers is beneficial to both agencies

Adapting to new and emerging technologies can be challenging



Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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119 Martin Thabault – Environment & Climate Change Canada

Warden News 12-23

Headless Poached Deer
https://www.wibw.com/2023/11/27/headless-buck-found-over-thanksgiving-weekend-spurs-hunt-poacher/


Bobcat- Mountain Lion hunting ban
https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/colorado-mountain-lion-bobcat-hunting-ban/

Duck Hunter Saved 
https://jcpost.com/posts/9072b71d-6939-473d-b6f8-96e2c793df91

DEC Deer Poaching 
https://www.news10.com/news/greene-county/deer-poaching-incident-under-investigation-in-greene-county/

Moose
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3247622147170/soldotna-man-pleads-guilty-to-improper-harvest-of-bull-moose?_f=app_share&s=i4&pd=0GcVPKOx&lang=en_US&send_time=1701349449&trans_data=%7B%22platform%22%3A0%2C%22cv%22%3A%2223.48.2.3%22%2C%22languages%22%3A%22en%22%7D


Interpol 
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/eggs-primates-ivory-seized-wildlife-trafficking/


PA-Drone
https://www.lancasterfarming.com/country-life/outdoors/drone-operator-charged-by-pennsylvania-game-commission-in-sting-operation/article_4324f05a-a0ee-11ee-9ab7-3bdf5d9c7aaa.html


Hollywood Buck
https://richmond.com/news/local/crime/charges-pending-against-virginia-hunter-in-killing-of-beloved-hollywood-cemetery-buck/article_a864dd9e-9e79-11ee-8643-e3dee794676f.html
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Warden News

Mustafa Speaks is an American actor, writer, and producer, known for his roles in the Netflix series "Seven Seconds," the USA Network series "Unsolved," and the Spectrum original series "Joe Pickett." He played Nate Romanowski in "Joe Pickett," a master falconer and special forces officer. In addition to his acting career, Speaks is also known for his work as a producer and writer. He has a background in marine and environmental science, having earned a B.S. in the field from Hampton University, and was recognized for his groundbreaking work with shark behavior before transitioning to show business. Speaks also had a brief stint in football before moving on to pursue acting, where he found success and a passion for the arts. He has been in the entertainment industry for over fifteen years and sees himself as a creator, hustler, and entrepreneur, with plans to expand his career into directing.
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TGL034 Mustafa Speaks

Roy Brown was a Federal Conservation Law Enforcement officer for over 30 years, most of which he spent as a Special Agent Criminal Investigator with postings in Montana, Tennessee, Alabama, Utah and finally Wyoming. Working with a variety of state, local, and federal agencies to fight wildlife crime, he has been a certified firearms instructor and armorer, criminal investigator, and taught crime scene investigation techniques both at home and in Southern Africa.

Our Sponsors:
Thin Green Line Podcast
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North American Game Warden Museum
Sovereign Sportsman Solutions
“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book
Hunt of a Lifetime
Maine's Operation Game Thief
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:
·        Launched career on a Montana wildlife refuge
·        Preserving the white bison
·        “Cowboy stuff” and a shrewd horse
·        Waterfowl enforcement in Tennessee
·        The dirty dozen
·        Not all marijuana growers are clever…
·        Sticks should never slither
·        5000 applications for ten positions
·        Rooting out illegal snake dealers in Southern Utah
·        A dream job in Wyoming
·        Reintroducing the gray wolf to Yellowstone created conflict with ranchers
·        Mysterious wildlife deaths: things are often not what they seem
·        Some uncomfortably close grizzly encounters
·        Grizzlies hear well, but their eyesight is not great
·        Non-residents must have a guide to hunt in Wyoming
·        Teaching crime scene investigation in Africa
·        Some experiences stay with you

Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
 
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118 Roy Brown – US Fish & Wildlife Service Special Agent (Ret.)

Warden’s News November 2023

A hunter in Hanson legally killed Pumpkin the bear, MassWildlife sayshttps://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/pumpkin-bear-hanson-killed-hunter-police/


A $20K reward was offered for information regarding poaching of bull elk in Shannon County, MO
https://www.kfvs12.com/2023/11/16/20k-reward-offered-information-regarding-poacher-bull-elk-shannon-county-mo/

The Exotic Wildlife Trade Is Thriving in Texas https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/exotic-wildlife-trade-smugglers-texas/


Are Animal-Rights Activists Hijacking Our Wildlife Commissions? https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/animal-rights-wildlife-commission-takeover-podcast/


WILDLIFE OFFICERS MAKE DISTURBING AUTOPSY DISCOVERY AFTER EUTHANIZING SICK BEAR: ‘IT’S A CALL WE WISH WE NEVER HAD TO MAKE’https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/telluride-colorado-trash-bear-plastic/


Upstate NY hunters charged with illegally spotlighting deer
Upstate NY hunters charged with illegally spotlighting deer - newyorkupstate.com

Wyoming's annual warden report details unusual violations
https://billingsgazette.com/outdoors/wyoming-warden-report-violations-wyoming-game-and-fish-hunting-fishing/article_b114e0c8-737d-11ee-815b-37f3b98cf263.html

WALLEYE TOURNAMENT CHEATER IS ALSO A DEER POACHER

https://www.themeateater.com/conservation/wildlife-management/walleye-tournament-cheater-is-also-a-deer-poacher

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Warden’s News November 2023

Ben Shank is a trailblazer in the world of television production and the Chief Content Officer at Engel Entertainment. With a career highlighted by co-founding York and Wilder Studios and his innovative work on "Casey Anthony’s Parents Speak" for the A&E Network, Ben has been a driving force in the industry. His career spans over 200 hours of content for networks like Discovery and Animal Planet, with standout work on series such as "Lone Star Law" and "North Woods Law."
At Engel Entertainment, Ben is leading the charge on a range of new projects. These include a design challenge show, a docu-soap about expats living in Lisbon, Portugal, and a factual series on US government agencies. Additionally, he's overseeing the development of "Women on Death Row," a sober reality series set to premiere on A&E. This project reflects his commitment to creating content that is not only engaging but also socially relevant.
Join us in this episode as we explore Ben Shank's journey, his vision for the future of television production, and the innovative projects that are shaping the industry.
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TGL033 BEN SHANK

For twenty years, Bill Livezey led a double life rubbing shoulders with some of Maine’s worst wildlife offenders; the kinds of people who not only live by the poacher’s mantra “if it’s brown, it’s down,” but many who were dangerously unstable felons, alcoholics, and drug abusers - his success at putting bad guys out of business stemming largely from his early years as one of them. Since retiring in 2020 as the Maine Warden Service’s longest-tenured covert operative, he has co-written Let’s Go For a Ride, a captivating chronicle of both a life undercover, and a life transformed.

Our Sponsors:
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“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book
Hunt of a Lifetime
Maine's Operation Game Thief
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:
·        “Let’s go for a ride” - the universal bad guy code
·        Desire for wealth sent his father down a dark road
·        From successful businessman to meth dealer
·        Hired a hit man to kill his own brother
·        Ultimately died in a confrontation with police
·        Young Bill loved sports and the outdoors, but was using drugs regularly by 15
·        Spiraling out of control: “I was broken.”
·        Positive influences and an invitation from a teammate changed everything
·        Unity college and riding with the game warden
·        An extra-long warden service polygraph
·        Applying as many times as it takes
·        The young game warden who knew all the tricks
·        Experience as a juvenile lent itself to undercover work
·        Befriending, then arresting poachers was a psychological struggle
·        “Pull over! I’m an undercover game warden!”
·        Relationships have to feel real; some were easy, some not so much
·        Undercover work was difficult to step away from
·        Some cases were especially taxing
·        The fear of being discovered
·        The book brings the reader into each case

Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
 
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117 Let’s Go For a Ride – with Bill Livezey

Warden News is a collection of current game warden-related news stories gathered from news sources worldwide. These stories are compiled and read by Warden's Watch podcast producer Jay Scott. 

October 2023


Kansas: Game Wardens attempt to identify individuals caught on Kansas City trail camera

Vermont: Poacher’s car, crossbow seized from 2020 deer jacking case

Texas: GAME WARDEN REPORTS

Somerset, England: Illegal poachers cause 'extensive damage' to farmland

Missouri: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office issues warning about keeping deer as pets

"In addition to being illegal to take in Missouri wildlife by the Wildlife Code of Missouri without the proper permits, it’s not good for the animal either."

 Pennsylvania: Game Commission Sting Operation Results in Charges for Market Owners


Iowa: DNR officer fired for using state database to check background of potential dates

Kansas: Group of hunters found over the limit after stashed birds recovered by K9


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Warden News October 2023

In Appalachian Ohio and beyond, ginseng hunting is a centuries-old tradition. Prized for its medicinal value and prestige, American ginseng was one of America’s first exports to the Far East. Today, highly regulated but harvested to near extinction, its value has only increased, setting the stage for a black market that often results in arrests, prison time, and tragedy.


Our Sponsors: 
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Don Noyes Chevrolet
Sovereign Sportsman Solutions
“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book
Hunt of a Lifetime
Maine's Operation Game Thief
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:

Kevin’s ongoing recovery and recent activities

Investigation began in Ohio in 2012, when a family reported an overdue hiker

Bobby Joe Grubbs had been dropped off for a walk, but did not return

Grubbs was known to police

Sherrif’s office pinged cell phone

Phone was located on 87-year-old Joseph Kutter’s property

Property owner gave police permission to search, but nothing was found

Cell phone had dialed 911 but disconnected

Kutter’s property featured a meticulously tended ginseng patch

A second search was launched using cadaver dogs

Dogs alerted on a loader bucket

Kutter immediately confessed to shooting Grubbs

Claimed Grubbs was stealing ginseng 

A confrontation ensued and Kutter fired his weapon

Kutter then moved the body twice in the following days

Autopsy revealed ginseng in Grubbs’ pockets - and a business card

Grubbs had called family to report finding “the mother lode” of ginseng

Kutter pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter

Case highlights the mindsets of both ginseng growers and poachers

Easy money from ginseng often funds drug habits

Ginseng hunting (and poaching) can be a way of life passed down through generations

Black market is unnervingly similar to the drug trade


Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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116 Deadly Harvest – With Kevin Behr

The North American Game Warden Museum could not be in a more perfect spot. Nestled amid the pristine forest, prairie, and floral gardens of the US/Canada International Peace Garden, it is the only space in the world dedicated to educating the public, celebrating natural resource protection, and honoring the fallen heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty. In this episode, we speak with board members Tom Caifa and Sheila Paquette about this incredible one-of-a-kind facility.  


Our Sponsors: 
Thin Green Line Podcast
Don Noyes Chevrolet
Sovereign Sportsman Solutions
“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book
Hunt of a Lifetime
Maine's Operation Game Thief
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:

The term “game warden”

NAWEOA rebranding to International Game Warden Association


NAGW Museum was first conceived in the 80s

US states and Canadian provinces contributed

Museum was completed in 2005

The International Peace Garden


Passports are required 

Past board members laid the foundations

Fundraising is key to the museum’s continued success

The NAWEOA 5K Torch Run 

Torch Run began in 2000

The Run/Walk today is a family event

NAWEOA now has over 9000 members

Moose permit and other raffles

Annual golf tournament in Manitoba

Museum highlights

Cabins are available to rent year-round

RV parking and camping

Museum is open May – September

Donate to the NAGW Museum


Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches

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115 North American Game Warden Museum with Tom Caifa and Sheila Paquette

Kirk Kiefer has been a wildlife investigator with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the past 15 years. In this episode, he walks us through Operation “Root of All Evil,” a lengthy and complex investigation into the illegal ginseng trade that spanned multiple states, included unmarked vehicles, extended surveillance, buys and sales by undercover officers, and even a fake business. 

Our Sponsors: 
Thin Green Line Podcast
Don Noyes Chevrolet
Sovereign Sportsman Solutions
“A Cowboy in the Woods” Book
Hunt of a Lifetime
Maine&#39;s Operation Game Thief
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers

Here’s what we discuss:
·       Wild ginseng root is highly valued for its perceived medicinal properties
·       Grows very slowly, taking up to five years to reach maturity
·       One pound can be worth up to $1000
·       Seeds take over a year to germinate
·       Information campaign helped educate stakeholders on the damage caused by poaching
·       Many poachers are involved in other illegal activities
·       Legal ginseng plants must have three leaf sets, or ‘prongs’
·       Case also had multiple prongs
·       Prong 1: Undercover officers sold ginseng to licensed dealers
·       Compared the amount sold to the amount reported
·       Officers then sold ginseng outside the buying season to confirm illegal intent
·       Prong 2: Coordinated with US Fish &amp; Wildlife Service to create a fake business
·       Business would receive inquiries from those looking to buy and sell illegal product
·       Prong 3: Obtain offenders’ assistance in exchange for a reduced penalty
·       Task force worked in multiple states
·       One offender had been featured on a popular reality show
·       The television show actually helped educate the public about ginseng poaching
·       Many countries overseas have decimated indigenous flora and fauna, creating a black market
·       110 defendants received multiple charges
·       Nearly six years of jail time served, $77,000 in fines
·       Kirk’s background; jack of all trades
·       Trapping academy
·       State officers were made aware of the ginseng operation
·       “Giving a little bit, we received a lot.”
·       Not all states have Wildlife Investigators
·       State of Ohio has done some major operations
·       Ginseng awareness for stakeholders training began in 2015
·       Operation takedown day finally arrived in 2022
Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art &amp; Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
 
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114 Operation “Root of All Evil” with Kirk Kiefer – Ohio

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), founded in 1936, stands as a prominent nonprofit conservation organization in the U.S. With a membership exceeding six million, its mission revolves around the conservation of wildlife and their habitats. The NWF actively addresses critical environmental challenges, notably climate change and sustainable wildlife management, and offers educational resources like the "National Wildlife" magazine.
In this context, we're privileged to have Aaron Kindle and Bill Cooksey from the NWF join us. They co-host the "National Wildlife Federation Outdoors" podcast, a platform that bridges sportsmen and women, advocating for fish, wildlife habitat, and ensuring access to fishing and hunting in the wild expanses of public lands and waters.
Aaron Kindle, the Director of Sporting Advocacy at the NWF, hails from Wyoming. His previous tenure at Trout Unlimited saw him deeply involved in public lands issues. A graduate from Gunnison, Colorado, with an M.S. from the University of Montana, Aaron, now based in Salida, CO, is an ardent outdoor lover. His role at the Federation zeroes in on hunter/angler conservation efforts, emphasizing the preservation of public lands, endorsing responsible energy practices, and fostering pro hunting and angling directives.
Bill Cooksey, the Sportsmen Outreach Coordinator for the NWF, has his roots in the river bottoms of West Tennessee. His early years were marked by a fervor for hunting and fishing, having explored duck hunting across all flyways and fishing from East Tennessee to the Pacific. His hunting escapades as an adult spanned from prairie Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Chesapeake to the California Delta, with the Mississippi Flyway holding a special place in his heart. Bill's professional journey in the outdoor sector saw him evolve from selling duck calls to being the Marketing Director at Avery Outdoors, and subsequently, the Managing Editor of the Mid-South Hunting & Fishing News. His knack for communicating effectively with sportsmen has been a cornerstone of his professional trajectory.
Enjoy!
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TGL032 National Wildlife Federation - Aaron Kindle and Bill Cooksey

In the summer of 2009, Ian Obenshain and Brad Bailey began observing a colossal white-tailed buck feeding in an Ohio field. The friends had permission to hunt the area and immediately started documenting the huge animal’s growth, with the ultimate goal of Brad filming Ian harvesting ‘Big Boy’ during the fall archery season. Anticipation, however, soon turned to disappointment when the trophy buck suddenly disappeared – and then the story turned even stranger.

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Here’s what we discuss:
·       Origin of the name ‘Big Boy’
·       Ian first spotted the buck in a soybean field near a highway
·       “Have you shown this to anybody?”
·       Big Boy was a world class buck
·       The pursuit and subsequent events brought the two friends closer
·       Brad had guiding experience
·       Placing trail cameras and trying to predict the animal’s behavior
·       Many days were spent planning and scouting
·       The pair planned to film the hunt
·       Big Boy disappeared, but the hunters hoped to see him again
·       “I think it’s in the booth behind you.”
·       A plaque claimed the buck was a Kentucky state record
·       There was no doubt the buck had been poached
·       Hundreds of photos and videos provided evidence of the buck’s origins
·       The loss was a tough pill to swallow
·       Hunting a trophy animal is a huge commitment
·       It was gratifying to see how seriously law enforcement approached the case

Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & 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
Twitter
YouTube
RSS
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