HOUSTON, TX – June 01, 2026– The Hunting Matters podcast is proud to feature Wayne T. Saunders, retired Lieutenant Conservation Officer with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, internationally recognized wildlife law enforcement leader, educator, author, and host of the Warden’s Watch Podcast. Wayne is the Executive Director of International Wildlife Crimestoppers.
During the episode, Saunders shares powerful stories from his remarkable 23-year career patrolling the rugged wilderness of northern New Hampshire, where he dedicated his life to protecting wildlife, preserving natural resources, and serving the public across the state’s vast Great North Woods.
Listeners will hear the unforgettable childhood encounter that inspired Saunders to become what he once called a “cowboy in the woods,” as well as firsthand accounts from his years investigating poaching cases, conducting search and rescue missions, managing wildlife conflicts, and leading conservation law enforcement operations in some of the Northeast’s most remote terrain.
The conversation also explores Saunders’ resilience following a 1997 line-of-duty shooting while pursuing a dangerous fugitive responsible for multiple murders in New Hampshire. Saunders discusses his return to service, leadership within the department, and the deep commitment shared by conservation officers who stand on the “Thin Green Line.”
In addition to reflecting on his law enforcement career, Saunders discusses his current work as Executive Director of International Wildlife Crimestoppers, his role teaching future conservation officers at White Mountains Community College, and his efforts to preserve conservation officer stories through the Warden’s Watch Podcast.
The episode also highlights Saunders’ children’s book, A Cowboy in the Woods, inspired by the life-changing encounter that first sparked his dream of becoming a game warden.
Listeners can tune in to the latest episode of Hunting Matters on all major podcast platforms.
About Hunting Matters
Hunting Matters is the official, award-winning podcast of the Houston Safari Club Foundation. Featuring hunters, conservationists, outdoor professionals, and thought leaders, each episode dives deep into the stories that shape the future of wildlife and hunting heritage. Hunting Matters is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms, as well as at https://hscfdn.org/hunting-matters-podcast/.
About Houston Safari Club Foundation
HSCF is a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. Learn more at wehuntwegive.org.
#
