93 Col. Joel Wilkinson (Ret.) – Maine – Part II

Joel Wilkinson spent 28 years serving the state of Maine, including twelve years as Colonel of the Maine Warden Service. Now retired, Col. Wilkinson sits down with Wayne to reflect on an extraordinary career that began when he was just a teen. In this episode, we discuss his swift rise through the ranks, a television show that almost wasn’t, the challenges and rewards the outdoors can provide, and some valuable lessons learned along the way.


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Here’s what we discuss:

Captain to Colonel

Remembering Maj. Gregg Sanborn 

Choosing quality leaders 

Every day was an education

We all started in the same place

Empowering people through Operation Game Thief (OGT)

The wall of shame

Fundraising to offer larger rewards

International Wildlife Crimestoppers provided fresh ideas

The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact

OGT trailers manned at all times; “we have to tell the stories.”

Blazing the North Woods Law trail 

Turned down the original request 

What are our fears? What are our goals?

It had to be authentic without being disrespectful

A gentlemen’s agreement

Popularity brought some unexpected situations

Ending the Maine story in the best way possible

Didn’t want to be seen as making money

The diversity educated the public

Inspiring kids to become game wardens

Passing the torch to New Hampshire

The North Woods Throwdown

Back Woods Law?!?

Bluefin tuna fishing takes more than skill

You have to do a lot of little things right

It’s all about respect for the animal

Confidence comes with experience

Plan to be successful

The abundance mentality

Life after retirement



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

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