North Woods Law TV Series

The Maine Warden Service and Animal Planet have recently partnered to produce a documentary series on game wardens and their unique role in state law enforcement here in Maine.

Animal Planet programs have long been known for quality programming. It was of utmost importance the network had a solid reputation and represents their programs with accuracy and reality, not over dramatization. They needed to understand our profession in depth and take the time to learn about us and relay our sense of pride, history, and professionalism.

Animal Planet took the time to learn about our game wardens and their unique mission of conservation law enforcement, public relations, and search and rescue. We needed to have input in the series production to be sure all scenes were accurately depicted regarding our wardens, the State of Maine, and the citizens of our State. We look forward to the opportunity to work through this series in hopes to further educate Maine people and those who enjoy coming here about the important work Maine game wardens do each day. We believe Animal Planet will deliver this message with quality and accuracy.

Maine is geographically located at the northeastern tip of the United States. Maine has 6,000 lakes and ponds, 3,400 miles of coastline, 14,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, and some of the world’s richest and most plentiful natural resources. Outdoor enthusiasts visit from all over the world to experience our important outdoor heritage. Whether it be to canoe the wild Allagash River, hunt for a trophy Maine moose, hike the Appalachian Mountain trial system, or photograph some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, Maine has it all.

Our weather can change dramatically and we experience a full four-season perspective. Warm summers, brilliant fall foliage, rugged winters, and Spring ice-out, make Maine very diverse and each season provides a new activity for the avid outdoors person.

Maine game wardens have a very broad spectrum of law enforcement responsibility. We oversee enforcement of all hunting, fishing, and trapping activity as well as all recreational vehicles. Game wardens manage all search and rescue operations as well. This is a unique responsibility and one we take very seriously. Our search and rescue skills are recognized all over the country.

Additionally, game wardens in Maine have general state law enforcement authority and have the training and authority to enforce motor vehicle laws, investigate domestic violence issues, and enforce all other state laws, just to name a few.

To become a Maine game warden it takes a very special person with a vast combination of skills. We hire the very best men and women in society and they come to us with a variety of outdoor knowledge, honesty, integrity, and a passion for game warden work. The position of Maine Game Warden attracts people from all walks of life from both Maine and from away. Training is extensive and Maine’s game wardens receive 30 weeks of academy training prior to entering the field.

These are just some of the reasons we were chosen by Animal Planet. We invite you to watch the series second season, airing each Thursday at 9 p.m. starting with episode 107 on Jan 24th, and ending with episode 116 on April 11th, and follow some of Maine’s game wardens during a day on the job.

Please direct all series inquiries to Corporal John MacDonald by email at john.macdonald@maine.gov or by phone at 207-287-8000.

For more information, please visit the Animal Planet website.