Ep 6. Interstate Travel
- March 13, 2017
- 21 min
The show Wardens is a reality TV series following the daily lives of game wardens in the United States as they work to protect wildlife and enforce hunting and fishing regulations. In season 7 episode 6, titled "Interstate Travel," the wardens focus on patrolling major highways and cracking down on illegal wildlife trafficking.
The episode begins with the wardens preparing for a busy day of traffic stops on the interstate. With their K9 units in tow, they set out to target vehicles that may be transporting illegal wildlife or drugs across state lines. Along the way, they encounter a number of different situations, from drivers just passing through to local hunters transporting game.
One of the first stops is a truck carrying a group of hunters returning from a trip. The wardens check their hunting licenses and inspect the game they've harvested, making sure they're in compliance with state regulations. They also check the truck for any illegal substances or wildlife trafficking. The hunters are cooperative and have all the necessary permits, so they're free to continue on their journey.
The wardens then encounter a pickup truck that looks suspicious. After pulling it over, they discover a large assortment of wildlife carcasses, including deer, squirrels, and rabbits. The driver, a local resident, claims that they were all legally harvested in the area. However, some of the carcasses are not properly tagged, leading the wardens to be suspicious. They bring the driver back to their base for further questioning and investigation.
Next, the wardens come across a larger vehicle with out-of-state plates. They pull it over and discover several live alligators in the back. The driver claims that he's transporting them to a zoo, but the wardens are skeptical. They contact local wildlife officials to verify the driver's story and make sure the alligators are being transported safely.
As the day goes on, the wardens discover more and more vehicles transporting wildlife illegally. They seize several animals, including snakes, turtles, and even a baby bobcat. In some cases, they issue citations, while in others, they make arrests.
Along the way, the wardens also encounter a variety of other issues, such as drivers with expired licenses or no insurance. They work with local law enforcement to ensure that these drivers are brought to justice.
In addition to the traffic stops, the wardens also respond to a variety of other wildlife-related calls throughout the day. They rescue several injured animals, including an owl that's been hit by a car and a baby coyote that's been separated from its mother. They also investigate reports of illegal hunting and fishing in the area.
Overall, the episode showcases the wide variety of tasks that game wardens perform on a daily basis. They work tirelessly to protect wildlife and ensure that people are following the rules when it comes to hunting, fishing, and transporting animals across state lines. Viewers will come away with a greater appreciation for the important work done by these dedicated professionals.