Ep 10. Dawn Patrol

In North Woods Law season 12 episode 10, titled Dawn Patrol, viewers are taken to the unique world of Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The show follows the work of the department’s game wardens who patrol the state’s wilderness areas and waterways, protecting and preserving its wildlife.

The episode focuses on the early morning hours when the dawn light is just beginning to break. The game wardens get an early start on their patrols, checking out areas in their respective regions, as wildlife is most active at this time. They answer emergency calls, perform routine checks on fishing and hunting activities, and sometimes end up in unexpected situations.

One of the game wardens in this episode is Warden Alan Curtis, who is patrolling the region’s waterways and checking on fishermen. He pays a visit to a group of wildfowl hunters who have been out all night. They have already caught a good number of ducks, which Curtis estimates to be 81, and the hunt is yet to be over. Curtis inspects their hunting license and checks if they are adhering to the regulations. He notes that all of the hunters have the right paperwork, are following the rules, and giving the wildlife its due respect. All is going well until one of the hunting dogs, a black lab, falls into the frigid water while retrieving a duck. Curtis jumps into the water to rescue the dog, and thankfully both the dog and the warden make it out safely.

Warden Brock Clukey is also on patrol, keeping an eye on the fishermen and checking their equipment. He comes across a family fishing on a waterway, and while talking to them, discovers that they aren’t from the area and aren’t familiar with the fishing regulations. He takes the time to explain them and even shows the family a proper technique for casting their line. With a little bit of hands-on instruction, the family is soon landing fish, which they release back into the water.

Further into the episode, we meet Warden Saritza Rodriguez. In her patrol car, she responds to an unusual complaint – a man who appears to be camping on broad daylight in a public parking lot. When she arrives, there is a man sitting in his car, complete with a bed in the back. Rodriguez approaches the man, explains that it’s illegal to camp in a public parking lot and asks him to leave. When the man becomes irate, Rodriguez has no choice but to call for backup. As they confront the man, they find a large stash of firearms in his car, which causes them to become extra cautious.

Throughout the day, the game wardens answer calls from the public, responding to everything from car accidents to hunting accidents. One of the more interesting incidents involves Warden Kris MacCabe. He is on his way home when he receives an unexpected call from a fisherman claiming he has hooked a giant fish. MacCabe agrees to help the angler, and together, they pull out a massive musky from the waterway. While the fisherman is amazed and happy with his big catch, MacCabe admires the beauty of the fish and takes the opportunity to educate on responsible fishing and good stewardship.

As the day comes to an end, the game wardens reflect on the challenges and successes they have experienced, and gear up for the next day. Viewers get a unique glimpse into the day-to-day work of Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and gain an appreciation for the wardens’ dedication to the state’s natural resources. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between protecting wildlife and allowing people to enjoy the natural beauty that Maine has to offer.