Ep 1. Hidden in the Water

In the first episode of season 16 of North Woods Law, entitled "Hidden in the Water," viewers are taken into the heart of the state of Maine, where conservation officers battle the elements to keep the natural beauty of their state preserved. As summer turns to fall, the officers face an increasing number of challenges, including poachers, illegal hunters, and dangerous waters.

The episode opens with Senior Officer Josh Bubier investigating a report of a deer that was seen hit by a car on a local highway. After arriving at the scene, Bubier finds that the deer in question is still alive and suffering, so he must humanely euthanize it to end its suffering. Later on, Bubier heads out on patrol and comes across a group of young people drinking and smoking in a state park. He quickly confronts them and issues them with citations for breaking state laws.

Meanwhile, Officer Tim Pellerin is patrolling the waters of Maine, keeping a lookout for illegal lobster fishing activity. He and his partner, who is in training, come across a lobsterman who is using a technique known as "ghost fishing," where traps are left in the water for extended periods of time without being tended to, ultimately killing any lobsters caught inside. The officers seize the traps, issue a citation to the offender, and dispose of the ghost gear.

Back on land, Officer Rick LaFlamme receives a call about a missing person who was last seen jumping off a bridge into a reservoir. LaFlamme, along with a team of divers, search underwater for any sign of the missing person. After several hours of searching, they find the body of the missing person. LaFlamme then has the difficult task of notifying the family of the tragic discovery.

Throughout the episode, there are several instances where officers encounter people who are breaking state laws and harming the environment. In addition to the aforementioned incidents, Officer Alan Curtis III comes across a man who is trapping birds illegally, while Officer Eric Blanchard encounters a group of people who are illegally camping in a state park.

Despite the challenges faced by the officers, there are also moments of success and satisfaction. Officer Josh Beal tracks down a group of illegal hunters who have been using bait to attract bears, a practice that is not only illegal but also puts people at risk. He is able to confiscate their weapons and issue citations, which serves as a reminder that the officers' efforts are making a difference in preserving Maine's natural beauty and keeping its people safe.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers are left with an understanding of the complex work done by conservation officers in Maine and the importance of their efforts. Their dedication to the environment and to protecting both people and wildlife is truly inspiring, as is their resilience in the face of adversity. "Hidden in the Water" sets the stage for an exciting and thought-provoking season of North Woods Law.