Ep 2. Marijuana Mountains

In "Wild Justice" season 1 episode 2, "Marijuana Mountains", viewers are taken on a ride-along with California game wardens as they police the state's vast wilderness areas. Specifically, this episode focuses on the team's efforts to combat the ever-growing problem of illegal marijuana grows hidden deep within the state's mountains.

As the episode opens, viewers are introduced to the team of game wardens responsible for this particular area. Led by Lieutenant John Nores, the group is made up of experienced wardens who are well-versed in the tactics used by illegal growers to evade detection. The team is well-equipped with everything from night vision goggles to K-9 units to help them track down these elusive criminals.

The first part of the episode is spent detailing the extent of the problem. Viewers learn that the state's numerous mountains and forests provide the perfect cover for illegal growers looking to cultivate large quantities of marijuana. These growers use a variety of tactics to stay hidden, from camouflaging their campsites to setting up decoy plots to throw off law enforcement.

To combat these tactics, the game wardens rely heavily on their own specialized training. We see them rappelling down steep cliffs, traversing rugged terrain, and even diving underwater to locate hidden drug caches. We also learn about the use of infrared cameras and other high-tech equipment that allow the wardens to detect heat signatures and other indicators of illegal activity.

As the episode progresses, viewers are taken along on several raids as the game wardens attempt to shut down active grow operations. One such raid involves a massive grow site hidden deep within a remote mountain range. With the help of a helicopter, the team is able to spot the site from the air and quickly move in on the ground. What they find is a complex network of makeshift buildings, irrigation systems, and booby traps designed to keep law enforcement at bay. But despite these obstacles, the game wardens are able to seize thousands of marijuana plants and arrest several suspects.

Another significant portion of the episode is devoted to the dangers faced by the game wardens themselves. We see them encountering heavily armed growers who are not afraid to use violence to protect their crops. We see them navigating treacherous terrain where one misstep could mean a fatal fall. And we see them grappling with the fact that they are often vastly outnumbered and outgunned by the criminals they are trying to stop.

Throughout all of this, the game wardens remain resolute in their commitment to protecting California's wildlife and wilderness areas. They know that each successful bust means fewer drugs on the streets, fewer environmental crimes being committed, and fewer threats to public safety. And they know that their work is far from over.

Overall, "Wild Justice" season 1 episode 2 is a thrilling and eye-opening look at the complex world of wildlife law enforcement. It highlights the dangers faced by game wardens on a daily basis, as well as the lengths they must go to in order to protect some of the country's most beautiful natural areas. And it does all of this while underscoring the importance of their work in maintaining the delicate balance between human activity and the environment.